Flatbed or phone for loose prints?
Compare the shape of the print and your available light before choosing a capture method.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Compare the shape of the print and your available light before choosing a capture method.
Begin with the real constraint
Compare the shape of the print and your available light before choosing a capture method. The aim is a small setup you can actually complete, not a larger collection of equipment. Lay out what you already have and notice the step that creates friction before changing anything.
Check the fit before going further
Keep the print flat and avoid glare; check focus and edges on the actual file rather than trusting the preview. Conditions and specifications vary, so treat this as a question to verify with the relevant maker, venue or source when it applies. A quick trial with the actual objects is more useful than a promise based on a photograph.
Finish where the next session begins
Retake one unsatisfactory image before continuing the batch, and preserve the print. Take a moment to check that the result is accessible, safe for your situation and simple to repeat. If it still feels cumbersome, reduce the scope before adding a new purchase.
