Copying
Copying old photographs or art works, and even collectible items such as coins and stamps can be done several ways. You can buy a copy stand which looks like an enlarger but without the enlarger head. You attach your camera and two diffused light sources (ordinary floods will work fine) set up on either sides to illuminate your subject and remove shadows. Some enlargers can be used as copy stands. You simply remove the head and place your camera instead. You need a macro lens or some type of close-up attachment such as extension tubes or bellows to be able to focus at close distance. Without a copy stand, you can use your tripod and two lights with same power, set up on either side. You need to position the item you want to photograph exactly parallel to the camera for best sharpness. To check shadows caused by light sources, place a pencil under the copy stand or exactly in front of the camera lens. Pencil should have two even shadows on either side, otherwise reposition your lights. Last option is working outdoors. This is not the best method but you can get good results under even outdoor lighting. You can use your tripod to set up your camera and make sure the light hitting your subject is even and your camera is parallel to the subject. You can also use diffused flash to illuminate the subject. For copying art work, you can use flat, even lighting or use photofloods if you want to bring out the texture. Place the light at a 40 degree angle from the camera at about 6 feet from the painting. You can use several lights or bounce them off a white wall to get even results. For metering, use a gray card especially when copying paintings with several bright colors. For best results use f-11 although some copying may require smaller apertures.
Recommended reading:
Copying
and Duplicating : Photographic and Digital Imaging Techniques
Book Description
An in-depth guide to copying slides, photographs, paintings, line art, and more. Illustrates photographic restoration techniques for successfully copying faded or damaged prints. Discusses basic and advanced setups, such as copy stands, copy-boards, and lighting equipment. Also provides detailed instructions for making internegatives
and duplicating transparencies. Includes comparison photos to help
you decide what film and process to use. Completely updated with a
new chapter on using digital imaging for copying and duplicating.
144 pages (over 145 illustrations), 8-1/2 x 11