Image Preparation Image Preparation Digital Images (back to top)
It is essential that the digital images of your artwork are of the highest professional quality. The standards that apply to traditional slide documentation also apply to the digital slide format.
ZAPPTM makes use of the sRGB color space. While saving your images in the sRGB color space isn't essential, you will have a more consistent result on part with what jurors will ultimately view. As with slides, what the jurors will see will be affected by environmental factors such as ambient light and throw distance of the projectors.
There are several ways to review your images prior to uploading to ZAPPTM. However, the simplest way, which will give you a good sense of color, value and contrast is to open your image in a Web browser if you have saved your image in the sRGB color space.
Gretag-Macbeth has excellent color calibration products. Other less expensive but good systems that can be considered in calibrating your monitor include WiziWYG by Praxisoft and ColorVision.

Image Specifications for ZAPPTM (back to top)
To apply to art shows, fairs and festivals through ZAPPTM, please size your images to the following dimensions:

  • Dimensions: 1920 pixels horizontal /1920 pixels vertical
  • File Format: Baseline JPG (do not use progressive JPG format)
    PLEASE DO NOT SAVE YOUR JPG AS A PROGRESSIVE JPG FILE. Progressive JPGs will be read by the Web site. However the large format images used during the jury will not display properly if the files are saved as progressive files.
  • Compression : The image file size must be less than 1.8 MBs. To determine your file size please view the properties of your image file size while it is closed. Larger is not necessarily better. Please consult a professional vendor to determine if compression for your artwork is needed.
  • Media: Internet submissions only.
  • File Name: ZAPPTM will automatically rename your files

Please size your image to be 1920 pixels on both edges. If your image is not square, please mask your image with black to bring your image to 1920x1920 pixels. No other size will be accepted for jury use.


If your image is vertical, please format with black vertical bands on the left and right.

If your image is horizontal, please format with black horizontal bands on the top and bottom.

The Importance of Square-Image Formatting (back to top)
The ZAPPTM team would like to explain why this system requires a 1920 by 1920 pixel square-image format. The reason for the square format is that, unlike slide projectors that can display images in both horizontal and vertical formats, digital projectors, such as those used in the ZAPPTM system, can only display images in a horizontal format. ("Horizontal format" means the width of an image is greater than its height.) In order to address the potential size differences between projected horizontal and vertical digital images, the project team believes a squared format is most appropriate. Such an approach ensures that works of art presented for jury are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged on the basis of the initial proportions of each image presented to a show jury. Please note that squaring an image does not remove any part of the image.

Following are illustrations of the problem created through a horizontal projection pattern and the advantages of squaring images.

Please see Figure # 1 below to observe the horizontal proportions of the available image space of a digitally projected image.



Figure #1

If the ZAPPTM system were to allow artists to submit images of any height and width within the confines of the standard digital-projector image space, images of horizontal works of art would have more projected space available to them than would vertically composed works of art. As a result, horizontal images would take up more of the available image space, and this could advantage horizontal works in the jury process. Figure #2 is an example of how a horizontally composed work could use virtually all of the available digital-projector display space.



Figure #2

Figure #3 illustrates how a vertical image would be disadvantaged in this system without application of the squaring process. The art works displayed in Figure #2 and Figure #3 have the same dimensions as the original works of art, however, without squaring, they are vastly different in size when projected.



Figure #3


Squaring images removes the space advantage that horizontally formatted art works receive in this system. Figure #4 represents the squared projected image of a horizontal work of art, and Figure #5 represents the squared projected image of a vertical work of art. Each figure is placed on a field of the projected image space that has been reduced to a squared field with dimensions of 1920 by 1920 pixels. In addition, each image has been masked in black to eliminate any white space that could surround a projected image. The black masking also allows the image to pop out, as the black fades into the dark background during projection. The result is a fair and scaled representation of all projected images.



Figure #4
Figure #5


Equipment (back to top)
Use a good 4 or 5 mega pixel digital camera. Do not use a camera below 3.2 mega pixels. Always use a tripod to steady your shot. If you choose to take your picture on film and digitize from a negative you need to use good color film like Fuji Provia 100F (also called RDP-III) or Kodak Ektachrome 100 Professional or Kodak Elite Chrome 10.

Film and Lighting (back to top)
Lighting affects films at varying degrees. You may use a daylight film or tungsten film depending on the lighting scheme of your photograph.

Daylight films are color balanced to daylight and electronic flash light. Daylight film is commonly available at any supermarket or photography shop.

Tungsten films require lighting from incandescent (or tungsten) light sources and are harder to find. They are not available in a 35mm negative and can be found in specialty photography stores rather than at your local supermarket. The packaging for tungsten film is differentiated from daylight films by a T after the film speed, i.e. 64T.

Remember that if you are using daylight film you should eliminate other light sources, such as incandescent lights or fluorescent lights. These other light sources may 'contaminate' the illumination. In the same respect when using tungsten film, you should not let other light sources like daylight or fluorescent light 'contaminate' the illumination.

Preparing Images for Uploading (back to top)
Following are generic instructions for reducing the resolution (making the picture smaller) in a number of photo-editing programs. The steps may vary slightly depending on the program.
  1. Open the original scanned or digitally photographed image.
  2. If the image is saved as a jpg, save the images as .tiff format prior to making any modifications.
  3. Open the image in a photo editing program, such as Photoshop Elements.
  4. Open the Image Size or Resize tool box, which is usually located in one of the toolbar menus. View your images in pixels not in inches.
  5. Reduce the longest edge of the image to 1920 pixels. The shorter side will reduce proportionally. For example, if you have an image that is 2000 pixels by 3000 pixels, reduce the 3000 pixel edge to 1920 pixels. The 2000 pixels edge will automatically reduce to 1280 pixels.
  6. Go to Canvas Size and view the image in pixels. Make sure that the canvas expansion color or background color is set to black.
  7. Expand the canvas size on the shortest end to 1920. For example, take the 1280 side and increase it to 1920. The other side will stay at 1920 and you will see black bands expand around your shorter side.
  8. For pictures to be viewed on screen, set the resolution to 72 ppi or dpi. If your image file size is small, you can set your dpi to 300.
  9. Click Save As.
  10. Rename the Image File.
  11. Save the image file into a JPEG format. If the screen asks you for compression, set it to the maximum of 12.
  12. Save the original TIFF file (raw image) for future use.

To check your image file size, you need to check the image file properties while the image is closed. Close the photo editing program. On a PC, find your image file, right click and choose properties. On a Mac, find your image file and click "get info" on the finder tool bar. Both Properties and Get Info will give your the image file size in KB or MBs. The image must be less than 1.8 MBs or 1,800 KBs.
Click here to download Larry Berman's illustrated instructions for preparing images for ZAPPTM.
Click here for more photo imaging tips from professional photographers at Art Smart.

Photoshop 7.0 Tips (back to top)
WESTAF experimented with Photoshop 7.0 on a MAC G5 OS X to develop these image sizing steps. Please note that these instructions are one way to process your image through Photoshop. We advise that artists experiment with their own photo imaging software to develop the best process in sizing their images.
  1. Download your image from your digital camera or from a disk to a file on your personal computer. You must use an image that has at least one side larger than 1920 pixels. A 4 MB or larger image is ideal.
  2. Please save your original image in RAW/TIFF format.
  3. Open Photoshop.
  4. Go to File and open your image.
  5. Go to Image, Image Size:
    a. Make sure you are looking at your image size in pixels.
    b. Make sure that Constrain Proportions is checked.
  6. Take the longest side and size it down to 1920 pixels.
    a. The shorter side will shrink in proportion.
  7. Go to Color Picker (The overlapping color boxes at the bottom of the main toolbar)
    a. Make sure the background color is black.
  8. Go to Image, Canvas Size:
    a. Make sure you are looking at your canvas in pixels. Size the shortest side to 1920 pixels. This will expand the canvas around your shorter side.
    b. Make sure to set the anchor in the center.
    c. If your color picker is set, the canvas background will automatically be black. If you do not have your color picker set prior to increasing your canvas size, you will need to:
    1. Click on Color picker.
    2. Make sure that the background and foreground color is black.
    3. Select your paint bucket.
    4. Click on the white area.
    5. This should only color the white canvas with black.
  9. Save your image for the Web:
    a. Go to file Save As.
    b. Make sure your settings are for JPEG.
    c. Name your image.
  10. Check Properties:
    a. Close Photoshop. Find your image file on your PC or MAC and review the properties. On a PC, right click on the image file icon and select properties. On a MAC, highlight the image file icon, go to Finder and select Get Info or right click (on a two button mouse) on the image icon.
    b. Check image size.
    c. If your image file size is LARGER than 1.8 MB, then repeat step 9 using the TIFF you generated and increase compression in the Save menu. Repeat step 10.

Resolution and DPI (back to top)
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. Resolution is sometimes referred to by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels in the image. Images uploaded to ZAPPTM resolution must be 1920x1920 pixels.
DPI stands for dots per inch. DPI is specific to print formats. An image scanned or photographed at a high DPI will include more dots per inch. This means the image will include more color and detail, and the larger the image will be. Standard publishing format is 300 dpi. For projection and web uses, images are displayed at 72 dpi, regardless of whether the image was created or saved with a higher dpi. For ZAPPTM purposes, you want to scan or photograph artwork at the highest dpi possible to create an image that is large enough to modify to ZAPPTM specifications. Once the image is 1920x1920 pixels, the dpi is insignificant. However, decreasing the dpi will reduce the file size of an image. Decrease the dpi if your ZAPPTM image is greater than 1.8MB. Remember to use your original RAW or TIFF file that has been sized and masked (see Preparing Images for Uploading) to reduce the dpi and save the image as a JPG.

Tips on Taking Digital Images (back to top)
Taking a digital photograph instead of scanning a hard copy photograph or slide to digital format will yield the best results. Use at least a 3.2 mega-pixel camera. For best results we advise using a 4 or 5 mega pixel camera. Use a camera that will allow you to save the image in a loss-less format such as TIFF or RAW. This will give you the best opportunity to resize your image without losing detail. If your digital camera only captures images in the JPEG format, do not resize the JPEG--convert it to a TIFF before doing any resizing. This way, you will keep the maximum detail possible.

Set your white balance on your camera against a neutral white source to give you a "pure" white color. Follow the instructions that came with your camera to set your white balance correctly.

Slide Conversion (back to top)
Traditional slides can be scanned and converted to digital format at most full-service photo labs. It is better to have the original slide scanned because the color and detail has not been diminished from duplication.

Most photo labs offer picture CD's that come with basic photo-editing software(KODAK Picture CD) that saves images as JPEGs.

You can also purchase a 35 mm scanner designed for scanning slides and digitize the image on your home computer. ZAPPTM recommends the Nikon Super Cool Scanner 5000.

Digital Imaging Resources (back to top)
Hiring a professional photographer with photo editing software knowledge costs more but yields the best results.

Visit the Web sites below to see examples of professional vendors:
Photographers who request to be listed on the ZAPPTM resources list must submit the following information to ZAPPTM management:
  • Resume, including education, training, and significant achievements
  • Three references from artists who used the photographer�s service specifically for ZAPPTM purposes
  • Three examples of ZAPPTM created images
  • Web site and contact information
    ZAPPTM management will review the information and judge the photographer on the following criteria:
  • Excellent and consistent service provided to ZAPPTM artists
  • Web site content and presentation
  • Adequate formal education and/or training in the photographic arts
  • Significant work (as evidenced by commission from high-quality publications or gallery venues) in the area of photographing fine art and/or products.
  • A significant record of producing high-quality photographic work as art.
Upon approval of their credentials, ZAPPTM will list the photographer�s URL on our site. ZAPPTM does not guarantee the workmanship or quality of work produced by any photographer listed on our site. Artists must be responsible for conducting their own research to qualify any photographer they engage including the photographers listed here.

Digital Imaging Software (back to top)
  • Jasc Paint Shop Pro
  • Adobe Photoshop Elements
  • Adobe Photoshop

Basic Photographing Tips (back to top)
  • Photograph 2D artwork unframed to avoid glare.
  • Photograph 3D artwork with proper lighting techniques.
  • Use a neutral background to photograph any artwork.
  • Avoid background colors that distract from the work. Avoid harsh shadows.
  • Photographing indoors works the best.
  • The best way to take pictures inside is to block out all other sources of light (overhead lighting, sunlight, etc.) and use two 250-500 watt (3200K) tungsten bulb floodlights. These are inexpensive and worth the cost. They may also be rented. By placing one light on each side at a 45 degree angle to your piece, you should be able to obtain good results.
  • If you photograph your work in natural lighting, take your photograph on a clear day in the shade or in the shadow side of a building. This will eliminate possible glare.
  • Aim for true color representation and proper exposure.
  • Isolating the artwork within the camera frame is the most desirable and effective means of presentation. Move in close enough with your camera to let each piece occupy as much of the view finder as possible.
  • Do not crop out any of the work.
  • Do not float the object in too much blank space, although this can be digitally corrected.
  • Remember, your digital images will have to represent your originals. You cannot be expected to be an expert photographer the first time you pick up a camera. A little practice along with some helpful advice from a camera-shop owner or a knowledgeable, competent photographer may be all you need to produce excellent results.

If you would like to recommend a professional photographer or other imaging tips, please email us at contactzapp@westaf.org.




Copyright ZAPPTM Software LLC. All rights reserved.
Communication Policy






Copyright ZAPPTM Software LLC. All rights reserved.
Communication Policy