best way to digitize larger pieces of art?

[gunslinger_burrito]

So I really need to quit being such a baby about hating working on the computer. But first, I need to know the best way to get larger pieces of artwork into the computer, so I can learn to work with them. I'm going to start doing small stuff since I do have a 8.5x11" scanner. But most of my work is like 15x20" and 18x24" and sometimes a bit larger.....

Are there copy/scan places that can digitize/scan large pieces of art at reasonable prices? Or is sit better to get someone to photograph them?

thx dwds

[cloudscapes]

Photography, for sure. I've done it with a decent mirrorless camera. Stop the lens (ideally prime lens) down to f8-16 and take a few outdoors. Cloudy day if possible since that will minimize specular reflections. Then have somebody good with photoshop fix any distortion/perspective, and any variance in light edge-to-edge.

[gunslinger_burrito]

Thanks. Yeah I was going to hit up a friend of mine who has some good cameras and such. I made some nice prints of paintings in the past by having someone photograph them. It would be nice to not have to save up a pile of work to have photoed though, so I can work at a smoother pace.

[blindrabbit]

Yup, photography. Either that or find a way to make friends with someone that has a huge ass scanner. Of those two options, I think finding a good photographer may be the easier route.

[sonidero]

Fed Ex/Kinkos does that and also, http://www.reprofortcollins.com/#!scanning/c1r1y...

[gunslinger_burrito]

Hey thanks for looking out for me soni

I live in Denver now.

[Twangasaurus]

Do you know anyone at the local university doing graphic design or something? If so blackmail them into using the drum scanner for you.

[gunslinger_burrito]

Yeah, I might bother my girlfriend about it......

[sonidero]

Just google large format scanning Denver... Be way easier there then Fort Sometimes Fun...

[gunslinger_burrito]

I know that "prices are subject to change" but this is why I haven't gone that route.... I could see myself using this service if I was regularly making money selling art and had a chunk of savings for these kinds of things, but DAMN. Shit's expensive.
http://vgae.com/large_format_scanning.shtml