Photographing X-Rays

Joe Gossett from Tulsa OK, using Photoshop 7 with Win 98 2000 xp, writes in with:
[Quote:] I need to take high quality photos of x-rays for a law suit. I have a 3 meg camara, digital, and a computer. Can you give me any tips of making these shots look better in photoshop

We wouldn't even suggest that you attempt normal photos of X-rays. Here's what to do...

Best bet is to have the actual X-rays scanned by a competent back-lighted scanner and operator.

However if you insist on photographing them yourself you'll want to use daylight unless you've got some fairly sophisticated lighting.

Make a "matt" for the x-rays, pick a bright, overcast day and tape the X-ray to a window and shoot digital photos from a tripod using no flash and daylight exposures.

1) Be sure to level the camera so the lens is precisely centered in and parallel to the x-ray
2) If the window looks out onto a scene which may interfere with the shot, then tape a sheet of tracing paper to the window to "diffuse" the light
3) Pick up a sheet of opaque black paper large enough to cover the x-rays, plus 6 to 10 inches of black on all sides. Cut an opening in the black paper the same size as the x-ray. Tape this 'mask' to the window to block out extraneous light from the x-ray.
4) Tighten in close enough to the x-ray so that the black 'matt' blocks all other light or image around the edges of the view. You may have to shoot, check, then move the camera in if the viewfinder doesn't give an accurate edge.
5) take several 'test' shots and work with white point in the camera to get the best reproduction.

Once shot, use the levels command to equalize the range of grays. Make sure there's a white dot and a black dot. Print and experiment until you get good prints.

Comments

[tin whiskers]

Hi,
Great post.I can have great x-ray photographs with the Poloroid Macro 5 SLR.Thanks!!!!

[Henry Hermann]

Hi,

I have obtained some poorly defined x-rays of Native American flutes that are made of wood. I want to photograph them with a digital camera for reproduction in an article. What is the best technique to use to obtain the best contrast?

Thank you.

[Bruce Lederman]

I can great x-ray photographs with the Poloroid Macro 5 SLR. You must also purchase the optional polarizing filter for perfect and quick results.I need help trying to scan multiple x-rays into a computer. I don't know the necessary scanning equipment. Please advise if you can. Bruce Lederman

[Austin Caverly]

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