Help with scanning & pp PLEASE

[Marvin]

I have been asked by a work colleague to scan and print a couple of pictures of a friend of hers who passed away late last year. They are for a gift for the late lady's husband who doesn't have many pictures of her. (My colleague has no idea about computers or scanning - come to think of it, neither do I!!!).
I guess I need help with scanner settings as I usually use my camera to take the pictures I put on the computer (I have a plain old Canon flatbed scanner - about 1 year old, not sure of the resolution and a Canon i865 printer).
My questions are:
What resolution should I scan at to get the best results to print 6x4 and about 1/2 A4 size?
In one of the pictures, the hair blends in with the very dark background. What is the best way to fix this in pp (photoshop)?
Any other tips would be appreciated as I would like to do a good job of this.
Thanks!
Marvin

[sirhc55]

Marvin - I have used this many times - use the D70 to take a photo of the photo - I have found that it often works better than scanning unless you have a very good scanner - just a thought

[Marvin]

Oh - I didn't think of that sirhc! I have done it before with slides on a screen. I might try it. Thanks!

[sirhc55]

Oh - I didn't think of that sirhc! I have done it before with slides on a screen. I might try it. Thanks!

Marvin - just make sure the print is flat and has even light

[Matt. K]

Marvin
I concur with sirhc55. I have copied many prints using the D70 and made high quality A3 prints from them.

[Marvin]

OK guys, what settings do I use? I have tried it with a couple of lenses and I am not happy with the results. The bottom is out of focus and the quality isn't that great. I'm wondering if it's because of the actual photo I am using. The print is glossy and just a snapshot. When I zoom in it seems that it is very grainy and just doesn't look right. I was using f7 or so.

[sirhc55]

OK guys, what settings do I use? I have tried it with a couple of lenses and I am not happy with the results. The bottom is out of focus and the quality isn't that great. I'm wondering if it's because of the actual photo I am using. The print is glossy and just a snapshot. When I zoom in it seems that it is very grainy and just doesn't look right. I was using f7 or so.

I have always found that natural light is the best way to do this kind of photo. As I said before it must be perfectly flat. Would suggest the sweet spot of the lens you are using be the aperture to use. When you look through the viewfinder just check for reflections. Use a tripod for stability.

HTH

[Matt. K]

Marvin
You have to work from a tripod and tape the image to a wall or something. Do it next to window for lighting. Square the camera back to the image and shoot at about f8. Use the shortest focal length lens that will fill the frame with the image.

[Marvin]

OK will wait for tomorrow. Thanks for the tips Matt and sirhc!