copies of watercolour paintings - help please

[scooters]

Not sure if this is the correct place to post but here goes...

I'm trying to find a company which will be able to create prints of original watercolour paintings but am not having much luck.

The plan is to produce prints of original artwork (by family) and sell them as prints.

To be honest, I dont even know where to start, it is as simple as finding a good printing company, or do the pictures need to be photographed?

As you can probably tell, I haven't a clue so any information or help would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks

[GetCarter]

I've photographed watercolours for a friend, who makes prints and sells. Even if you have no studio lighting it's fairly easy to do if you have a good DSLR, an easel, a bright but not sunny day, a tripod and no glass in front of the watercolour. Then upload to an online printer like www.photobox.co.uk and bobs your uncle (well he may not be). Photobox will even sell them online for you if you so desire.

[Simpo Two]

That's how I'd do it. Plus, shoot from a reasonable distance to reduce distortion. I have a hunch, not really sure why, that if there's a lot of green in the painting then your white balance may go a bit off.

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

These people offer just what you need and are just round the corner from me.

They'll be able to print on to a more suitable paper than an online photo printer, and can organise high-quality copying of the original. (Actually, I do it for them )

Give Tim there a ring, and he'll be able to advise.

[scooters]

thanks for your help guys, i'll start looking into the options

[RobDickinson]

I shoot my wifes art with a 50mm prime in diffuse lighting angled across the painting to give it some depth, then do any small perspective correction in PS.

But if you want it done properly a scanner is probably best if you have access to one big enough