A method for obtaining an image of an actively lit medium (ALM) using a capture device and an illumination source, including: calibrating the capture device for dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU); determining a final exposure value and a final gain value by executing at least one scan of the ALM using the capture device with the illumination source extinguished; and generating the image by scanning, with the illumination source extinguished, the ALM using the capture device set to the final exposure value and the final gain value.