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Photographic prints from digital cameras
Summary: A portrait photographer’s relationship with a photo finisher is as important as the image itself. Learn tips and techniques for a veteran portrait photographer on how to build trust and communicate with lab staff to deliver “photo quality” enlargements from digital images.
For quality prints from digital images, ask your
photo finisher how they prefer dealing with digital images. It is
important to establish a working relationship with your lab. Your
expectations, and their ability to deliver quality images that meet
those expectations, are as important as the image itself.  | | Using a bright colored china marker (even a crayon) to indicate cropping (top photo) will help your photofinisher know exactly where you want an enlargement cropped. Cropping allows you to keep unwanted details out of the print. The better crop emphasizes the face (bottom photo) and removes a distracting wood support above the subject. It also improves the composition that could not be changed to include this spontaneous expression. |
When choosing a lab, ask a camera store professional
and even friends, about their experiences with area photo labs. A
local portrait studio photographer can offer insight and advice on
photo labs in your area. Quality, convenience, and pricing are prime
factors in choosing a photo-finishing lab.
Preparing the files
Digital cameras and computers go hand in hand.
Downloading digital images to a computer with proprietary photo
software like Adobe Photoshop or other photo editing software programs,
provides you a chance to preview your images before you order
enlargements from a photo finisher.
Matching the computer monitor image to a finished
print is often frustrating. That is why your relationship with
your photo finisher is key. Many labs offer tips and
specifications of how to prepare your images for enlargement.
Some labs prefer images saved as TIFF files and others JPEG
files. There are even a few custom labs that recommend the RAW
files, an option found on professional grade digital cameras.
Some labs prefer sRGB color mode while others choose RGB or CMYK files. Options abound in your camera's menu and following your photo finisher's advice is the best option.
Some film users scan their images into digital files
and then provide them to photo finishers. Many of the same
specifications apply to scanned images as well.
Before sending digital images to the photo finisher, it is advisable to
create duplicates of your original files as back-ups for archiving
purposes.
Enlargement limitations
Getting quality enlargements from digital files is a
matter of fulfilling expectations. Some professional photo
finishers provide chart material to explain the limitations of digital
files when making enlargements.
If you plan on saving you prints in an album in the
standard 4"x6" format, a 1or2 megapixel camera will do just fine. If
you plan to display the images on a website only, a lower megapixel
camera is all you need. An 8"x10" enlargement from that camera
could possibly look grainy and unsharp.
"Photo quality" 8"x10" enlargements from
un-cropped digital files will require at least a 3 or 4 megapixel
camera. "Photo quality" means that is impossible to tell
the difference between a film image and a digital image shot under
similar conditions.
A 6 megapixel camera insures "photo quality"
enlargements up to 20" x24" from a professional photo finisher.
That 6 megapixel camera will also provide increased quality images
printed in smaller dimensions.
Practical approach
It is advisable to be practical and thrifty when it
comes to reprints. If a computer and photo editing software is
not available, use the standard 4"x6" prints as "proofs" to do you
editing. Use "proofs" to view poses and facial expressions, as
well as to critique your shooting techniques.
When you settle on two or three images worthy of
enlargement, use the small prints as a guide for your photo
finisher. Use a china marker to crop the photo if
necessary. Use the same photo to inquire about traditional photo
printing techniques such as "burning down" highlights or "dodging"
shadow areas to add detail. This practical editing approach will save
you time and money in the long run.
Keys to success:
- Know the role of photo finishers
- Seek input about photo labs
- Prepare digital files to specifications
- Know enlargement limits
- Adopt the practical approach
Building a good relationship with your photo
finisher will take some time. Talk with the lab manager and
express your feelings about the photographs you produce. Communicate
your expectations and ask what they expect from you in order to achieve
the best results.
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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 Michael E. Keating is an award winning portrait photographer...
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