File Preparation

Image setup:

There are a few easy steps to follow when preparaing your files that will ensure your image quality is perfect.The last thing you want is for your major work prints to be unsharp or pixelated. One of the main reason for poor print quality is incorrect treatment of your file. This can occur from a variety of outside infuences that generally can be avioded. Regardless of your final print size it is important to setup and work on your project in the largest possible form, giving you as many options to print as you need.

Step 1: Set up your camera so it will capture your images at the largest possible size. Large/Fine is generally good enough for the average 10MP camera. Even better still would be to shoot in RAW file mode however not every camera has this ability so if you're unsure why not do some research. It's always easier to do some tests first rather than go back and reshoot your images.

Step 2: If you are planning to work on your images in Photoshop before going to print, it's important to know your settings. A industry standard for printing is 300dpi (dots per inch) but just as important is your actual output size. If your file size is too small then getting a good quality print is going to be very cahallenging. Even if you're not sure what the final print size of your Major Work will be, make sure you have plenty to work with. Right from the start you will need to crop your image using a resolution of 300dpi. Here's a quick reference guide to help you keep your file size close to what you might need.

8x12" (A4) @ 300dpi = approx 25mb

12x16" (A3) @ 300dpi = approx 50mb

16x24" (A2) @ 300dpi = approx 100mb

This diagram shows how the crop tool can be setup to give you an exact size.

 

If working in Adobe Photoshop the ideal format to save your files is .psd or tiff. The more times you open and re-save a jpeg file the more definition you will lose in your file. It might only be minimal but repeat the step 20 times and you will definitely see a reduction in sharpness for some of the larger prints.

 

Step 3:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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