What if my original is not from a digital camera?
If your original is a negative or transparency it will need to be converted into a digital file. Judy will be glad to assist you in acquiring a high-resolution scan of your image. If your original is artwork such as a painting, drawing or another form of flat artwork, you will need a digital capture or scan of your artwork in order to achieve the best reproduction of it. Please refer to the art reproduction page in this Web site section for more details.
What program is used to adjust my digital file?
Your digital files are printed and adjusted using Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop allows Judy to make color and tonal adjustments needed in order to provide you with the best possible print. Many different file formats can be imported into Photoshop. Most vector files (such as Adobe Illustrator) can be converted to Photoshop without any image degradation.
What file resolution do I need?
Ideal digital file resolution is 360 pixels per inch at 100% scale of your final image size. If file resolution is less, interpolation (averaging) of information will be required to enlarge your image. The quality of your file, as well as the source of your file, determines whether noticeable degradation will occur through the interpolation process. Source files from digital cameras have proven to provide the most impressive interpolation range. Interpolation of your original image file is included as part of my normal file preparation process or I will be glad to assist you in optimizing your digital file.
Do you need my original artwork in order to print a reproduction of it?
Reproducing with accuracy the color and tonal qualities of original art is one of Judy’s specialties. Ideally an Artist will bring their original artwork to Judy’s studio so that she can match the color and tonal details unique to the original artwork. When the original artwork is not available, Judy will match the digital proof to either a provided match print or to a transparency.
What digital file format will yield the best print of my photo image?
Judy can work with 16 or 8 bit RGB or CMYK files. Many Photographers like to make some initial adjustments to their digital camera files; however, it’s always helpful if a raw file is also available for reference. Beautiful prints can also be achieved from tiff files. Jpeg files are the most challenging files to work with. A Jpeg file is a compression format; therefore, much valuable information has been abbreviated or eliminated. Many times file artifacts appear when jpeg files are enlarged.
What happens to the master digital file after prints have been made?
This is your decision. Judy can archive your master file along with your approved proof in order to facilitate future orders or your master file can be destroyed.
After reviewing my proof, what happens if I don’t want to print my image or I decide to wait to print it later?
Clients will be charged a minimum fee of $75 for each file proofed and not printed at the time of proofing. This is to cover the time and materials invested in adjusting and proofing your file.
Will I get a copy of the master file used to create my exhibition print?
No, that file is not provided to clients unless arrangements are made. A flattened version of your master file is available for an additional fee. Judy brings many years of experience to printing your image and applies her knowledge and skills into creating the best possible print from your digital file. This time consuming process often requires many proofs and file adjustments, which are not completely covered by your set-up fee. Judy is committed to producing the best quality print from your file and therefore, she invests the required time, creative energy and judgment into every image she prints. Master files have been optimized for Judy’s particular printer, inks and rip set-up. In other words, other printing devices or set-ups may yield different results. Listed below is the cost of a flattened copy of the master file of your image burned to a CD:
Jpeg file (approx. 640×480 pixels) for your Web site: $15.00
Up to 15MB tiff: $30
Up to 50MB tiff: $50
Up to 100MB tiff: $85
Up to 150MB tiff: $125
Up to 200MB tiff: $150
Larger files will be quoted on individual basis. Additional charges may apply for any file format or file modification requested.