Preparing Images for Print

One of the most challenging things about digital photography is getting the print to match the computer monitor. I suggest getting to know one lab so you can tweak things if necessary to get consistent results. For example, if you know that every time you print at Adorama your prints come out dark, you will know that you always have to brighten them a bit before submitting them to be printed.

Please bring for our final class:
-Approx 5-10 Prints of photos you have taken that you love!
-Approx 8x10" size

For fine art quality Inkjet Prints, ask your printer, but most likely you should leave the color profile as Adobe RGB.
For most other labs that make digital C prints (non-inkjet, like Adorama), to get your colors looking right, you should convert to sRGB color profile.

*Most of our cameras are set to Adobe RGB (the bigger better color spectrum) however, a lot of labs require the image to be in sRGB color profile. (If you know you will be printing at places like Adorama and not really doing many fine art type inkjet prints, you may want to just leave your camera in sRGB) To change the color profile of a certain document, in Photoshop, go to Edit > Convert to Profile. If you fail to convert before printing, it could mean your print will turn out a little desaturated. Always “Save AS” to save a duplicate copy that's print ready (so you have your original preserved).

Lab Suggestions:
Adorama You can upload online and have them mailed to you or pick up in store. Be sure images are sRGB color profile. There is a few days to a week turnaround- depends if you rush and/or pick up in-store.

Print Space You can email images to the lab, but you must go there to pick up. They do inkjet or digital C prints- call for prices. Be sure images are Adobe RGB color profile. 24 hr turnaround.

Graphix Lab at FIT: ph 212-217-5474. Call for Hours. (D building, 5th floor) (You must go in to D529 to drop off and pick up. Be sure images have the Adobe RGB color profile) 24 hr turnaround.

*In Photoshop, make sure your image resolution is 300dpi and the file size is the same as the output size. If you want to make a print that is 8x10 inches, go to Image > Image Size in Photoshop and make sure it's 300dpi and that the height/width are approx 8x10 inches. File > Save As a JPG before uploading to Adorama or taking it to a lab to be printed. JPG quality should be 12 (high).

More advanced Photoshop Users who are making prints at Adorama:
Download the Adorama profiles here (Glossy Endura) http://www.adoramapix.com/Support.aspx?SupportID=prepcolor