How to prepare an image before printing it.

pandita · Jul 7, 2011

Hey guys quick question,

How would I prepare an image that I would like to print big. Let's say a little bigger than poster size.

By preparing I mean, do I just take the edited picture in JPEG format to the printer and that's it?

Or is there something I should change in the resolution or sizes while in PS before I take it?

Hope I explained this clearly.

Thanks.

Kerbouchard · Jul 7, 2011

Where are you going to get it printed? Generally, a good lab will have better software than you for upresing photos and they will know what their printers do best with.

For what it's worth, expsoure, focus, sharpness, etc are all more important than resolution when you are printing large.

I regularly print 24x30's from my 12 megapixel Nikon D90 and I don't upres my photos although I would say that 24x30 is about my personal limit unless I am printing on canvas or something with a texture.

pandita · Jul 7, 2011

Kerbouchard said:
Where are you going to get it printed? Generally, a good lab will have better software than you for upresing photos and they will know what their printers do best with.

For what it's worth, expsoure, focus, sharpness, etc are all more important than resolution when you are printing large.

I regularly print 24x30's from my 12 megapixel Nikon D90 and I don't upres my photos although I would say that 24x30 is about my personal limit unless I am printing on canvas or something with a texture.

Well I've never printed something out big, so I was thinking for the first time just going to a Costco or something.

Then if I like it I'll go to some higher quality place.

Kerbouchard · Jul 7, 2011

I have a good Costco and will often proof prints there. It's cheap, and they do a good job. For larger prints, just make sure you upload the full size files. During the upload process, there is a fast upload option and it will only upload low res files so make sure it is not selected.

As far as processing for print, apply a little more sharpening than normal(on your monitor, you should just be beginning to see halos from the sharpening) and you should be fine as long as the image was sound to start with.

If you've never printed something large, you are in for a treat(or a dose of reality). My first time was a mixture of both. I realized just how many flaws there were in my image/technique and, at the same time, realized that my 12 megapixels were enough for what I need it for . And to a lesser extent, after it was framed and mounted, I noticed that nobody is going to be looking at a 24x30 print from a few inches away and my daughter's slightly out of focus hand didn't bother me so much anymore.

Derrel · Jul 7, 2011

Teeth brushed, hair combed, deodorant applied, cologne, but not too much. Fly zipped, belt buckled, shirt clean and neat, no stains. All ready to go!

Kerbouchard · Jul 7, 2011

Derrel said:
Teeth brushed, hair combed, deodorant applied, cologne, but not too much. Fly zipped, belt buckled, shirt clean and neat, no stains. All ready to go!

You always give such helpful feedback. Just in case nobody has mentioned it lately...just wanted to say we appreciate the time you take to help out around here.