Posted by Tom Lusk on December 10, 2008 at 1:45 PM
I've done little in the way of printing my images, but my wife wants some 8 x 10's, etc. of some of my shots.
My question is with preparing the images for printing, especially with regards to how to determine the amount of sharpening to apply to an image. How can I see, on my monitor, what the end result will be?
I assume a 1MB file will require a different amount of sharpening than a 10MB file if they are both to end up as 8 x 10 prints? Also - larger prints will again require different amounts of sharpening?
Any help here would be greatly appreciated. The files will be uploaded to a web-based printer, and I'm afraid to imagine what errors I could make...
Posted by David Bostedo on December 10, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Unfortunately, getting the best print is a bit of trial and error usually. Since you're having these printed somewhere, that can be pricey, so maybe getting a couple of prints made as tests could help? Or perhaps some cheaper 4x6 prints of portions of the image?
May I ask where are you getting these made? Do you know what ppi they would like for an input? Have you resized your images to fit?
These articles may help (particularly the first one's "print sharpening" section):
These articles, and what I mentioned above, are really geared toward people looking to (eventually) get the absolute highest of quality. Overall, what you do really depends on how picky you are about your prints, and how much you want to tweak them.
For instance, I find that in general, the print sharpness on my printer is pretty well represented by the 50% view in Photoshop. If it looks sharp there, my prints will look their best. If I had slightly undersharpened or oversharpened, I wouldn't get the best, but no one but me would ever notice - the prints would still look great. The same thing can be said for color, or brightness in most cases. Now I'm printing my own stuff, so I can try things and tweak easily.
For many people, simply a well sharpened file on their screen will look great when getting a print made. Many people are happy with photos printed straight from their memory cards. It really depends on what level of print you're looking for.
Posted by John Mumaw on December 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM
Note that you'll need to crop an image in order to fit the 8 x 10 standard due to the aspect ratio of 35mm film/digital sensor.
I work with 8 x 12 prints which requires no cropping at all because it fits that aspect ratio.
It does take a little trial and error. With time, you will start to learn how much sharpening it takes to get a great print. I am by no means an expert, but have a few pointers, and things to consider.
1. Don't judge image sharpness at 100% screen magnification in photoshop. If you do, more than likely your print will come out under sharpened. I also find that 50% works very well as a gauge as for what the print will look like. You will find that when the image looks good at 50%, it may look pretty ugly at 100%. Don't worry, it will be fine, assuming that 50% zoom works for you as well.
2. Don't always sharpen "globally". I use a PS action that basically only adds sharpening to the edges and detail areas, but not smooth, clean elements, like skies and peoples skin.
3. Certain things like sand, tree bark, and moss can benefit from even more sharpening. We know, in our minds that these things are rough, or gritty. Giving them a little heavier dose of USM can really bring a print to life.
4. Take an image and crop out a section that represents the general detail level of the image. Then, duplicate that same area a few times in a document, and give each duplicate a different amount of sharpening - from none to borderline oversharpened. Keep track of the amounts you gave each crop, and print. The results should give you an indicator of how much is the right amount.
5. Experiment. Learn what the different settings and sliders do, and how they effect the image. I find that I like a high amount of USM (200-350), with a small radius (0.6 - 1px), and 0-3 on the threshold.
You will probably find that you will get a lot of satisfaction once you start to get the hang of it. Seeing the end result of your art looking its best is the most satisfying part of photography to me.
I hope this helps a little. Happy printing.
Posted by Bill Brennan on December 11, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Tom, all of the advice you have received is great. However, if your spouse is ready for prints now, consider having a local printshop print the images that she wants; while you climb the learning curve for printing. Call them to learn their preferences. Many have a PS expert who can share their recommendations for your images.
Save all of the recommendations as they will help you to climb the curve faster.
Discussion
4 repliesMy question is with preparing the images for printing, especially with regards to how to determine the amount of sharpening to apply to an image. How can I see, on my monitor, what the end result will be?
I assume a 1MB file will require a different amount of sharpening than a 10MB file if they are both to end up as 8 x 10 prints? Also - larger prints will again require different amounts of sharpening?
Any help here would be greatly appreciated. The files will be uploaded to a web-based printer, and I'm afraid to imagine what errors I could make...
May I ask where are you getting these made? Do you know what ppi they would like for an input? Have you resized your images to fit?
These articles may help (particularly the first one's "print sharpening" section):
Ten Tips for Better Prints
Getting Started with Inkjet Printing
These articles, and what I mentioned above, are really geared toward people looking to (eventually) get the absolute highest of quality. Overall, what you do really depends on how picky you are about your prints, and how much you want to tweak them.
For instance, I find that in general, the print sharpness on my printer is pretty well represented by the 50% view in Photoshop. If it looks sharp there, my prints will look their best. If I had slightly undersharpened or oversharpened, I wouldn't get the best, but no one but me would ever notice - the prints would still look great. The same thing can be said for color, or brightness in most cases. Now I'm printing my own stuff, so I can try things and tweak easily.
For many people, simply a well sharpened file on their screen will look great when getting a print made. Many people are happy with photos printed straight from their memory cards. It really depends on what level of print you're looking for.
I work with 8 x 12 prints which requires no cropping at all because it fits that aspect ratio.
1. Don't judge image sharpness at 100% screen magnification in photoshop. If you do, more than likely your print will come out under sharpened. I also find that 50% works very well as a gauge as for what the print will look like. You will find that when the image looks good at 50%, it may look pretty ugly at 100%. Don't worry, it will be fine, assuming that 50% zoom works for you as well.
2. Don't always sharpen "globally". I use a PS action that basically only adds sharpening to the edges and detail areas, but not smooth, clean elements, like skies and peoples skin.
3. Certain things like sand, tree bark, and moss can benefit from even more sharpening. We know, in our minds that these things are rough, or gritty. Giving them a little heavier dose of USM can really bring a print to life.
4. Take an image and crop out a section that represents the general detail level of the image. Then, duplicate that same area a few times in a document, and give each duplicate a different amount of sharpening - from none to borderline oversharpened. Keep track of the amounts you gave each crop, and print. The results should give you an indicator of how much is the right amount.
5. Experiment. Learn what the different settings and sliders do, and how they effect the image. I find that I like a high amount of USM (200-350), with a small radius (0.6 - 1px), and 0-3 on the threshold.
You will probably find that you will get a lot of satisfaction once you start to get the hang of it. Seeing the end result of your art looking its best is the most satisfying part of photography to me.
I hope this helps a little. Happy printing.
Save all of the recommendations as they will help you to climb the curve faster.
Bill Brennan