Getting Great Photo Prints From Your Digital Camera

Getting Great Photo Prints From Your Digital Camera

By Bob Stephens

The first step to getting great digital photo prints, is to make sure you use
a good quality digital camera.

Digital photos are gaining popularity over traditional film photos because
of the features and convenience associated with the newer technology.
In some cases it's even more cost effective to print your own photos at
home instead of taking them to a developer or sending them in.

Here are some words of wisdom for making great digital photo prints at
home.

There are really 4 key components to a great printed photo: Image,
Printer, Ink, Paper. Each is part interrelated therefore equally important
for success.

The image is the starting point for a good photo. There are many
different camera models out there, but in general, you will need at least
3.2 megapixel picture taking ability. Some snazzy digital SLR cameras
have 8 megapixels or more. The camera should always be set to the
highest resolution while taking the shots just in case you want to make
enlargements later on.

Image transfer is crucial! Do not just throw the highest pixel image at
some paper, you may not be happy with the results.

Sometimes, too high of a pixel count will create unsightly jagged color
transitions in your photo and waste a lot of your ink and time. Too few
pixels and the photos will turn out very "grainy". It's usually best to stay
within the 200-300 pixels per inch range.

This chart may help you determine your appropriate photo sizes.

Print Size : Good Results (200 ppi) : Excellent Results (300 ppi)

========================================================

4x6 inch ... 800 by 1200 px (~1 mpx) ..... 1200 by 1800 px (~2 mpx)

5x7 inch ... 1000 by 1400 px (~1.5 mpx) .. 1500 by 2100 px (~3 mpx)

8x10 inch .. 1600 by 2000 px (~3 mpx) .... 2400 by 3000 px (~7 mpx)

11x14 inch . 2200 by 2800 px (~6 mpx) .... 3300 by 4200 px (~14 mpx)

16x20 inch . 3200 by 4000 px (~13 mpx) ... 4800 by 6000 px (~29 mpx)

Legend

========

px = Pixels

mpx = Megapixels

ppi = Pixels per inch

(data compiled from PC World.com)

For example, if you had a picture taken with a 1.5 Megapixel digital
camera, a 5x7 inch print is probably the largest size print that would
work. Anything larger than a 5x7, may not look good.

However, if you had a picture taken with a 14 Megapixel camera, you
should be able to print out a 11x14 inch print with excellent results
(300ppi), or a "good" looking 16x20 inch print at 200 ppi.

In addition to the digital camera image, there are a few other
components that go into making good quality digital photos you'll want to
be aware of: Your printer, the ink cartridges you use, and the quality of
the photo paper you use. Each component factors into your end result.

Bob Stephens writes for ASAP Inkjets. ASAP Inkjets offers inkjet cartridges and laser toner at up to 80% below retail. Signup for their free newsletter for tips & discount coupons at http://www.asapinkjets.com/ or email: subscribe@asapinkjets.com

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Creating a Professional Business Photo

Creating a Professional Business Photo

By Pat Elke

1. Arrive at the photographers early, so that you are not hurried and can touch up your hair, makeup, etc.
2. Be rested. Get a good nights sleep the night before for that fresh look and drink plenty of fluids the day of your session to stay hydrated
3. Be well groomed. Should you have a haircut before your photo? Is a colour touch up needed? A manicure is suggested if your hands will be in the photo. Avoid excessive sun or tanning before your visit. Men should shave a few hours before the session to let razor burns dissipate and to avoid a five o'clock shadow.
4. If the photographer has a professional makeup artist and hairstylist by all means take advantage of the service. If not you may want to go to your own stylist the day of the session. Women should avoid all frosted makeup. Bring additional makeup and hair styling products with you.
5. Know the image you wish to project. Are you more formal, traditional, or casual. Discuss with your photographer the image you want, and the image of your company. If you have seen some portraits that you like bring them with you so that your photographer has an idea of what appeals to you. Remember your photographer is not a mind reader.
6. Professional Clothing Selection. For women choose a jacket or a long sleeved dress. Avoid sleeveless because upper arms always appear wider than they are in actual life in photos. Avoid turtlenecks. Solid colours are usually the safest, however avoid trendy colours. Avoid bold stripes, bold patterns or anything that is too distracting. A subtle pattern is fine. For men choose a conservative suit in traditional colours such as black, charcoal brown, grey, or navy. Textures are fine. A white or blue shirt is the most professional. The classic solid, pattern, solid combination is usually the best choice. Solid coloured jacket, patterned tie, solid coloured shirt.

And if everything goes wrong, just remember that Photoshop can correct a multitude of imperfections.

Pat Elke, Founding President of Advancing With Style is a leading authority and executive advisor in the areas of professional image, business and social etiquette, workplace civility, international business etiquette, and cultural awareness.

Since 1982 she has worked with over 600 corporations and delivered more than 1500 seminars worldwide. Clients range from Fortune 500 comapanies to government agencies, and from political leaders to financial CEO's.

Advancing With Style has offices in Toronto, Ontario and Palm Beach, Florida. An exclusive summer program is offered in the Thousand Islands.

advancingwithstyle.com

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