An image must be rectangular.
If you want to take out just a corner then you have to use a clipping path, or transparency
My 6 Mp camera creates a 6.6×10 picture at 300 pixels per inch. If I don’t enter a resolution in the crop tool option bar, and crop to 11×15, the resolution of course drops. Is there a rule of thumb as to what resolution is the minimum that would be acceptable to print out the picture? I’d prefer not to spend $16 at my local camera store to find the picture quality wanting.
Also, is there any advantage/disadvantage to saving an image as a PSD format vs. a high-quality JPG?
Thanks.
First off…when you refer to image sizeas it’s captured on a camera, as it comes out of a scanner, and while you’re working in Photoshopthe ONLYunit of measurement that matters is total number of pixels horizontally and vertically. Resolution in pixels-per-inch is an attribute that only applies for printing.
In the case of your camera, then, that would be 1980px × 3000px.
Now, since you know you’re planning to print your image, then you can begin to think in terms of resolution.
The general rule of thumb for decent high-quality printing (that is, images which will be viewed from 12" to 36 " away) is 300 p.p.i. Understand, though, that this is just a general rule. Often, you can get away with a lower resolution, say down to 200 p.p.i., but that depends on the nature of the components of the image. It can also be dependent upon which type of equipment the image is printed with (offset? inkjet? laser? high-end 12 color giclée printer?), and the type of substrate (glossy paper? uncoated? parchment? newsprint? canvas?) it’s printed on.
This is where you’ll need to do some of your own deep research, and yes, this may require throwing some money down the well until you get just the right combination of factors in confluence that will satisfy your sense of "well-donededness."
We, all of us, are constantly refining our processes.
As for saving image…ALWAYS keep or convert Master copies of your images in TIFF or PSD format (I prefer PSD).
You only ever want to save a copy as a JPEG once, as the very last step.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful. In terms of JPG or PSD, my question was more along the lines of should I save the final, pre-print copy as PSD or JPG (I’m saving the original NEF and PSD files)? Or does it matter? My camera shop will take either, but Walmart’s photo service will only upload JPG. I want to get the best quality print. Thanks.
"Walmart" and "best quality print" don’t really belong in the same sentence. Try substituting "Professional Photo Lab". That way your colour profiles will be honoured.
Jpeg should be okay for this "final destination" use so long and the image will not be edited or resized in any way.
If the data are critical I suggest keeping it in an uncorrupted state.
PSD with a lo-res JPEG to help in Windows Explorer seems a neat workaround.
Perhaps it is helpful to think along the lines:
– here is my primary data
– I will export it to a level that is best needed for the next step in my workflow
(some primary data may need to be at one spec for high quality print, another for lower resolution/sizes [there ain’t no point in trying to print a 60 MB file to 6 by 4], and yet other reolutions for the web.
If you want the utmost control,break down and get your own decent inkjet. walmart is a joke when it comes to prints. you get green one week and magenta the next. i have seen decent stuff from costco and their fuji printers. heck i even had a client order a book from kodaks online service and was blown away by the accuracy of the finished product.
In terms of inkjets, I’ve been thinking about getting the Epson R2400 8 ink printer which will handle 11×15 pictures. My photo shop charges $16 to print one picture this size, so the breakeven might be 6-8 months not counting the cost of the printer’s consumables. I can get one refurbished for $700. Would this qualify as a ‘decent’ inkjet?
Yes, that would be a very decent inkjet printer. I am very happy with the Epson 2200, and the 2400 is even better. Many pros use these printers.
