I would like your advice on a print

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 01:48 AM

This photo.

It was suggested I print and have framed to hang on my wall. I need to ask if you can suggest a paper type to have it printed on and which online printer you would us, that would get the best results without costing a lot of money. Normhead suggest a size of 16x20, what do you think? Yes? No? bigger? I don't want to make it too large so it distorts the image, or too small so as not to show it's grandness either.

victormeldrew · 11-06-2018, 02:54 AM

Personally, I start with working out where I want it to go, then measure the space I have.

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 03:05 AM

Thanks. Space isn't an issue. I have plenty of that. Three bare walls, nothing on them, large living room. 20x15.

Where to go is mostly the issue too I think. I've heard a few names, mpix, shutterbug, Adoroma, etc. Walgreens can print up to 16x20 but I'm not sure what type of paper they'd use and I want a professional looking photo, not you're every day snapshot of the kids photo.

**rjbrett** · 11-06-2018, 03:39 AM

Can you get a sample pack of different types from any of them? - I've just sent my first (free) test order off here to printers in Brisbane, and they give out a sample pack of small prints on different surfaces, and a "Shirley" (printed, with jpeg available online) so you can calibrate you monitor. They will also color correct as they are printing if you ask them to. I went in to collect the sample pack, and talk with them about what I need to do, but they would have been just as happy to do this over the phone and by mail. They also have a lot of information on how to get good prints on their website....

Hoping I can pick them up Friday - see how I've gone....

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 03:53 AM

Most of the ones I mentioned are online. Walgreens is local, but there another that is local too, my niece has used them and had good results as she says, but she's not a photographer by any means, so her opinion may not be as good as mine when it comes to prints.

I used to print my own photos on an Epson wide format printer but that was years ago and I no longer have one of those printers. And don't plan on buying another with the cost of ink now days.

I'll have to check this other place my niece goes too and see what they have to offer. It's not really a photo place, it's Sherwin Williams paint store, but they do mounting and all of it.

victormeldrew · 11-06-2018, 03:58 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

Thanks. Space isn't an issue. I have plenty of that. Three bare walls, nothing on them, large living room. 20x15.

Actually I'd consider that quite a large issue. If it is to be the only print up there, then a smallish print like 16x20 will look very lost. If you plan several prints then it's worth getting the collection together first so you can plan on paper how best to arrange them.

TonyW · 11-06-2018, 04:01 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

This photo.

It was suggested I print and have framed to hang on my wall. I need to ask if you can suggest a paper type to have it printed on and which online printer you would us, that would get the best results without costing a lot of money. Normhead suggest a size of 16x20, what do you think? Yes? No? bigger? I don't want to make it too large so it distorts the image, or too small so as not to show it's grandness either.

Paper surface type is very personal choice. FWIW my preference for this image would be a satin, lustre finish to hold shadow detail. There are also some pretty amazing printing materials out there metallics and acrylic types that you may want to look at for a modern/contemporary look. Print size at this aspect ratio being 20" x 13+", a nice size IMHO for the subject matter, although depending on viewing area you may want to consider larger. Should you be intending to frame behind glass then glass type (NR or standard) will have an effect on the viewing experience.

No ideas on your local labs so hope someone can recommend something local to you.

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 04:02 AM

It's not going to be the only print there. I have several I'm going to have printed and mounted, then I'll frame them. I have several frames ready for them waiting til they're printed and mounted.

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 04:09 AM

Thanks Tony. I don't like glossy paper. When I printed my own, I used lustre or satin photo paper, not always Epson brand either. Glossy adds too much sheen to a print and causes problems. Especially behind glass. And these have to behind glass, too humid and dusty here to not be protected that way. We live in a house that by January 2019 will be sixty years old. Think accumulated dust over sixty years, leaking out into the air.

You said glass type. What is NR to Standard?

pschlute · 11-06-2018, 04:44 AM

Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inches

Remember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first.

Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ?

TonyW · 11-06-2018, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

....

You said glass type. What is NR to Standard?

Sorry, should have said Non Reflective or Anti Reflection glass ArtGlass - Specialist glass products - Invisible glass

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 05:12 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inches

Remember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first.

Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ?

I have the original .DNG file, full resolution 16mp camera, K-50. I don't shoot JPEG. 3272x4936

Kozlok · 11-06-2018, 05:25 AM

I’ve used Adorama and really liked it. I then took the print to Hobby Lobby and had it mounted to foam board and it looks spectacular.

pschlute · 11-06-2018, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

I have the original .DNG file, full resolution 16mp camera, K-50. I don't shoot JPEG. 3272x4936

Excellent, you will be able to print up to 16" on the long side no problem.

photolady95 · 11-06-2018, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by pschlute

Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inchesRemember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first.Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ?

When I did as you said, divided pixel x pixel resolution by 300, I get 10 by 20 and I think that is too skinny and makes the bird look taller than it is, a Snowy Egret is a some what short egret. I think I'll stick to 16 by 20.

And no, I don't use Photoshop. I use Photoshop Elements.

11-06-2018, 01:48 AM	#1
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I would like your advice on a print This photo. It was suggested I print and have framed to hang on my wall. I need to ask if you can suggest a paper type to have it printed on and which online printer you would us, that would get the best results without costing a lot of money. Normhead suggest a size of 16x20, what do you think? Yes? No? bigger? I don't want to make it too large so it distorts the image, or too small so as not to show it's grandness either.

11-06-2018, 03:53 AM	#5
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Most of the ones I mentioned are online. Walgreens is local, but there another that is local too, my niece has used them and had good results as she says, but she's not a photographer by any means, so her opinion may not be as good as mine when it comes to prints. I used to print my own photos on an Epson wide format printer but that was years ago and I no longer have one of those printers. And don't plan on buying another with the cost of ink now days. I'll have to check this other place my niece goes too and see what they have to offer. It's not really a photo place, it's Sherwin Williams paint store, but they do mounting and all of it. Last edited by photolady95; 11-06-2018 at 05:22 AM.

11-06-2018, 04:44 AM	#10
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inches Remember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first. Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ? Last edited by pschlute; 11-06-2018 at 04:50 AM.

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11-06-2018, 02:54 AM	#2
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Personally, I start with working out where I want it to go, then measure the space I have.

11-06-2018, 03:05 AM	#3
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Thanks. Space isn't an issue. I have plenty of that. Three bare walls, nothing on them, large living room. 20x15. Where to go is mostly the issue too I think. I've heard a few names, mpix, shutterbug, Adoroma, etc. Walgreens can print up to 16x20 but I'm not sure what type of paper they'd use and I want a professional looking photo, not you're every day snapshot of the kids photo.

11-06-2018, 03:39 AM	#4
rjbrett Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Brisbane Posts: 895	Can you get a sample pack of different types from any of them? - I've just sent my first (free) test order off here to printers in Brisbane, and they give out a sample pack of small prints on different surfaces, and a "Shirley" (printed, with jpeg available online) so you can calibrate you monitor. They will also color correct as they are printing if you ask them to. I went in to collect the sample pack, and talk with them about what I need to do, but they would have been just as happy to do this over the phone and by mail. They also have a lot of information on how to get good prints on their website.... Hoping I can pick them up Friday - see how I've gone....

11-06-2018, 03:58 AM	#6
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by photolady95 Thanks. Space isn't an issue. I have plenty of that. Three bare walls, nothing on them, large living room. 20x15. Actually I'd consider that quite a large issue. If it is to be the only print up there, then a smallish print like 16x20 will look very lost. If you plan several prints then it's worth getting the collection together first so you can plan on paper how best to arrange them.

11-06-2018, 04:01 AM	#7
TonyW Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 706	Originally posted by photolady95 This photo. It was suggested I print and have framed to hang on my wall. I need to ask if you can suggest a paper type to have it printed on and which online printer you would us, that would get the best results without costing a lot of money. Normhead suggest a size of 16x20, what do you think? Yes? No? bigger? I don't want to make it too large so it distorts the image, or too small so as not to show it's grandness either. Paper surface type is very personal choice. FWIW my preference for this image would be a satin, lustre finish to hold shadow detail. There are also some pretty amazing printing materials out there metallics and acrylic types that you may want to look at for a modern/contemporary look. Print size at this aspect ratio being 20" x 13+", a nice size IMHO for the subject matter, although depending on viewing area you may want to consider larger. Should you be intending to frame behind glass then glass type (NR or standard) will have an effect on the viewing experience. No ideas on your local labs so hope someone can recommend something local to you.

11-06-2018, 04:02 AM	#8
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	It's not going to be the only print there. I have several I'm going to have printed and mounted, then I'll frame them. I have several frames ready for them waiting til they're printed and mounted.

11-06-2018, 04:09 AM	#9
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Thanks Tony. I don't like glossy paper. When I printed my own, I used lustre or satin photo paper, not always Epson brand either. Glossy adds too much sheen to a print and causes problems. Especially behind glass. And these have to behind glass, too humid and dusty here to not be protected that way. We live in a house that by January 2019 will be sixty years old. Think accumulated dust over sixty years, leaking out into the air. You said glass type. What is NR to Standard?

11-06-2018, 04:55 AM	#11
TonyW Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 706	Originally posted by photolady95 .... You said glass type. What is NR to Standard? Sorry, should have said Non Reflective or Anti Reflection glass ArtGlass - Specialist glass products - Invisible glass

11-06-2018, 05:12 AM	#12
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inches Remember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first. Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ? I have the original .DNG file, full resolution 16mp camera, K-50. I don't shoot JPEG. 3272x4936

11-06-2018, 05:25 AM	#13
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I’ve used Adorama and really liked it. I then took the print to Hobby Lobby and had it mounted to foam board and it looks spectacular.

11-06-2018, 05:52 AM	#14
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by photolady95 I have the original .DNG file, full resolution 16mp camera, K-50. I don't shoot JPEG. 3272x4936 Excellent, you will be able to print up to 16" on the long side no problem.

11-06-2018, 05:52 AM	#15
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712 Original Poster	Originally posted by pschlute Check with the printing company on what resolution they require for prints. Generally 300 ppi is going to give you a good print resolution-wise. So what is the largest size file you have of this image ? Divide the pixel x pixel resolution by 300 and that will give you an idea how large you can print in inches x inchesRemember prints generally come out darker than what we see on our screens, so it may be wise to get a small test image done first.Also preparing a picture for a print generally requires more sharpening than an image for on screen viewing. Do you use Photoshop ? When I did as you said, divided pixel x pixel resolution by 300, I get 10 by 20 and I think that is too skinny and makes the bird look taller than it is, a Snowy Egret is a some what short egret. I think I'll stick to 16 by 20. And no, I don't use Photoshop. I use Photoshop Elements.