Prepping Your Images To Print
Before you are ready to print your photographs, there are a series of steps you must take to prep your images.
STEP 1: SHARPENING
- You must be sure to sharpen your image
- Brighten your image to print with a curves adjustment layer
- Do a final check for clipping (loss of detail) in your shadows and highlights
- Resize your image for the paper size you are printing on
STEP 1: SHARPENING
- To sharpen your image, you must first duplicate the background image. Make sure that you have opened your photograph in Photoshop as a smart object. Click your bottom image layer to highlight it and choose command+j to duplicate the layer. Rename the layer Sharpen.
- Next, with the duplicate layer highlighted, go to Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask.
- Keep in mind that the amount of sharpening you apply will vary depending on each image. But generally, it is good to follow these guidelines when sharpening:
Amount: between 60-100
Radius: 1
Threshold: 1 - When you are finished, choose OK.
STEP 2: BRIGHTEN TO PRINT
- Before printing your image, it is best to brighten the image overall with a curves adjustment layer.
- Always rename the curves adjustment layer "print" or something logical, so that you remember what it is for.
STEP 3: FINAL CHECK FOR CLIPPING
- Check for any clipping in your image area by creating a levels adjustment layer.
- Hold down the option key and click the arrows on the left or right side of the adjustment layer to check for clipping.
STEP 4: RESIZE YOUR IMAGE
- You will need to resize your image before printing. The size you choose will depend on the size paper you are printing on.
- Navigate to Image>Image Size or choose command+option+i to pull up your image size settings. Always uncheck the box that says resample.
- Adjust your image height and width for the paper you are printing on.
For 8.5 x 11" paper, your image size should be 9 x 6.
11.7 x 16.5": 10 x 15
13 x 19": 18 x 12
17 x 22": 21 x 14