Large Format Printing

Instructions

These guidelines will help you understand the large format issues in case you want to print things very large, such as 24×36 or even larger. Follow these same steps when checking an image before printing it at 16×24, which is the size you need to print for your Fine Art Print project. Most digital cameras have plenty of resolution to print 16×24 @ 90+ ppi, but if you crop in on your image, or have your jpeg quality setting too low by mistake, you can use these techniques above to still pull off a 16×24 large format print.

1. Lower your screen brightness

Lower your screen brightness when you edit your images so they won’t print dark.
iMac Computers in lab – 45-50%
Personal Laptop – 60-70%

2. Pre-edit

Open the original unedited jpeg from Bridge by hitting Command R (or Control R on PC) to open in Adobe Camera Raw.
Try these edits:
– Raise your shadows and blacks so you won’t lose details when you print. This is one of the most important edits!
– Try different Temp options at the top (often move toward more warm (yellow and magenta)
– Add a little clarity for contrast and sharpness
– Whatever else it seems to need!
– Open Image into Photoshop.

3. Once in PS, Copy the layer. FIRST (Cmd J)

4. Check your Image Quality and size it before you start editing in Photoshop!

5. Basic Edits

– Straighten the image if needed.
– Try these Adjustment Layers (It is the circle “ying-yang” icon in the bottom of the Layers palette:
– Photo Filter – Color Balance – Levels. If you like the effect on part of the image, then mask it out in other areas.
NOTE: Once you use a mask, you should merge lower layers before adding new edits above. Then…
– BE SURE TO hide the Adjustment Layers first! (click eye icon at left of that layer) Use this SHORTCUT to merge all lower layers to one layer: Shift – Opt – Cmd E (or on PC: Shift-Alt-Ctrl E)
– Name that layer ALL to remind you it is a merged layer for future edits.
– Then turn back on your Adjustment Layers.

6. Finally add sharpness

Click on the second layer (copied image layer.. not the adjustment layers) And then go to Filter > Sharpness > Smart Sharpening. Usually, you will move the top slider 3/4 of the way to the right. And the next slider about 1/3. Hit OK. Then add a black mask to hide the sharpening (Option + Mask icon at bottom of layers palette.) Then use white paint to brush back in the sharpness where you want. Adjust the opacity of your brush to control how much sharpness you want. Zoom way in. If is too much, use black paint at reduced opacity to reduce. Or just reduce that whole layer opacity.
NOTE: If you need to do more edits, now that you have a masked Sharpen layer, Just use the SHORTCUT above in Step 5 to merge all lower layers to one layer.

7. Save & Export

– Save as a .psd with all layers. Add key words to remind you of your edits.
– Then flatten all layers (top right dropdown of the Layers Palette.
– Flatten Layers.
– Save as a jpeg – Quality 12 – Standard (not optimized or progressive.)

8. McKenna Pro

– Have your full-quality jpeg image ready on your computer/hardrive
– Download the ROES Installer in order to upload your print from https://mckennapro.com/ordering-software/#
– Click on the “Order Prints” tab on the top right
– On the left side under sizes choose “Photographic” and then click the “Metallic” and “Large Print” buttons
– Under the large print options choose “16X24” ($16.21)

– On the right side of the option window click on the “mount” drop down.
– Choose “Styrene – 16X24 $14.48”

– Click the plus “Add images” button at the bottom left and choose the folder that has your image inside. Click “open”
– The bottom filmstrip will then show all the images within that folder
– Drag your 16X24 image up to the white board (use the blue arrows if it is not right side up)
*Note: If there are funky colors in the preview check your color profile settings that it isn’t ProPhoto
– Click “Add to cart” and make sure it says Metallic Styrene 16X24 ($31.39 total) on the checkout/cart page.
– Add in the notes the coupon code (CE1624) and that you are a student of Caryn Esplin’s Digital Imaging Class
– Click the blue arrow at the bottom to check out. It will bring up another window for you to input all of your personal information.

– After you write in all of your information there will be another spot to add the coupon code again and it should drop the price down to $10.
– Take a screenshot of the email confirmation for the submission. They will email your new account number to use for future orders and they will give you a 25% off coupon for your next order with your print.

9. Submission

– Make a blog post featuring the before and after of your image selected for print.
– Add 3-5 sentences describing your process of editing for print and working with McKenna Pro.
– Submit your blog link to the WEB URL section on Canvas.
– Sister Esplin will have your FA print at her home when you come to the final reception.