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Struggling with export settings for printing
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Jul 14, 2018 14:38:55   #
jimjams
 
I am new to photography and am very new to LR (6). I shot my photos in RAW, developed and now want to export so I can print them.
Can someone please put me out of my misery and tell me what export settings I should be using to get the best I can from my pics.

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Jul 14, 2018 14:56:59   #
eagle80 Loc: Kutztown, PA
 
Are you printing them yourself?

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Jul 14, 2018 15:07:05   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
jimjams wrote:
I am new to photography and am very new to LR (6). I shot my photos in RAW, developed and now want to export so I can print them.
Can someone please put me out of my misery and tell me what export settings I should be using to get the best I can from my pics.


Full size, highest quality JPEGs in sRGB color space, if sending to a conventional photo lab. For example:

8x10 @ 250 original file pixels per inch:

8x250 by 10x250 or 2000x2500 pixels
Set quality to 100% or 12 or maximum (which minimizes JPEG compression artifacts).

If you adjust color, you should be using a desktop monitor, calibrated with a colorimeter and custom profiled with the software that came with the colorimeter. DataColor and X-Rite make those kits.

For best possible color, also get the lab’s profile to use in LR as a proofing profile (to simulate the look of their printer).

I recommend you find a good professional color lab and establish a reasonable relationship with them. They will (should!) be happy to help you get the best from their services.

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Jul 14, 2018 15:13:14   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
If you are printing to a Lab, ask them for size, dpi and color space recommendations based on their equipment.
For yourself, same process but in LR, you can use the print module to perform task. I have a Canon PRO-100, and I activate print preview for a final check of settings. Beats wasting a piece of paper.

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Jul 14, 2018 16:04:08   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
jimjams wrote:
I am new to photography and am very new to LR (6). I shot my photos in RAW, developed and now want to export so I can print them.
Can someone please put me out of my misery and tell me what export settings I should be using to get the best I can from my pics.


This will tell you how many pixels you need in your image - based on size and average viewing distance. If you anticipate closer viewing, then increase the # of pixels.

http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/printing/resolution/1_which_resolution_print_size_viewing_distance.htm

If you look at their minimum recommended settings - an 8x10 only needs 181 ppi, or 1448x1810 to have adequate sharpness. A smaller print, which is usually veiwed closer, will need 300 ppi or more. There is a limit to what you can see in terms of fine detail, and age, vision, viewing distance etc all contribute to the perception of sharpness. It's the reason why an Apple iPhone billboard, or a vehicle wrap - can be printed at 30 or 40 ppi and it will look amazing.

The link above provides some formulas and a link to hard science on vision and distance and how it relates to resolutions required.

You will never see any difference between 8 and 12 quality.

If you are using an un-profiled display - then it is likely too bright, which will result in prints that may look ok on screen but will print too dark.

As has been recommended, if you are printing with a lab, have them provide the printer profile so you can soft-proof in your software. If you are printing yourself, you will be fine if you use OEM paper and ink, and use the print preview.

You will get your best results when you are using a recently profiled display, that has been adjusted to a white point of 80 candelas/square meter. Many displays will be set at the factory to 120 or even higher.

Most print labs don't care about dpi - they care if you have enough pixels to print to the size you are looking for. If you have more, their raster image processor (RIP) will make sure anti-aliasing, print-sharpening and and resolution are optimized for the print size.

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Jul 14, 2018 16:26:29   #
jimjams
 
No, I don’t think so eagle80, I only have a canon all-in-one printer which I suspect is not up to the task..

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Jul 14, 2018 16:29:50   #
jimjams
 
Thank you, this helps. I only have my laptop though it’s a good one. I shall have to look for a good (uk) photo lab.
There’s a lot to be aware of I am finding!

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Jul 14, 2018 16:34:22   #
jimjams
 
Gene51, this is a great link, I appreciate your reply.
I already have a learning curve for my photos, yet unless I manage to get some good quality prints, I shall feel I’m cheating myself..

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Jul 14, 2018 16:36:30   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
jimjams wrote:
Gene51, this is a great link, I appreciate your reply.
I already have a learning curve for my photos, yet unless I manage to get some good quality prints, I shall feel I’m cheating myself..


Glad you found it helpful. I have printed 40x60 and sold a number of images using a 6 mp (2000x3000) image from a Nikon D70S and no one ever complained about getting a soft image.

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Jul 15, 2018 06:26:48   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
If you are printing to a Lab, ask them for size, dpi and color space recommendations based on their equipment.
For yourself, same process but in LR, you can use the print module to perform task. I have a Canon PRO-100, and I activate print preview for a final check of settings. Beats wasting a piece of paper.



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Jul 15, 2018 09:09:56   #
pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY
 
jimjams wrote:
I am new to photography and am very new to LR (6). I shot my photos in RAW, developed and now want to export so I can print them.
Can someone please put me out of my misery and tell me what export settings I should be using to get the best I can from my pics.


Start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqDRT9vILis Youtube will have most of your answers on editing etc.

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Jul 15, 2018 12:14:36   #
PhotoDakota
 
If I export to send to a reputable printing firm, I check to see what they need and recommend. If I am printing myself with my Canon Pro-100, I use Canon Print Studio Pro in LR. I installed it and it shows up under File in Plug-in Extras. Canon Print Studio Pro lets you adjust your settings and lets you choose your exact paper from any company and ICC profiles. I prefer the control with CPSP to the print module in LR. It's free. I downloaded some of my ICC files from Red River Paper. Best wishes for a hassle-free print.

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Jul 15, 2018 13:36:09   #
stanperry Loc: Spring Hill, Florida
 
On the issue of printing, I’m interested in the opinions of my fellow hoggers. I Would like to get some printing done, and I want print quality that provides a true representation of the photos. My D500 photo quality is extraordinary (compare to lesser instruments like my iPhone), and I can see no reason to have such a fine and expensive camera if the end result could have been rendered by a coolpix. Is jpg the best format? Where do you find a printing company that has the capability to reproduce the photos accurately? Do you download from your editing program directly to a flash drive? (I assume that details are lost in the electronic transfer to a flash drive, and even more if the pics are emailed?)? Do you have a recommendation for a personal printer? (I’m going to buy a laser printer for my business). I’m sure I’m not asking enough questions because I’m not knowledgeable in this area, so if I’ve missed technical details, please give me an education!
As usual, I’m grateful to this forum for giving me such a powerful place to ask my questions, and to each of you who take the time to share your experience and knowledge!

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Jul 15, 2018 14:36:50   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
stanperry wrote:
On the issue of printing, I’m interested in the opinions of my fellow hoggers. I Would like to get some printing done, and I want print quality that provides a true representation of the photos. My D500 photo quality is extraordinary (compare to lesser instruments like my iPhone), and I can see no reason to have such a fine and expensive camera if the end result could have been rendered by a coolpix. Is jpg the best format? Where do you find a printing company that has the capability to reproduce the photos accurately? Do you download from your editing program directly to a flash drive? (I assume that details are lost in the electronic transfer to a flash drive, and even more if the pics are emailed?)? Do you have a recommendation for a personal printer? (I’m going to buy a laser printer for my business). I’m sure I’m not asking enough questions because I’m not knowledgeable in this area, so if I’ve missed technical details, please give me an education!
As usual, I’m grateful to this forum for giving me such a powerful place to ask my questions, and to each of you who take the time to share your experience and knowledge!
On the issue of printing, I’m interested in the op... (show quote)


I think just about everything you need to know was answered in the posts above. If you have a specific question not answered, start a new post so it is not buried in the OP's post. BTW, Laser printer are not for printing photographs. Great for text or business graphics, but not quality photographs.

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Jul 15, 2018 20:26:36   #
jimjams
 
Thanks PhotoDakota, perhaps I shall one day be able to invest in dedicated photo printer. I’ve had a look at your one and the 8 (I think) individual inks must make all the difference, it’s now on my wish-list..

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