We understand that every client prefers different methods for getting to a final print. For example, some clients want only to see test strips, some want full proofs, some want both. Described below is our standard process for going from the original film/file to the final print.
Once you have decided on your final print-size, the scan is made in 8 or 16 bit RGB color space at the appropriate resolution for a print-size output of 200-360dpi. If you are working with digitally captured images, we will usually request that you provide us with the raw camera data (not necessarily meaning RAW format, but the file as it was captured in the camera, sans any post-processing). If so desired, you can also provide us with a file that you’ve worked on in post-production so we have a proper idea of where you’d like to see the file.
Either you take the file and work on it yourself, or we work on it with you in-lab.
Once the file is clean and visualized on-screen, we print a small proof and a 100% scale test strip.
After any adjustments are made and barring the need for a second proof, we do a first full print. If the print is good, we’re all happy. If the print is bad, we charge 50% of the full cost for the print, and a second “revised” print is made, which is billed at full price. You get both full prints (if you wish), all test strips, and the file used to make the final print.
Often we will keep a test strip of your final print for our own records. In the future, when you want a second, third, etc. print, we will use the test strip as a control strip to make sure our equipment is printing exactly the same as when we made the first print.