So for the first time, I have been trying to get prints of my photos. First, I used Adorama.com. I selected full image prints, no cropping, but when I received the prints, part of the bottom was cropped. The only reason I could tell is because my name was cut in half. I need to figure out how to get prints correctly. Can I resize my photos in PS to the correct sizes without losing any of the image? If so, could you give me an example? I really want to figure this out so my future prints aren't a waste of money and are usable. Please help. Thanks!

Eric

Here is what I mean. I had to upload an example just to show you guys what I'm dealing with if you can't understand my horrible explanation : p

You can see here that the photo is a "full bleed" with borders only at the top and bottom. This isn't ideal for me, but I figured they would come as the full image with absolutely no cropping.

As you can tell in this closer image, there is, in fact, a small amount of cropping. I believe this is a 11x14 print, and the cropping gets worse the smaller the print.

Here is the original photo


Also, the colors seem to not be the same, and all prints seem a lot darker than the originals...


Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Well, I'd say the easiest answer is to get your own printer, there are some really good printers that will handle 13" paper rolls at reasonable prices, and use archival inks. Otherwise go with a local printer where you can deal with them directly and tell them exactly what you want, and check quality control.

It's been my experience that almost all online printers will do at least some slight cropping, so when it comes to things like text it always needs a safe margin from the edge. Just like when you are putting titles on a video, you need to allow for over-scan for the different displays it will end up on.

Is there anyway I can change the sizes of the image or something to fit the different size prints without losing any of the image? This stuff is confusing : /

The aspect ratio that dslrs have is different than common paper sizes, for example the 2:3 ratio for our dslrs yield a 8x12 print so for a 8x10 you will need to crop the image or have the borders like your photo indicates. Many print ervices will print so that you can get the entire print without cropping or getting strange looking borders.

To get your prints to match your computer monitor you will need to profile (calibrate) your monitor and you will want to get the printer profile for the printer that is printing your photo. If you do your own printing custom profiles for your printer matched to the paper you are printing on.

HTH,

Scott

Scott, thanks for the reply. Do you know any good online printing services? If not, what's a good printer?

Eric - there are lots of good on line printers, MPIX, Bay Photo, WHCC all come to mind very quickly. You may want to interact with a Pro Printer in your area, as many of them will help walk you through the entire print process - that I how I learned.

Scott

I've gotten lots of prints done through adorama and have been satisfied, go for the metallic paper regardless of where you order from. I still don't understand, however, why my 8x12 prints seem like they are wider in print than on my screen.

As for color calibration, get something like this to make sure your prints come out right:
http://spyder.datacolor.com/product-mc-s3express.php

Thanks Andrew. I realized that I could print 6x9 and 8x12 to get basically the full image with very minor cropping. I need to get that color calibrating thing too, though my monitor is really nice and I'm surprised it needs calibrated.

My Eizo ColorEdge at well over a Grand (£) looks fine but I still calibrate it every month or so and always before doing exhibition prints, don't trust you eye too much.
Here is an interesting link, http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/viewing.html many more if you Google color management.
Also try Bruce Frazer, his book Real world Color Management is a classic.

Many on-line printers will have colour profiles you can / need to download or they will specify the colour space of the digital file. Always check through their FAQ's for info or email them, it is not in their long term interest to produce poor prints.