Print
Lab FAQ -
Basic Knowledge
You
don’t have to be an expert at Photoshop to make great
prints. Thanks to WCI’s Print Lab and our online portal,
making great prints is as easy as uploading your files and placing
an order.
But
if you want to delve deeper into the art of photography, there
are limitless options to create photographs that express your deepest
emotions. This FAQ is designed to help those who want more control
of their photographs. It contains detailed information about our
processes, and techniques that can help you achieve your goals.
My
print doesn’t look the way I thought it would.
When you upload a file, we print it as-is. We assume that the file
is exactly as you want it. If you send us an out-of-focus file,
you’ll recieve an out-of-focus print. It is your responsibility
to make your files look the way you want them to, including color,
density, contrast, saturation, and sharpness.
If
you expect every print to look exactly the
way you envision, there is no way around the fact that you
will need to become familiar with the art of photography, and
how to use editing programs like Photoshop. We
have several features on our website (such as our Photoshop
Tips)
that will help you in your printmaking
pursuits.
Can you make changes to my file to make it look better?
If you want us to make changes to your photograph for you, we have
a separate service called Exhibitions Prints that allows you
to work with one of our expert printmakers. Please visit our
Exhibition
Print page for more details.
Can I print directly from my digital camera?
Yes,
you can. Our output devices are carefully profiled to accurately
reproduce your digital camera files when printing.
What
is your typical turnaround time?
We work on a first-come, first-served basis with all orders at
West Coast Imaging. Reprints and Preflighted prints are given
first priority by our imaging staff, and we work to complete
each order as quickly as possible, without sacrificing quality.
When we have prints with surface damage and other defects, we
reprint them until we have a perfect print to send you. This
adds time to each order. If you need it yesterday, we have RUSH
services that come along with RUSH charges. Regular reprint orders
generally take 5 to 7 business days in-house, but our workload
may dictate a longer turnaround. If you are working on a deadline,
even if it’s far in the future, please be sure to let us
know so we can work with you to meet your objectives.
Why
do you still offer prints on the Epson 9600? Isn’t the
9800 better?
We still have many clients who use the Epson 9600 with Ultrachrome
inks. It is still our printer-of-choice for color prints with Hahnemühle
Photo Rag. One of the things that makes us different is the variety
of options we offer to meet the many and varied needs of our customers.
Better is not always a quantifiable thing in printing. What’s
better, lobster or prime rib? It depends on your taste.
Copyright
2006 West Coast Imaging all
rights reserved. |
