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 What You Should Know about Digital Images

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 1. IMAGE RESOLUTION. Image resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. The more pixels, the better the print quality. Here are some numbers to consider when supplying a digital file based on 4" x 6" print.
1024 x 768 - absolute minimum for good results.
1152 x 864 - recommended minimum for better results.
1600 x 1200 - recommended minimum for best results.
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 2. IMAGE RESOLUTION AND DPI. DPI refers to Dots-Per-Inch. Resolution is the amount of information that can be printed or displayed in any given area. Resolution is often referrred to as DPI or Dots-Per-Inch. Consider the final output size. If you have a wallet size image, 3" x 2", that is at 300 dpi, when we increase the size to fit your photo card, 6" x 4", it will be twice the size. Now that original 300 dpi image is only 150 dpi. We made it twice the size and so the dpi is reduced by half and so is the quality. The reverse can also be said for larger images. If you provide us with an image that is at 72 dpi, but is 12" x 8", when we reduce it to fit your photo card, the dpi can double, because we made it half the size, from 12" x 8" to 6" x 4" - from 72 dpi to 144 dpi and the quality improves.
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 3. IMAGE RESOLUTION AND FILE SIZE. The higher the resolution of the picture, the greater the file size. JPEG is a file compression system for reducing the size of your file. But for best results, always save your file in JPEG format with the least amount of compression. This will increase the file transfer time, but it will also give you better reproduction of your photo card.
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 4. SCANNING PHOTOGRAPHS AND DPI. Whether you scan an existing photograph or we scan it, here are the things that we consider important. We scan all original 4" x 6" prints at a minimum of 150% of size, that is 6" x 9", at 300 dpi with no compression. This gives us the sharpest details and the clearest image for printing. If you scan your own photographs for quicker delivery to us, that's fine. Just remember that you should scan at a minimum of 300 dpi. When saving the file in JPEG format, use the least compression possible. This will increase file transfer time but gives you better print quality.
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 5. USING MEGAPIXEL CAMERAS. Regardless of the pixel count of your camera it is always best to use the highest possible setting available. This will give you the best results. Photos that are not printed but are for use over the Internet can be taken at much lower settings. Photos that are printed, whether as a photo card or as individual prints, will always look better at the highest resolution. See No. 1 above for information on various resolutions and results.
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 6. CUSTOMIZED & PERSONALIZED ORDERS. We endeavor to produce the finest work possible for our customers. When we are supplied with less than perfect photographs and digital files, we will lighten and brighten, balance color as best we can, remove red-eye and add contrast as needed. We will also crop a photo or file for best arrangement of the subject. We do the best we can, every time, and cannot accept responsibility or returns unless we have made an obvious error.
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7. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY. All professional photographs must be accompanied by a release signed and dated by your photographer. The Photo Gift Shoppe assumes no responsibility or liability for use of professional images. If you do not have a signed release please do not submit photograph or digital image.
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 If you have any additional questions, please e-mail The Photo Gift Shoppe
and we will try to provide the information requested.
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Thank you for shopping at The Photo Gift Shoppe.
You'll always find more great photo gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Including you!

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