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tutorials:common_image_problems

Prints On Demand: Common Image Problems

Before You Upload an Image:

Remember to check it at 100% zoom (actual pixels - 1:1 view). See how to check your image at 100% (actual pixels).

Image Requirements:

  • File types accepted are: .JPG, .PNG, .TIF and .GIF.
  • Minimum dimensions: 750 pixels x 900 pixels (h x w) or 900 pixels x 750 pixels (h x w).
  • Minimum file size: 150KB
  • Maximum file size: 350MB

Print Sizing:

You will be able to offer up to 6 options, ranging from 5“ x 5” to 35“ x 35”. The system will automatically calculate this for you based on the dimensions of the image you uploaded.

Our Review Process:

We guarantee all purchases from the Prints-On-Demand (POD) program with a 7-day money-back guarantee. We do not require that our members be responsible for the costs associated with this returns policy (such as print material, frames, mats, or shipping). As such, members of our team review each and every image submitted to the prints on demand program for quality. Our staff must reject images which show any signs of poor quality. If one of your images is rejected, you will receive an e-mail with an explanation of why it was rejected. At that point, all you need to do is correct the problem, upload the corrected image and make sure the choice for “enable prints-on-demand” is selected. We'll then take a look at the corrected image and, hopefully, accept it. You will not receive a message when images are approved.


Here are some examples of poor image quality:

Compression Artifacts - pixelated clusters. Macroblocking - faint checkerboard/weave pattern.

 

Pixelation Blurriness

 

TIP #1 - Avoid Enlarging Your Images

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU ENLARGE THE IMAGE. This will result in your image becoming degraded when it is printed. When an image is enlarged, the program needs to guess the colors of the added pixels to the image, which results in a degradation of the overall quality of the image, and therefore the print.

TIP #2 - Avoid Using File Compression

Usually a result of saving your images either for web-use or setting a .jpg compression that is less than 100. You do not want to save your images in anything other than the highest quality setting available. Can also result from taking the photograph with low quality or applied compression within the camera settings.

If you are using Photoshop, be sure to not save your images with “Save for Web or Devices”. Instead, use “Save As” and choose 100% for the quality setting.

TIP #3 - Crop Your Image Properly

Crop as closely to the image so that there are no borders or background showing at all. You can crop your image in any photo editing program, such as: http://pixlr.com/editor

 

TIP #4 - Poor Camera Equipment

Ideally, you want a camera that has a removable lens and manual settings, such as a DSLR or SLR. Point-and-shoot cameras, even with a high megapixel capacity, have inherent limitations and won't produce the best possible print (a higher number of megapixels won't guarantee a better print as megapixel rating is only takes you so far and is only one part of taking better photographs). With that said, you can successfully use a newer point-and-shoot camera when the best steps are applied, such as having good lighting, setting your camera at its best quality settings, eliminating camera shake, proper exposure, perpendicular positioning and saving your post-edited images without any file compression.

We do not recommend taking photos with your tablet, smartphone or webcam, as the cameras in these devices will rarely meet the requirements for Prints On Demand.

TIP #5 - Poor Camera Focus / Blurry

The result of a poorly focused camera. You will need to re-shoot the photo.

TIP #6 - Make Sure the Alignment is Correct

The four sides of the image are not perpendicular. The camera must be parallel and straight-on to the artwork so that the sides of the image are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top and bottom. If possible, use a tripod together with a remote release or timer to reduce camera shake. If you do not have a tripod, then try to rest the camera on a stable platform. Align the camera to the subject so that it is parallel and make sure it is a straight shot. Step back and make sure the angle for both is the same as well. The edges of the work should not appear to be distorted or the perspective warped when viewed through the camera.

TIP #7 - Check for Any Camera Glare

This can be due to a very reflective oil painting surface. Also, remove any glass before photographing. Use a polarizing lens.

TIP #8 - Check for Even Illumination

The image appears to have shadowing/uneven illumination, which means that areas of the image appear to be darker than others. You will need to re-shoot the image. Tips to avoid uneven illumination include using a flat-bed scanner or using special lighting within a studio environment.

TIP #9 - Scanning Rainbow Effect

This happens when the scanner light shows through the paper. Place an opaque piece of paper on top of the artwork.


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tutorials/common_image_problems.txt · Last modified: 2024/05/06 16:14 (external edit)

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