The importance of knowing where a client is using your image
Cygnus Studios
Registered Users Posts: 2,294 Major grins
The catalog image in the people section got me thinking today and why it is important to know where your clients are using your images.
The main reason in knowing where they are using the image(s) is pricing. Obviously an international magazine spread will cost more than postcards, but it is also important in how you shoot, edit and deliver the images.
Most photographers use cameras that shoot in a 2x3 aspect ratio, so shooting for a full page magazine is going to require some thinking on the photographers part.
Depending on the client you may or may not wish to leave the crop and resizing up to them.
You also need to remember that not all printing is equal.
Magazines use a different quality paper and printing method than the vast majority of catalogs. It is also different from calendars, postcards, posters, billboards, wraps, etc.
Once you know where the client is using the images, you'll need to know what size those images will be run.
There is a ton more to it than shrinking it down or blowing it up. You have to know where the safe zones are, where the bleed lines are, where the cut lines are, etc.
Most photographers will spend an exorbitant amount of time getting the colors just right. Their monitors are calibrated, they are using color schematics, etc. and most clients do not. Most publishing outfits do not.
Also keep in mind the color conversion from RGB to CMYK and how that effects the image. Print is also reflective, not backlit like a computer screen.
Now if you are doing actual prints and using a great lab this can be important, but if you're doing a 15,000 postcard run it is much less so.
You always want the best image possible going out and if you know where it is being used, it will benefit your business in the long run.
The main reason in knowing where they are using the image(s) is pricing. Obviously an international magazine spread will cost more than postcards, but it is also important in how you shoot, edit and deliver the images.
Most photographers use cameras that shoot in a 2x3 aspect ratio, so shooting for a full page magazine is going to require some thinking on the photographers part.
Depending on the client you may or may not wish to leave the crop and resizing up to them.
You also need to remember that not all printing is equal.
Magazines use a different quality paper and printing method than the vast majority of catalogs. It is also different from calendars, postcards, posters, billboards, wraps, etc.
Once you know where the client is using the images, you'll need to know what size those images will be run.
There is a ton more to it than shrinking it down or blowing it up. You have to know where the safe zones are, where the bleed lines are, where the cut lines are, etc.
Most photographers will spend an exorbitant amount of time getting the colors just right. Their monitors are calibrated, they are using color schematics, etc. and most clients do not. Most publishing outfits do not.
Also keep in mind the color conversion from RGB to CMYK and how that effects the image. Print is also reflective, not backlit like a computer screen.
Now if you are doing actual prints and using a great lab this can be important, but if you're doing a 15,000 postcard run it is much less so.
You always want the best image possible going out and if you know where it is being used, it will benefit your business in the long run.
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