Digital cameras have made it possible for any of us to become reasonably good photographers because we can practice, and experiment and keep taking photos until we get it right. Add to this the fact that most of us have access to image editing software and printers, so that the photo studio of old has become practically obsolete. Here’s what you should keep in mind about processing and printing digital photos whether it is to send to relative, to make personal greetings, or to display on the walls.
Firstly make sure that your picture is a good, high resolution photo that will translate well into a print. Then look at the various ways in which you can easily improve the look of the photo. This is useful for any picture, whether you plan to print it or want to upload it to a website or a social networking site.
Crop the unwanted part
You can crop photos to remove unnecessary portions. For instance you captured a great portrait shot of your child – her expression is priceless, the light is great and the colors perfect. But you don’t want to print the clutter behind of the open window on the side. So crop the photo to remove extraneous stuff.
Adjust color and brightness
Software to remove red eye, improve light and contrast is easy to use and can greatly enhance your photo. You can sharpen the focus, enhance brightness and adjust color of the photo to improve the visuals. However you do have to remember that what you see on your computer screen is not likely to be reproduced as faithfully in your printed results. So your monitor has to be properly calibrated for color, density and contrast for you to be able to preview what a printed photo will look like.
Use filters
You can even play around with software to produce interesting looks such as a sepia tint to recreate an antique look, or a black and white setting for a classic retro look. You can use various filters to make a photo look more artistic and visually appealing.
Check your printer settings
It goes without saying that the better the quality of your printer and printer paper, the better your results are going to be. Even if your printer is not professional caliber, you can still get pretty good results by using the best print setting available on it and by using high quality photo paper for printing. Also ensure that your printer is equipped with the latest print driver and that your printer is recently serviced and working well. Ideally, take a test copy before using the photo paper for the final result.
