Expert: Candice Anderson - 5/1/2006

Question
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Candice,

Thank you for your quick response, but I think I'm confused.  When I take my images to a lab to print them as 5"x7"s or 11"x14", the images are getting cutoff.  For example, if I had a border with my name around the edge of the photo on photoshop, it gets cut off in the print.  I'm just trying to figure what I'm doing wrong.  Do the labs need to adjust the image before printing it as a 4"x6", 5"x7", or whatever size I want, or do I need to crop my image to one of these specific sizes in Photoshop?

If it's the case that the image must be adjusted accordingly before printing, I'll make sure to tell the lab technician to do so.  Does this make more sense? I apologize if I'm not making my question clear. It's tough for me to explain photoshop problems!  Thanks.








Followup To
Question -
Candice,

I recently did a photoshoot with my new SLR camera.  I downloaded the images to my laptop and retouched them with Adobe Photoshop 7.0.  I cropped the images using the tool from the marquee.  I cropped based on my preference---since I did a fashion shoot, I cropped so that I did not cut off any of the models limbs.

However, I have had an issue with prints.  I did not plan to print anything over a 11"x14", but I keep getting different results from different printers. Some labs are cutting off my photos! I know this may be their fault for not adjusting the photo before print, but how can I crop to my planned printing size in Photoshop 7.0 so I won't have this issue?

Please help!
Answer -
hi there,

I'm not entirely sure what your asking.  Are each of these prints meant to be 11 by 14 in size when printed out, no matter how the big the object on the paper is, or are they printed in various sizes?  My suggestion, is do one size, it will save you sanity in the end.

now as for the cropping, I have a CS2 so it may be a little differnt:

File
print with preview
right under the picture there is a scroll down bar, choose output
choose crop marks
choose bleed marks if needed as well.
press ok
when you print, say print to file.
rename it.
it should go to your my docs file.

If this does not work, or for an easier way, you need to tell the printer you want this cropped a certain way.  So if you want each picture cropped differntly around the model, you need to let them know. Printer's are automatic, you have to tell them things. AND DON'T GO TO KINKOS, THEY WILL STARE AT YOU LIKE YOU HAVE A THIRD EYE. This kindof job requires a competient printer.

another option, if you have this program, is to throw your items into indesign, or quark and put one object per page.  Then make a pdf out of it.  This will automatically give you the option to crop and bleed, just follow the directions of course. That way you have a nice pdf all organzized.

Let me know if i need to clairify  :)  

Answer
ok, I know what your asking

Short answer, yes, you must give them crop marks and bleed marks.  what you should do though is find a good printer in your area (not kinkos) and send the them the file, just as you see it on your screen.  They will tell you how it needs to be prepped (or if they can do it) and they will tell you the cost.  

i hope this helps.  it all makes sense in my head, i swear :)