AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
Please - NO operating, trouble-shooting, or purchase questions on point-and-shoot or video cameras.
Experience Author, "Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4" (available January 2009 from Peachpit.com). I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Publications CommunityMX.com, Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4 (Adobe Press)
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
Question Hi, i know little in photoshop, but now in my firm we have one digitally machine, and we can print custom fotowallpaper for room or office. Now question is what is the best way to resize picture to be 10 times bigger from original ?
When its on 300 dpi and when i transform each time to 10% i receive poor quality, when i make test to print.
I understand to i need miracle what i can't find, but when costumer bring some picture i need to try to print that.
Answer Thanks for your question!
There are a handful of elements you need to add to your work flow. First would be to determine what the acceptable viewing quality is for such large prints, and have a minimum specification for original artwork. This is usually determined by viewing distance, but if you are filling up a wall in an office, you may not be able to use real-world distances (e.g., most offices or rooms would be smaller than the minimum viewing distance for a billboard). So, the walls you want to cover may be larger than the acceptable viewing distance.
After you have determined this, you will need to investigate using a RIP with your printer. A RIP is a Raster Image Processor that helps control image output for your particular machine. They can be expensive, but if you do a lot of large print work, it will become invaluable. It helps with all kinds of management issues when printing high volume and large scale.
Third, the Photoshop solution will probably come in the form of a plugin. AlienSkin has a product called Blow-Up, which can be used to increase the size of your images quite a lot with little loss in quality. Keep in mind, however, that this increase in size also comes with an increase in acceptable viewing distance, though not as large as with the 10% interpolation method. Still, it's worth trying out.
So, the issues are: start with the largest image you can; control your printer's quality settings for the size you need to output; use software that is specifically aimed at enlarging digital images.
With any luck, you'll be able to print the sizes you need pretty quickly. Talk with your printer manufacturer about recommended RIP systems, and then get with the folks at AlienSkin to ask details about their product. They may have some other tricks that will help you out.
