From Proofs to Prints

It’s a process…

Although our photo session ends with you in front of the camera, it doesn’t end for me until the digital files are processed and proof ready for clients.  Getting proofs ready for viewing is a detailed process of post production starting with archiving and ending with preparing files in a format suitable for proofing.  Since this process is time and labor intensive, typically you will receive an email notification 2-4 weeks after your session with details for ordering, setting up a consultation appointment and the password to view your online proofs.

Without getting too complex my processing algorithm which can vary from digital image to image…  The first step is archiving the file and then a number of modifications which can range from basic to extensive multiple tiered adjustments such as adjusting the color of light, tonal conversions such as Black & White and Sepia, and finally conversion to a file format for output that will allow the photograph to be a proof or printed. Each image typically goes through two rounds of post-production. The first round is to process the digital files for proofing. The second round of post production occurs prior to us sending out the selected images for print to the professional labs we partner with.  The examples below illustrate the differences between a Proof and a professional lab Print.

The image on the left is a PROOF versus the image on the right which is a PRINT

Post production of a digital image can take hours and is very skilled work. We have invested not only in professional cameras to ensure optimal image capture but supporting hardware for color calibration and software applications for image processing and special applications to enlarge image size without image degradation. We partner with the top professional labs for our photographic prints and they print on high-quality photographic papers and products.

With the increase in quality of camera lens, we are able to get very sharply focused images which is great but sometimes it’s almost too sharp, as the lens picks up the smallest of imperfections even on flawless skin. When you look at the 4×6 inch proofs details that are not as noticeable will become more exaggerated when you print photographs in larger sizes.

The image on the left is a PROOF versus the image on the right which is a PRINT

Retouching an image can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more to process. The examples show here are considered basic retouching and part of the process in preparing an image for print.  This is just one of the advantages of choosing Cara Mia Fotografie to capture your beloved memories. If you have specific questions about image retouching and restoration please contact us for more information. Retouching rates do apply as an additional charge for more involved work and are at the request of the client.

The image on the left is a PROOF versus the image on the right which is a PRINT

Digital camera’s have come a long way…they are amazing instruments that help me create art and express my photography style and creativity, but they are simply the “tools of the trade” and my approach to print development is similar to the way I worked with film negatives in the chemical darkroom. Our approach to print development starts with “camera capture”,  I shoot in a format that allows for minimal adjustments to be made by the camera so that I can creatively control how an image is captured, images are then carefully developed in our “digital darkroom” and then sent out to our professional labs for print development. It is a highly technical and creative process that requires considerable time and effort behind the scenes after your session, but we believe it translates to the quality of our imagery and our unique photographic style.

This image shows what the camera records and “develops”  which are more mutated tones versus the bands where the image has been “developed” by me which have more details,color and tonality.

At Cara Mia Fotografie we care very much about presenting clients with quality products and services and believe that our extra attention to detail is what differentiates us.  Because the images displayed in your home reflect on our talent and showcase our work, you can be sure that we take great pride in ensuring that commissioned portraits from Cara Mia Fotografie are developed and printed with the utmost care and that they reflect the high standards we set for ourselves. Clients who commission portraiture from Cara Mia Fotografie often do so because they appreciate unique, one-of- a-kind pieces of Art that reflect their style. Our mission is to create Portraits, Albums and Wall displays that clients value and cherish… sharing them with family and friends for years to come.

Cara Mia Fotografie creates Art for the Modern Family
“My goal is to create authentic imagery that reflects my clients individual style… My creative passion is to deliver imagery where my clients become Modern Art… My inspiration is always the subject in front of my camera and My perspective is that a commissioned portrait is the best way to preserve beloved memories.”

Cara Renee, Principal Photographer

Contact us toll-free at 877-568-2272 to schedule an appointment.
© Cara Mia Fotografie All rights reserved. None of these images are in the public domain. Please see Copyright information or contact info@fotocaramia.com

 

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