We receive a lot of questions about our digital files, so I would like to provide answers to some of the questions we hear the most.
How do you edit and retouch photos?
Each image travels through two levels of correction before it is printed. First, the image is downloaded straight from the camera. We shoot all images in a raw file format, DNG, which means digital negative. Much like a film negative, a raw digital negative is uncompressed and contains all the information captured by the sensor in the camera with no additional processing. Many consumer SLR’s and point and shoot cameras capture images in jpeg format while we are able to capture all the raw information in a DNG format. Raw files allow us to have the ultimate control over the correction of each image.
As we edit through each raw image we apply sharpening, increase contrast and fine-tune color balance. We also apply a custom sepia tone to select photographs. The resulting images are the ones you see in your online proofs and digital files.
When you order prints, canvases or albums we take each image to the next level. We smooth skin, eliminate blemishes, remove distracting exit signs and outlets, clean lint and wrinkles from clothing, and generally perfect each image. These are the images you see in our online portfolio and blog.
What is a digital file?
A digital file is the high-resolution file that has been through the first round of corrections and has not been resized. Many people purchase digital files so they can print photos themselves, create scrapbooks and make greeting cards.
High-resolution digital files are available for purchase in your proofing gallery at www.spiegelstudios.com. You may either purchase a DVD of high-resolution digital files from your portrait session, or you may purchase your favorite single image or five images. High-resolution digital files are not included in any of our family portrait packages, and are only available a la carte. High-resolution digital files are included in our complete B’nai Mitzvah packages, IV, V and VI.
What will be on my low-resolution DVD?
We want you to be able to share all your favorite photos, which is why each regular portrait session includes a DVD with a complete set of low-resolution watermarked files. These files are sized for sharing through email and facebook. Each image contains a studio watermark, just like all of the photos published on our blog, and is not large enough to print. Images are copyrighted and may not be cropped or altered.
What can I do with high-resolution digital files?
You can print photos, create photo books and make your own holiday cards. Only you have a license for personal use of the digital files. The license does not grant permission to email, sell, modify or enter the photos in contests. If you would like the photos to be in a magazine or on a website we would be happy to work with that publication.
Can I purchase a DVD with all of my images in final print quality?
We spend from 20-30 minutes retouching each image and charge $35 per image for additional retouching, so we are unable to offer a DVD with each and every perfected image from your shoot.
Why should I order prints from your studio?
Studio prints, canvases and albums are the only way to purchase the final retouched version of each photograph. Each image travels a long road before it is printed, and that road requires a specific set of skills, so we charge accordingly for this service. This is why there is a price difference between the 4×6 you can get at your local photo store and purchasing one from our studio.
Our professional lab works exclusively with photographers, the quality of their prints is unmatched. The photo technicians take great care in their work, they aren’t just some high school kids working at your local one-hour-photo store.
One-hour prints are quickly run through a machine that prints on low quality paper and makes auto adjustments that more often than not produce prints that look worse thanks to those “improvements.” Each image we print is calibrated for the machines used by our lab. The technicians take great care in the color fidelity, accuracy, and consistency of their final product, as do we.
Who owns the copyright to the photos?
We register all photographs with the U.S. Copyright office and retain the copyright to all of our work. Each DVD of digital files comes with a license to print the photos for personal use.