Software for electronic preview question

[tcmers]

Does anyone use their computer for proofs instead of printed proof sheets?
I typically prefer to order proofs because I like to see the print, but I recently had a customer that wanted Christmas cards so there was no time for the standard proof ordering, choosing and then ordering prints. I muttled through it, and now I'm think that there must be software available that I could use to show electronic proofs. Any suggestions? Personal experience?
Thanks in advance!

P.S. I am just starting my business, so open to lots of advice! LOL

[Blackey Cole]

Always

[Blackey Cole]

Look in to attending Keven Kubota's Dightial Photography Bootcamp or at least his book intitled the same. He walks you through one of the best workflow processes that I have seen,. I wished I woudl have read it before sinking money in to the software I did for tracking and stuff. Check it out.

[tcmers]

Thank you. I'll see if I can find the book.

[sapearl]

Hello Carol and welcome to the forum:D. For decades while I shot MF film I only used 5x5 proofs to examine my wedding and event work. Back when I was in school I'd make my own contact sheets, but clients wanted actual paper proofs when I moved into weddings.

Then along came digital for me not too long ago and I began using CS2, Bridge and ACR. My workflow sped up greatly. I still generate client 4x6 proofs, but view, cull, adjust and correct everything on screen before I email it to the lab. It's been a great system. I also provide online proof galleries for the client. - Stu

[tcmers]

Thanks Stu. I believe I'm thinking along the same lines. I wouldn't want to try to have a wedding proof review as electronic only.
I really just want to find something simple that I can quickly load photos into for portraits. I'll take a look at the ones you mentioned. I'm acustom to Photoshop, so that will likely be the first place I go.
Online galleries is the next step. I've looked at a few lab hosts, but believe I may just set up to allow ordering direct from my website instead.

[tracknut]

I use JAlbum for all my online proofs, and have it stamp my logo directly across the center of the image. The only problem I've run into is that the small proof images by definition will be sharper than a print, especially a large print. So every once in a while a customer will pick out an image to buy, then when I pull up the original to make a print I realize it's not as sharp as the customer probably thinks it is. Usually I catch these before going too far, but I did get caught once when the customer got back to me and questioned the final result. I just returned their money for that image.

Dave

[sapearl]

Hope I can help out Carol with additional info - sounds like we come from similar "schools." ;) If you have specific questions, ask away. For my proof galleries I rent space up on PBase. You can see what they look like by clicking my GALLERIES link. There is no shopping cart there though. Clients will contact me directly and either fill out a paper form or we will discuss the job over the phone.

Thanks Stu. I believe I'm thinking along the same lines. I wouldn't want to try to have a wedding proof review as electronic only.
I really just want to find something simple that I can quickly load photos into for portraits. I'll take a look at the ones you mentioned. I'm acustom to Photoshop, so that will likely be the first place I go.
Online galleries is the next step. I've looked at a few lab hosts, but believe I may just set up to allow ordering direct from my website instead.

[tcmers]

Jalbum looks interesting. I think I will download it and play around to see if I like it. I found one proof software that I apparently had installed as part of another package, but I don't care much for it.
Stu,
Thanks for the offer. I will likely take you up on it! I went to your website. VERY nice. Our site is new and a work in process. www.leesfineart.com (http://www.leesfineart.com)