First post, how to print? Bonus Airshow pics

I searched for a while, but there is WAY to much information on this site for me to dig through.

I went out for the first time with my XTi to an airshow here in Fort worth Texas. I'd like to get some prints made. I have all the original files ready to rock and roll so im curious as to what things to do to optimize quality of printing and what medium to use to get them printed, and where to go

Things like, are levels good to mess with, unsharp mask? Assume i know nothing


On to the pics

Just used the kit lens and a 50mm/f1.8II. Post process was also a first for me, just basic level adjustment and crop as well as unshapr mask, nothing beyond that.

There are a lot of pictures here, and none are perticularly good imo, but i need some C&C to get better. All in all for a first time out, really 1st time getting to use the camera i was fairly pleased.

Thanks for your time

enjoy

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Woah up there cowboy...

You might consider posting the images (limit of 2 attached or 8 linked) in Transportation instead of here.

Usually, people only attach problem images along with questions about processing or printing...

http://i441.photobucke​t.com …qq135/cade_d/al​iaair7.jpg

http://i441.photobucke​t.com …qq135/cade_d/al​iaair9.jpg

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #6495909
Woah up there cowboy...

You might consider posting the images (limit of 2 attached or 8 linked) in Transportation instead of here.

Usually, people only attach problem images along with questions about processing or printing...

well, being as it was my first time, i thought id show how my first "Session" of everything went to get some constructive criticism on a bit of it all to look at overall trends.

going back to limit photos, will make thread in transportation for C&C, my bad

Tamrac wrote in post #6495918
well, being as it was my first time, i thought id show how my first "Session" of everything went to get some constructive criticism on a bit of it all to look at overall trends.

No problem but you're in the wrong forum for that...

Like I said, most folks only include one or two "problem" images when they seek processing/printing help.

General photo sharing for this genre should be Transportation and there is also a Critique Forum specifically for feedback from others.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #6495924
No problem but you're in the wrong forum for that...

Like I said, most folks only include one or two "problem" images when they seek processing/printing help.

General photo sharing for this genre should be Transportation and there is also a Critique Forum specifically for feedback from others.

Thanks, so...what about general printing help

Tamrac wrote in post #6495939
Thanks, so...what about general printing help

What kind of printer do you have and how big do you want to print?

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #6496045
What kind of printer do you have and how big do you want to print?

oh good heavens i don't have a good enough printer. I'd have to take it somewhere/send it in.

ideally i'd like 8x12 or so of the nicer shots maybe.

I'm curious as to the best method of cropping and color adjustment is, if that makes sense. Like, crop it down to teh size i want in PS/save it that way or if there are better ways.

and can you use things like USM on prints

Until you learn a bit about the most effective use of the post processing tools in Photoshop, it might be best to limit their use, especially levels. Too much use of the Levels Tool can result in visible posterization and banding in an image. The images that you show are sharp enough to print as they are without any further processing. The amount of post processing that you do is also dictated by whether you shot the images in RAW or JPG. If you crop the images, just make sure that the resolution is sufficient at the size that you want to print. There is no hard and fast rule about the resolution, but as a rough guideline, I would want my images to have a resolution of 240 pixels per inch or better at the selected print size.

BTW, I presume that plane #1 is a A10 Warthog, a.k.a., Sitting Duck.

Your shots can be printed pretty effectively up to 12x18 or so without resizing -- you can use one of the Photoshop sharpening tools, as well as normal contrast/saturation adjustments, and it should be good to go.

For larger prints, it can be helpful to resize the pic to the wanted size at a decent printing resolution (150 Pixels per inch at a minumum, up to 300 ppi or so) and then sharpen.

I would strongly suggest that before you put an order in for a complete job, have the lab do a proof of several photos -- either a page of say four 4x6 copies or, better yet, create crops from several photos so that you can see not only color/contrast prints but how an enlarged print will appear.

Awesome, thanks for the replies guys.

Where would you recomend send in the photos to, i.e. what constitutes a lab?

How do i check pixels/inch and what not in photoshop

bill boehme wrote in post #6496404
Until you learn a bit about the most effective use of the post processing tools in Photoshop, it might be best to limit their use, especially levels. Too much use of the Levels Tool can result in visible posterization and banding in an image. The images that you show are sharp enough to print as they are without any further processing. The amount of post processing that you do is also dictated by whether you shot the images in RAW or JPG. If you crop the images, just make sure that the resolution is sufficient at the size that you want to print. There is no hard and fast rule about the resolution, but as a rough guideline, I would want my images to have a resolution of 240 pixels per inch or better at the selected print size.

BTW, I presume that plane #1 is a A10 Warthog, a.k.a., Sitting Duck.

Yes, it is an a-10. Most of the sharpening done in those photo's are USM using anywhere form 175% to 400% and .3 radius. As i understand it that is a web hosting type setting. What is a good range for print settings?

bill boehme wrote in post #6496404
BTW, I presume that plane #1 is a A10 Warthog, a.k.a., Sitting Duck.

Sitting Duck? Hardly....

The A-10 happens to be one of the most nimble aircraft in the inventory.

It can snap turn faster than any other jet and turn inside the so called "fast movers" all day long.

God help the pilot who (in an air to air engagement) happens to end up on the wrong end of the A-10's GAU8 Cannon.

They call it the "Warthog Stomp" for a reason...