Following a number of requests, I now offer custom Photoshop work and printing for clients' own images. Don't have time to attend one of my instructional Photoshop workshops? Not sure that your own Photoshop abilities are strong enough to obtain the best results from your images? Now you can obtain top-level, fully customized Photoshop work without visiting my studio in South Bend. In the past I have reserved this activity for private work sessions, working up clients' images while they are present. I realize that this is difficult if you are not located reasonably close to South Bend...now my personal services are as close as your mailbox!
Custom Photoshop work can be obtained for your images on its own, or in conjunction with Custom Prints. (More about prints below.) If you are working from film, may I suggest that you'll benefit by first obtaining one of my ultra high quality DRUM SCANS to digitize your film. If your images are already scanned, or if you are working from digital originals, you may send image files to me on DVD. RAW files are suggested for best results with digital originals. Completed files will be returned on DVD by the method of your choice (default is US Priority Mail); fast FTP delivery is also available at no extra charge, provided that you have server space available on which I can upload your files.
Important! If you intend to submit images, please read ALL of the following information carefully. The Photoshop work that I offer is truly customized: no default settings, no quick shortcuts, no one-size-fits-all corrections. Every image will be handled on an individual basis, and because every image is different, your input will be needed at various stages of the process. This is not a service for those who want quick turnaround on 50 wedding photos...it's intended for those who want the best. When you submit an image, you'll need to give me as much information as possible as to the corrections you would like me to make. While I have my own ideas about what will benefit an image, you may have different wishes and you'll have to convey these to me for the most satisfying results. Just to make a few examples, you might like to warm an image overall; lighten a dark area; remove unpleasant color casts; convert an image to black-and-white; touch up objectionable objects (such as removing graffiti, a stray twig, etc), or any number of other improvements. If you want, say, a tree trunk lightened or shadow detail maximized, tell me! I am well experienced with black-and-white as well as color images, and I'm happy to prepare any of these images to your specifications in the same detailed manner in which I optimize for color.
The completed file that you receive will be the full-sized image file with all adjustment layers included. A typical image may include 4-10 layers, depending on its complexity and the work that is needed. I tend to use multiple layers and masks for optimum results, but of course this varies from image to image. As a general rule, scans from film need more complex corrections than digital originals; the same is true for black-and-white images compared to color. Scans from larger film formats are typically more complex than those from from 35mm or digital capture. An image with less than ideal exposure or color balance will need more work than one that is in better condition for printing from the start.
THE PROCESS:
Send your image(s) along with deposit (see below) and Custom Photoshop Work order form. I'll prepare the images according to your specifications, then email a proof in .jpg form. If you approve the image as-is, I'll notify you if there are additional charges beyond the 1/2 hour already paid. If you want further changes, I'll make the corrections, send you another proof via email, and so on until you are satisfied with the final result. These additional changes are billed at the usual hourly rate. If you prefer an 8x10 printed proof, this can be supplied at $12 per proof plus shipping (see order form). Proofs are printed on Epson Ultrasmooth cotton rag paper (matte finish) with Ultrachrome ink; at present time, I don't offer physical proofs using other paper or ink sets.
Custom Photoshop work is charged at $65 per hour, with billing in 1/2 hour increments. Due to the nature of custom work, it's impossible to give you an exact quote in advance, although I may be able to give an approximate idea of time involved after I've seen your image and learn what corrections you want me to make. Unlike some Photoshop services, price is simply based on time to complete the image; no extra charges for 16-bit or large files! Advance payment of 1/2 hour (i.e. $32.50) per image plus return shipping (choices on order form) is required at time of image submission; additional work that may be required will be billed when you approve the final corrected image.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW FOR CUSTOM PHOTOSHOP WORK:
Accuracy of Photoshop correction and printing is dependent on a properly calibrated monitor. To properly view the images that I send you, you must have a calibrated monitor...you can't judge the results accurately otherwise. Please be aware that even the best calibrated monitor will never look exactly like a paper print; the systems and media are too different to allow an exact match. Visualizing the monitor image as it will appear on paper does take a bit of practice and experience.
Likewise, it's extremely important to know how your finished image will be printed so that I can optimize it for best results. By default, I will optimize for printing on Epson Ultrasmooth (matte cotton rag) paper with Ultrachrome ink unless you tell me otherwise. I realize that "otherwise" will frequently be the case. There are hundreds of different combinations of printer, paper and ink available; for best results, I need the proper profile for your intended printing method. I have many of these on hand, but you should be able to email a proper profile to me if it's one that I don't already have.
In addition to a full-sized file with layers intact, I can provide flattened, sized, and sharpened files (ready to print) if you wish.
I can't perform miracles; if your image is poorly exposed and lacks highlight or shadow detail, I can't create what doesn't exist. Likewise, if you'd like me to remove certain elements from an image, "substitute" elements that can be cloned into their place must be present in the image to obtain good results. I don't do work that I regard as "Graphic Art", for example extracting product shots from backgrounds, providing new faces for people, or incorporating new elements that weren't present originally. My service is intended to optimize what is already present, not to create photographic fakery!
If I feel that your photo can't be optimized to meet your wishes, I will tell you before beginning work. You may email a jpg (up to 1000 pixels in length) for my opinion prior to submitting an image.
Click here for Custom Photoshop Work Order Form
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW FOR CUSTOM PRINTING:
At present, Custom Printing is offered on a limited basis, exclusively using Epson Ultrasmooth cotton rag (matte) paper and Ultrachrome ink. This is the same media set as I use for all of my own prints; there are many reasons to choose matte rather than glossy paper, particularly for avoidance of outgassing (vapors from ink on glossy paper that leave a greasy residue on the interior of a frame's glass), archival life, and non-reflectance under lights. I'm aware that many of you may still prefer a glossy paper for your prints; if demand warrants, I will consider adding this capability at a later date.
I can print in-house on paper up to 24" wide and any reasonable length; minimum print size is 8x10 at a cost of $12.00 (smaller prints can be requested, but will be priced at 8x10 sizing).
I do not provide matting or framing for these prints as these services are best obtained from your local framing shop.
Pricing for Custom Printing larger than 8x10 is determined solely by square footage of image area. Multiply image's long side X short side (round up to nearest whole inch); then divide by 144. Round up to nearest 1/100 square foot. Cost per print is $20 per square foot plus shipping (see submission form).
A few examples: 11x14 print: 11x14 = 154; 154/144 = 1.07 square feet = $21.40
16x24 print: 16x24 = 384; 384/144 = 2.67 square feet = $53.40
12x36 panoramic print: 12x36 = 432; 432/144 = 3 square feet = $60.00
If you'd like to see an 8x10 proof print on Ultrasmooth cotton rag paper prior to ordering a large version, this can be supplied at $12.00 plus shipping (see order form). Cost of Custom Prints is not refundable; a print will only be reprinted without additional charge if it is physically defective.