Follow these instructions to turn your image into an acceptable Print for inclusion in club and external competitions. It is assumed that you are using Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom or similar software. Other free tools are available.  

Regardless of the software you choose to use, the basic principles outlined on this page will still apply.

Full details for acceptable images are included in the Competition Rules.

Print Size	Dimensions	Inkjet (minimum)	Internet (exact)
A4	297 x 210mm	2806 x 1984	3510 x 2475
A3	420 x 297mm	3970 x 2806	4950 x 3510
7″x5″		1680 x 1200	2100 x 1500
10″x8″		2400 x 1920	3000 x 2400
12″x8		2880 x 1920	3600 x 2400

Photoshop You can either set the pixel dimensions in the toolbar for the Crop tool or use a combination of Image size and Canvas size menu options. Always use a bicubic resizing setting with Constrain Proportions and Resample image options ticked.

Lightroom You can set the proportions in the Crop tool and then crop. You can resize when Exporting.

If you do resize your image please note that the PPI resolution setting is there for convenience but the pixel dimensions are most important. Set the ppi at 240 or 300 ppi; Photoshop will then assume that this is the ppi you will want to print at and use it as a default but it actually has no influence on your print quality.

3. Strengthen

Clone, heal, dodge, burn, convert to monochrome, whatever and otherwise embellish to create your masterpiece.

• Use genuine ink and paper from the manufacturer of your printer
• If you do use other fine-art papers or inks and want optimum colours learn about colour profiling
• Keep the paper packs sealed and handle with care to avoid damage, fingerprints and dust
• Do small test prints before committing to huge ones
• Standard quality may not be much different to the high quality setting, but it will be cheaper
• Keep your printer and paper away from radiators
• Prints can take up to 24 hours to dry fully; avoid stacking fresh prints
• Inks change colour in the first hour or so; especially noticeable in B&W prints so wait
• Only evaluate your prints under good daylight or a proper colour-balanced light
• Always keep a full set of spare ink cartridges in stock
• Don’t remove an empty cartridge before you’re ready with the new one
• Put a dust cover over your printer when not in use
• Keep the paper tray guide close to but not hard against the paper; 1-2mm is OK
• Your printer will print long prints (panoramas) irrespective of its width
• Use your printer regularly

6. Professional printing

Commercial printing may be used to prepare your work provided that no alterations to the image are made by the printers.

Photoshop

Change the colour space to sRGB; select from menu: Image, Convert Color Profile, Change to sRGB. (If not using a supplied custom profile.)

Set the Mode to 8-bit; in the menu: Image, Mode, 8 Bits/channel.

To save the file in JPEG format select File, Save As…, select JPEG from the File format drop-down. Give the file a different name to avoid overwriting the original. Press Save and when it asks for JPEG options Quality must be set to maximum: 12.

Lightroom

Use the Export… option. Select the Export Location where you want to save the file. In File Settings select Image Format: JPEG, Quality: 100, Colourspace: sRGB, do not limit the file size. In Image Sizing select Resize to Fit: Width & Height, W: and H: use the calculated pixel dimensions. In Output Sharpening select Sharpen For: Screen (Not Glossy Print), Amount: Standard. Do not use a watermark. Press Export.

Top tips for using on-line printing

For large prints, or sets of smaller prints, professional printing labs may offer a more cost-effective solution.

Here are some tips to get the best results.

• Check their technical services, prices and delivery before ordering
• Delivery costs may make this a more expensive option
• Make sure you choose the correct print dimensions (see above)
• Consider using their profiles, otherwise most will use sRGB with acceptable results
• Allow for 2-4mm cropping around the edges, especially when using key lines
• If given the option do not select any auto-correct or auto re-sizing options
• Odd sized images (including A3) may need trimming
• You may need to use a different browser (Firefox or Chrome) to upload successfully
• Monochrome prints on colour laser printing may not give top results
• Examine the prints under good daylight or a proper colour-balanced light
• If you are not happy with the results discuss it with your supplier

7. Mounting your Print

Mount dimensions

All prints must be on 500mm by 400mm mounts.

The club keeps a stock of suitable mount board in stock for members to purchase.

Mount colour

The colour of the mount shouldn’t matter but it does. The mount should add to, and not detract from, the image. Competition images are most often (90%+) presented on white or off-white mounts. The second most popular are black or dark grey mounts. Complementary or contrasting colour mounts are the least favoured. Try your image before committing yourself.

Window mounts

When using either pre-cut or custom window mounts be careful not to use masking tape on the back to avoid it sticking to other prints when stacked; Framer’s tape is the preferred material to use.

If cutting your own window mounts ensure that your blade is always sharp.

When cutting the window in the mount board, make sure the opening is slightly smaller than the print you’re mounting to ensure a proper fit.

To avoid your mounted print flexing you can add an extra thin card layer on the reverse.

One advantage of using window mounts is the possibility of re-use if the current image proves unsuccessful.

Surface mounting

This is a quick and simple way of mounting using double-sided tape or spray on glue. Care must be taken to level and centre the image before placement. This method is not ideal for images that may be exhibition mounted in frames.

Identification

All prints must have an entry label attached to the rear of the print, preferably at the top left corner.

8. Submit

Prints must be provided to the Competitions Secretary no later than 1 week prior to the competition, i.e. the Tuesday before the competition.  A print box will be available at the club venue for you to submit your prints.

Upload your image(s) to: Photoentry before midnight on the Tuesday preceding the competition at the latest. We ask for the digital copies of your entries to aid the Selection committee in choosing images for our external competitions, and for use on the club website.

If you experience problems or need assistance contact the Competition Secretary so that any problems can be rectified in good time.