1) Photo or Litho…what’s the difference?
There are two different choices for printing your headshots: Photographic and Lithographic
Photo reproductions are printed on photographic paper and are considered the highest quality reproduction in the industry. Photos are continuous tone, making them perfect for magazine or newspaper submissions.
Lithos are printed on a press like a magazine. The image is converted to a very fine dot pattern. Four-color ink is put on paper to form the image. Our lithos have such a fine screen, that most people can't tell them apart from our photos. Our new digital press allows you to order a test print before ordering a quantity, a first in the industry. We are the only lab to offer short runs as low as 50. With a choice of matte or Ultra Gloss finish, clients tell us our lithos are as good or better than most photo repros. Lithos are printed on a heavier stock paper than photos, making them ideal for mailing. Lithographic reproductions will have a blank back or can be printed on both sides.
2) What print quality can I expect from my files?
The size and resolution of your files will determine the overall quality of your final prints. Please compare the dimensions of your file with the chart below. Minimal quality files will result in minimal quality prints. The best quality files will result in high quality prints. If your file falls in the minimal file quality range, it is recommended to crop the image as little as possible. Remember, increasing the pixel size by simply upsizing in Photoshop will not give the best results.. True pixel sizes are created by the camera.
Other factors to consider include- the lighting of your image, sharpness, and color. If your image is considerably dark or light, you might want to consider using a different file. While our printers aim for the best print quality possible, overly light files may be missing image information that cannot be replaced due to overexposure and overly dark files may lack definition and contrast. If the image is out of focus, the prints will be out of focus as well. Lastly, our color experts will provide minor color adjustments that may be necessary. Files that lean heavily toward a specific color tone (ex: overly blue, green, or red) may not be fully corrected on your test print. These files may require Custom Color Correction, which can be provided for an additional $25.00. This includes an additional test print of the new corrections.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR FILES
Files uploaded for printing need to be a certain pixel size depending on the size desired.
Here is a guideline for pixel sizes.
SIZE |
MINIMUM |
BEST QUALITY |
8x10 |
1200x1500 |
2400x3000 |
5x7 |
750x1050 |
1500x2100 |
4x6 |
600x900 |
1200x1800 |
Business Card |
300x525 |
600x1050 |
The best way to check your files depends on what type of computer you have.
WINDOWS XP:
Move your mouse over a JPG file and a window will pop up with pixel information.
MAC:
On the Mac, you simply highlight the file and press the APPLE button and I to get the INFO box.
You may have to click the triangle to expand the MORE INFO section.
3) When will my prints be ready?
Once you have completed your order, you will receive your order due date via e-mail. Pickup orders are available at their specified locations after 4 pm on the day that they are due. If you request shipment of the order, it is guaranteed to ship out no later than the next business day after your due date. The exact delivery date is dependant upon the shipping service you select and address it will be shipped to. The standard turnaround times below do not include the day the order was placed or weekends.
Test Prints: 2 Business Days
Litho Orders: 3 Business Days
Photo Orders: 3 Business Days
4) Are test prints really that important?
Yes, we highly recommend you see a test, especially if you are ordering large quantities. Test prints will allow you to see how the final product will print, as our test prints will match the final product. What you will see on your screen at home is different from what we see here. Every monitor is adjusted differently. This makes it virtually impossible to guarantee we can print the exact color tones that you are looking for. Without a printed sample to match, our printers will balance the colors for a good neutral skin tone. Files that lean heavily toward a specific color tone (ex: overly blue, green, or red) may not be fully corrected on your test print. These files may require Custom Color Correction, which can be provided for an additional $25.00. This includes an additional test print of the new corrections.
Whenever retouching is ordered, it is also recommended to see a test print to ensure that the level of retouching matches what you want. Changing your setup, or additional retouching after seeing a test, may incur additional fees. Also, if the file submitted is low resolution, out of focus, or has any other flaw that you may have missed when viewing on screen, the problem can be caught through testing before you invest in quantities that you may not be satisfied with.
When ordering test print, you will receive two different printed versions. The first is a “direct print”. This will have no color or density corrections, showing how your file prints as submitted to us. The second will be a “minor adjustment”. This will include any minor corrections our printers have made to improve the image quality. Both tests will be retouched if retouching is requested.
5) Once I receive my test, how do I order my prints?
If you are picking up your test at one of our four locations, simply speak to one of our customer service representatives at that location to complete your order. If you have received your test via shipment, we will have a copy of your test on file. Simply e-mail us at kiosk@isgophoto.com to get the rest of your order started. We will need to know the name on the prints, how many copies you would like to order, any changes that need to be made before the prints are run, and where you would like to pick them up or have them shipped.
6) Can my setup be changed once I’ve placed my order?
One of our main goals with the online system is to provide high quality prints faster, easier, and more economically. Each order is processed, printed, packaged and delivered quickly. This does not leave much time for changes once your order is placed. If you have ordered a test, any changes can be made once you have viewed your test for an appropriate fee.
If you have ordered multiples and are concerned about any of the setup selections you have made, please e-mail us right away at kiosk@isgophoto.com but bear in mind that changes cannot be made once the prints are completed.
7) How can I make sure you understand what I want retouched?
When ordering retouching, use both the mark-up lines and retouching notes to be as detailed as possible. Some retouching is standard (ex: soften under eyes or around the mouth, removal of blemishes or scars, removal of stray hairs, etc). Our expert retouchers will fulfill your retouching requests as closely as possible while still retaining a natural look and skin texture. Removing objects from the background of an image or more extensive retouching is possible, but will result in higher retouching fees.
| RETOUCHING | |
|---|---|
| Online Kiosk | $30 |
| Drop off at Hollywood or North Hollywood w/ instructions; schedule appt. to view final. | $40 |
| Make appt. w/ retoucher at Hollywood or N. Hollywood location. | $50 |
8) What should I do if I need to cancel my order?
In the event you should need to cancel your order, please e-mail us right away at kiosk@isgophoto.com. If the prints have not already been printed, we will stop the order and will just need a bit of information before we can issue a refund. Refunds take roughly 3-6 business days to process and to show up in your account.
9) What should I do if the online kiosk does not have the options I need for my prints?
We strive to continuously improve the kiosk system, however the online kiosk is not currently setup to take custom size orders or create certain setups. At this time, you can either visit one of our 4 customer service locations to place your order or submit the order via mail or e-mail. Please include detailed instructions, any necessary files or materials, and full contact information. Please feel free to send feedback to kiosk@isgophoto.com about the options you would like to see available on the kiosk and keep an eye out for future additions.
