Boudoir Photography Seattle

This question comes up often so if you’re wondering, everyone else is too! Our offerings include two different types of digital images. First, “print” resolution images which are high resolution and may be printed in small to large sizes. The “print” resolution images also come with a signed release allowing you to make reprints for personal use.  Your lab will likely ask to see the release before they will fulfill your order. Second, “screen” (or web) resolution images which are low resolution and intended for viewing on digital devices such as computers, ipads, cell phones, etc. Below are a few technical terms to add to your vocabulary:

DPI or PPI: The number of “dots” or “pixels” in a single inch. The more dot’s the higher the quality of the picture (more resolution, more sharpness and detail,… )

Resolution: The easiest way I can explain resolution is to say a higher resolution means an image displays more detail (or is capable of displaying more detail) when printed. A larger DPI/PPI means higher resolution. The print standard for portrat work is 300 DPI/PPI.  The standard for images on a computer is 72 DPI/PPI, always.

Image Size: Image size refers to the dimensions of the image (pixels, dots, width, height, …). The “print” resolution images are 3600×3600 @ 300 DPI/PPI whereas the “screen” resolution images are 720×720 @ 72 DPI/PPI – the size of images on facebook.

File Size: File size is how many kilobytes or megabytes the image is. The file size of the “print” resolution images is much greater than the “screen” resolution images.

If you simply want to view your images on a computer or cell phone, the “screen” resolution digital image is all you need. However, even though the image might look great and huge on your computer it will actually be really small when printed out. The result is a blurry print. If you plan to someday create your own prints from the digital images, then you will want a “print” resolution image. These images are large and can print beautiful enlarged prints + they can be viewed on your computer!

Below is a visual example of the difference in size. The large image to the left is a “print” resolution image. The small thumbnail image is the size of a “screen” resolution image in comparision to the “print” resolution image. The image on the right is the same image as the thumbnail, but it’s scaled up so you can see what it would look like if printed. If you were to print both sizes of images onto professional paper, this is what they’d look like side-by-side. Obviously, you’d want to hang the left image (the “print” resolution one) on your wall!

Hopefully this has helped you get a little clearer on the differences between sizes, resolution and why they print differently. This also helps explain why digital cameras with a higher number of megapixels takes better pictures than one with lower; it gives you more resolution to capture more detail.

The “print” resolution images are delivered with instructions on how to get the best results when printing them. However, even though you have the tools to make your own prints, you may still want to consider ordering your favorites through us. I have tested multiple professional labs all over the country and selected the very best one! We have a highly established partnership which guarantees the truest color match and the highest archival quality.  Only the items that meet our highest standards through close inspection will be delivered to you.

Side bar: The “print” resolution image files with higher resolution (DPI/PPI) also have a bigger file size because they contain more data. This means that it is easyfor us to email the ”screen” resolution images to you, but the “print” resolution images may need to be delivered on a disc. We can also send images to you in the form of a compressed ZIP folder. Here are some simple instructions on how to get your images from it.

Step 1. Click on the link.

Step 2. When prompted, choose to “SAVE” the .zip folder to any location on your computer. Do not click “OPEN.”

Step 3. Locate the .zip folder on your computer (it will be where you saved it).

Step 4. Right click on the folder and select “Extract All.”

Step 5. Check the box that says “Show extracted files when complete” and click “Extract”

Step 6. A new folder window will open with all of your images! Enjoy!

Any more questions on DPI, PPI, Resolution? Ask in the comments and we’ll try to clarify.