Size is definitely important, or -the trouble with cropping photos
With the capabilities of the current models of digital camera – 7 or 8 mp (megapixels) – it becomes possible to crop into areas of photographs without losing too much image quality when the subject matter is reprinted at a larger size. However, we would advise that this practice should be undertaken at the APM (kiosk) in store. Problems arise from time-to-time when images are cropped with no regard to the paper size that may be used during the printing process. For example, cropping into a square shape will mean that a 7†x 5†(18cm x 13cm) print is not possible. Image crops need to retain similar physical shapes to those required at the final print stage and, although non-standard sizes are available, this should be made quite clear to us at the counter when placing your order.
Unless you are experienced with software such as Photoshop or iPhoto (there are others, too), it is usually best to leave the image in its original format and enquire when you call in – we are happy to help you, and this will save a lot of disappointment later if we are unable to reproduce your images exactly as you would wish.
We would like to take this opportunity, too, to thank all of our new subscribers to the SPE Weblog – we hope you enjoy the bulletins, and please feel free to send us feedback!
Linda from Milton Keynes is officially our first visitor to upload images onto the SPE photostream – keep those treasured pictures coming to us – we really do want to share them with you!!
Today I picked up my photo print order here in Holland at the well known Albert Heijn store in The Netherlands. Seems they don’t know what cropping means! I ordered in exactly 2:3 format (1920×1280 pixels) however, their upload software doesn’t allow you to select the whole image despite of the fact they’re advertising on their site about 2:3 format pics! You can crop your photo by sliding this box (excuse the English folks!) and slide it untill you think you’ve slected the full image that was 2:3 format.
I stared at the printed pictures from the AH store and then I wrote them a letter. Lack of good quality ladies and gentlemen! The prints aren’t 2:3 at all. Prints don’t show the beautifull borders/frames I included in the pictures. Albert Heijn store…. well, well, well.
Bottom line: be careful with cropping and sizes, leave it to the expert.
Please listen and learn from Andy’s Stamford Photo Express! Because I’m sure HE would print the best results instead of this automated ‘push the button, have coffee’ systems for the masses…
That’s my opinion. Thanks for reading. Great blog, good thinking here. Keep up the good work!
cheers from Rotterdam, NL
*TC*
↓ Quote | Posted August 28, 2007, 2:09 pmThanks for your feedback T.C it will help us greatly to have people’s experiences listed as responses to each of our topics especially international examples such as yours.
It would seem that poor quality and untrained staff are not just a UK only problem in this industry!!
Andy
↓ Quote | Posted August 28, 2007, 4:47 pmYou’re most welcome! Albert Heijn store is one of the biggest supermarkets in this country. They’re offering their photo print services for many years now. Let me keep you posted how they’re going to respond to the letter I’ve sent to them by e-mail.
I think their response will be sort of like “can you send us your printed images as an example?” While I’m convinced about the fact they already know for sure how their software works. Or should I say: does NOT work?!
Anyway, my pleasure sharing this with the staff and it’s customers. Indeed, time for action doing something against lack of service/software and photo quality world wide my friend! You’re doing good things @ SPE. I much appreciate it. I should send my images to you soon so I can show SPE prints to Albert Heijn! How ’bout that?
from Rotterdam,
↓ Quote | Posted August 28, 2007, 6:11 pmTC