Master File Creation Service

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• Think of a Master File as the "final image",  from which all further uses of this image derive  -  here's where almost ALL of the artistic and creative "blood, sweat & tears"will be poured into an image.

• A Master File has been enhanced and prepped so that you can safely crop, sharpen, convert to 8-bit, reduce or enlarge in size, save as a JPG for the web, and so on, depending on your needs - with consistency all throughout the process. 

• From a technical standpoint, a Master File is a multi-purpose, multi-layered, un-cropped and un-sharpened 16-bit TIFF or PSD File of a photographic image.  There's more detailed information at my blogpost here: https://blog.main.wattsdigital.com/?p=1853

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     In a nutshell, experience - I generally know what works, and what doesn't ...

• I've been privileged over the last 35+ years to work in partnership with some of the world’s finest photographers,  both professionals and avid amateurs. I also have a knack for making superior color prints for these photographers.  

• I've now taken that experience & expertise, and applied it to the world of Digital Imaging education.  I've also been a regular photo judge at many popular photo contests throughout Southern California over the decades.

• Ever wanted to see what an experienced custom photographic printer could do for your images? Now's your chance ...

• The price is usually $50 each for most files, but can be lower or higher, depending on the amount of work necessary (i.e. Panoramic from multiple files, HDR from multiple files, excessive cloning, excessive photographic noise, etc.)

• Turnaround depends on the amount of work necessary, but is typically 2 to 3 business days

• Please note that the best results will always come from an original RAW file!

     I'll save your Master File as an unflattened 16 bit PSD - - You'll be able to open it in Photoshop, and see, layer by layer, what has been done to your image to optimize it.  I'll work on your image from your written and/or verbal instructions, and make suggestions as the process unfolds.

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     This is definitely an "artist/craftsman" relationship, and communication is key.  First, you upload the image to me, we'll discuss your image and what you'd like to do with it, I'll make recommendations, then I get to work.   When I have something that I believe works, I'll email you an initial low-res test JPG - then we can discuss, until your Master File is completed.

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• You will receive the following on a thumb drive or delivered electronically:  your original file, your Master File, and one "to size" file".

• Please note that a Master File should NEVER be sharpened.  The amount of sharpening that is necessary for a 16x20 is much more than it would be for an 8x10 - - If you sharpen a Master File for a 16x20, an 8x10 would be over-sharpened.  It is best to sharpen each time for the intended output size.

• With that in mind, I'll include one file "to-size" (your choice of size) that is flattened, sharpened, cropped, converted to 8-bit, and so on - ready to print anywhere.  Additional "to-size" files are $5 each.

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