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 40+ 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 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 varies from $20 to $75 per file, 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 typically come from an original RAW file / original capture!

     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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