Master the Art of Sharpening to Enhance Your Printed Photographs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Preparing the Image for Print
   • 2.1 Cropping the Image
   • 2.2 Resizing the Image
   • 2.3 Sharpening the Image
   • 2.4 Flattening and Saving the Image
3. Loading the Print Version into Lightroom
4. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will discuss the necessary settings in Adobe Lightroom to ensure accurate printing to match what You see on your screen. Printing photos can sometimes be tricky, as the final result may not always turn out as expected. To avoid any surprises, it is essential to properly prepare the image before sending it to print. In this article, we will cover the step-by-step process of preparing your image for print, including cropping, resizing, sharpening, and saving.

Preparing the Image for Print

Before we dive into the Lightroom settings, let's first understand the necessary steps to prepare the image for printing. The first step is cropping the image to a specific ratio. While you may wonder why we need a specific ratio, it actually helps in achieving consistent and easy printing. By cropping the image to a ratio of 1.454:1, for example, you ensure that it fits perfectly into a standard cut mount with a size of 384mm x 264mm. This allows for a nice 8mm border all around the image.

2.1 Cropping the Image

To crop the image to the desired ratio, you can use the crop tool in Lightroom. Set the ratio to 1.454:1, and adjust the cropping as needed. It's important to note that you should always crop the image in a way that best suits the composition, but the specified ratio can serve as a useful guideline for standard printing.

2.2 Resizing the Image

After cropping, the next step is to resize the image to the appropriate Dimensions for printing. To do this, go to Image > Image Size in Lightroom. Set the dimensions to 384mm x 264mm, maintaining the aspect ratio. It's crucial not to check the box that resizes the resolution proportionally, as we want to preserve the maximum resolution for printing.

2.3 Sharpening the Image

Sharpening is a critical step in enhancing the image's details and ensuring it looks crisp when printed. The amount of sharpening required depends on the viewing distance and the Type of paper. In this tutorial, we will use the Nik Collection's Output Sharpener for the best results.

To access the Nik Collection in Lightroom, go to Filter > Nik Collection > Output Sharpener. Adjust the settings according to your printer, viewing distance, paper type, and printer resolution. For example, if the image will be viewed at a distance of 60cm to 150cm, select the appropriate distance range. Additionally, choose the paper type and set the printer resolution to match your printer's native resolution.

2.4 Flattening and Saving the Image

Once you have applied the desired sharpening settings, it's time to flatten the image and save it for printing. Flattening the image ensures that any layers are merged, simplifying the printing process. To flatten the image, go to Layer > Flatten Image. Then, save the file by selecting File > Save As and providing a suitable title for the print version of the image.

Loading the Print Version into Lightroom

With the print version of the image ready, you can now load it into Lightroom for further adjustments and settings. Refer to the tutorial recorded earlier on Lightroom settings to ensure accurate printing.

Conclusion

Preparing an image for print requires careful Attention to Detail. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can ensure that your printed images match what you see on your screen. Remember to crop to a specific ratio, resize the image accordingly, Apply the appropriate sharpening settings, and save the print version of the image. With the image ready, you can proceed to load it into Lightroom and make any final adjustments as necessary. Printing your photographs should no longer be a complicated process, and you can now enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your images come to life in print.