-What is a good way to test an image on the computer screen for its potential print size? Using an image as desktop background on a 22" monitor---is that a good indication of approximate print size?
-By converting an image to b&w in Photoshop, is that help make it possible to print even bigger since noise and grain are no longer a problem but actually part of the image aesthetic?
looking at your images at 50% will give you a approximation of what size at a maximum size you can print your image. A good rule of thumb would be, take your images dimensions and divide by 180 (ppi) and that will give you a realistic size you can print with out enlarging the image. Enlarging the file by as much as 400% can still give reasonable results though a softer image, viewed at a reasonable distance will be fine up close may fall apart somewhat.
B&W or just adding some noise to a enlarged color photo can definitely help with really large prints.
WAYCOOL wrote:
looking at your images at 50% will give you a approximation of what size at a maximum size you can print your image. A good rule of thumb would be, take your images dimensions and divide by 180 (ppi) and that will give you a realistic size you can print with out enlarging the image. Enlarging the file by as much as 400% can still give reasonable results though a softer image, viewed at a reasonable distance will be fine up close may fall apart somewhat.
B&W or just adding some noise to a enlarged color photo can definitely help with really large prints. ...Show more →
That is exactly what I needed to know, especially the bit about b&w. Thanks.
Jul 20, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Mark Metternich Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
WAYCOOL wrote:
looking at your images at 50% will give you a approximation of what size at a maximum size you can print your image. A good rule of thumb would be, take your images dimensions and divide by 180 (ppi) and that will give you a realistic size you can print with out enlarging the image. Enlarging the file by as much as 400% can still give reasonable results though a softer image, viewed at a reasonable distance will be fine up close may fall apart somewhat.
B&W or just adding some noise to a enlarged color photo can definitely help with really large prints. ...Show more →
50% works best if the image is about 200ppi or lower. At 300 ppi or 400 ppi 25% works best. So you have to figure out what ppi the image is going to be printed at, and then check accordingly.
