I have a picture I want to print off large, roughly 30"x20". It's a 6MP image taken on my D50. I was going to get it printed at photobox.com, because they have always been reliable and given good results for me. The picture is to go in my living room, not a gallery, but I would like it to be a good print as possible.
My question is regarding resizing the image. When I use the original resolution of the file the photobox software says that it is only moderate quality for that print size. So I have tried downloading Genuine Fractels and setting it to the correct image size @ 250dpi to get a better 'quality' image.
Now I am no pixel peeper usually, but I don't like the results from this when viewed at 100%. Should I be using GF or resizing software at all, or do you think the print company will do a good enough job or sizing the picture to fit? They do say that for this size print they recommend 4MP+, but 6MP isn't much more really.
Also, why is is that frames cost 3x the price of a print! Ggrrrrr....
There are many factors, but if printing the image myself I'd use PHotoshop Resample (Bicubic Smoother) in one single step to double the current dpi. If at the native resolution your print size gives 95 dpi, for example, make it 190 dpi at the 20 x 30 inch size. These suggestions may not apply for the 3rd party printer: they may institute their own upress. Best to ask them what the native resolution of printing is, and for you to generate that yourself using the same method, I belive.
That said, unless your original file is very clean, and unless the viewing distance will be a few feet or more - I'd use a smaller print myself. But equally important, what is the subject matter? Is it the image one where the observer will be trying try find small, sharp detail? Or is it an abstract with lots of deliberately OOF area? The latter will be much more forgiving as you try to stretch the original file.
The Brace Frasier rule of judging print rendering from your screen is to view the file at 25%; not 100%. Actual pixels may cause you to be too critical of your file.
A friend of mine works at Imagekind.com They have dozens of cool framing options if you upload your photo to their system (you can mark your gallery private). Even if you don't buy from them, it offers the chance to mix and match mats, frames, etc.
As far as the frame goes it's cheap compared to top quality glass. Window glass will protect the print but mask it with reflections. Matt glass will stop reflections but veil the print. TruVue Museum glass can actually make the print look better at a cost of about $100 for a 13x19" size print.
