Hi everyone,
I just thought Id write a bit on sending prints to the lab via FTP. I realised the other day that not everyone knows about this service and I think that all photographers should be at least made aware of it. I myself think its extremley useful for effective time management and in my experience have had to troubles as yet.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to transfer files from one computer to another. The files may be plain text, compressed text or in this case photos. As photographers we often use FTP to upload our photos to the printing lab. Once setup this service is great for time management. The host computer, where you get the data from, might be in the office next door or on the other side of the planet. You will need FTP software which can be purchased or downloaded from the internet. E.g. Core FTP. Once you have the appropriate software you will need to enter in the recipients host address, username and password (supplied by the recipient). This then put simply connects you to the recipients computer ready for file transfers.
As a general rule before uploading any images most labs require images to be saved as JPEG files, cropped at exact size for printing and saved at a set dpi/resolution E.g. 300dpi and placed in clearly labeled folders.
E.g. ATaylor_001 (Main folder)
250dpi A3 (sub folder)
250dpi 8x10
Always read each lab preferences as they will all be slighting different. Keep in mind that if you try to send PSD/Tiff files you could incur a surcharge and generally all measurements are done in Inches, cropping can occur if metric is used.
Always check with your lab for its preferences prior to trying to upload any images.
Once you have done so, you are ready to start uploading.
Depending on the setout of your FTP software uploading is as simple as dragging complete folders from your computer to the labs computer. Some labs have a step by step procedure as to how to upload your images so check your lab for more details. Streets Imaging have detailed instructions should you need to have a look. Their website is www.streetsimaging.com.au. The time it takes to upload your images is dependant on a lot of factors – including how many files you have and the image sizes etc. You can quite often drag and drop all the images and leave them upload themselves.
Once files have completed uploading the lab witll generally require you to send an confirmation email advising of your order and/or for you to use a checkout system that requires you to pay via credit card. That’s it! Easy.
Pickup time will also vary from lab to lab. Again check all the preferences that your specific lab requires. If used correctly FTP can be a useful time saver and some labs will even offer a night box for pickup after hours. If this option is available they will give you a pin number to enter the box. The only downfall is that it’s a on trust basis, as other photographers have access to the box also. Nine times out of ten the lab isn’t liable for any lost or damage prints if you do decide to use this option.
I myself often use FTP when sending files to the lab and get them couriered out to me for a small fee. It’s much cheaper and easier, rather than having to travel myself. I would much prefer to use my time photographing than driving.
Hope I have made sense, please let me know if I have left anything out.
If anyone has anything to add please do.
Amanda
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
That sounds great and your right, i've never even heard of it. Whats the lab you use? I use allchromes and don't think they have this system.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole, Streets Imaging at 34 Arthur Street Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) has an FTP service. Look at their website http://www.streetsimaging.com.au/ for further details.
ReplyDeleteThey receive photos at 250 dpi and compression of 8. They also have a link from their site to a free FTP that you can use. Hope this helps :)
I've recently downloaded core FTP from streets website, so easy. Have still yet to use it to send images, will let you know how it goes. I'm excited about saving time and money!
ReplyDeleteOur guest lecturer on Tuesday described how he was working as part of team on a sports shoot in mid coast NSW. That evening they sent about 1100 shots via FTP to a business in Brisbane. 2 days later, the prints were collected and flown back to the clients (who were still together in camp but normally located across the country) where a photographer remained to confirm approvals and fine details.
ReplyDeleteOf note, the prints were couriered by a friend on a plane (total cost $800) versus the express courier ($1100).
FTP is great, I save abut 40 mins in time using this system, IT WORKS!
ReplyDelete