Print quality from photos

[puzzler]

This is a very basic question if you're an experienced photographer/printer. Some clarification from those who know will be a big help. If I have an original digital photo that I want to Photoshop (brighten, crop, etc.) that I want to print over and over (not only at one time), what process should I follow so I can continually retrieve the image from my database without gradually losing photo quality (i.e., sharpness and clarity) over time?

 

[DCurry]

The only way the image will degrade is if you repeatedly open and save to the JPEG format.

Even if you save it as a JPEG to begin with, there will be no further deterioration simply by opening and printing, no matter how many times you do it. Degradation comes when you save as JPEG again.

If you keep it as a layered Photoshop format (.psd), you'll maximize your flexibility down the road.

 

[gordo]

If you use jpegs you might want to check out the info posted here:

The Print Guide: JPEG images for print production - the facts

Best, gordo

 

[Stephen Marsh]

It is lamentable that in this day, software vendors and various industry and tech groups have not pushed the adoption of JPEG2000 (JPF) into the mainstream.

When most think of a JPEG image file, they are really talking about a JFIF file - although it is known as JPEG for the compression method.

(I believe that Adobe have made custom enhancements to make CMYK JPEG/JFIF images, as this was originally intended for RGB)


Stephen Marsh

 

[puzzler]

Thank you, Dan, Gordo & Stephen. Just what I was looking for: helpful and concise.