Best Lightroom and Photoshop Editing Techniques for Printing

Written by: Camila Sanchez Checa

So you've captured the perfect moment, and now you're ready to bring it to life as a photo album or as a piece of wall art. But before you go and print out your images, there are some crucial editing steps you should take to make sure they look as beautiful as possible. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop that will make your prints stand out.

Color Space: The Foundation of Print Quality

Before diving into specific adjustments, you have to make sure you're working in the right color space. For printing, Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB are generally recommended over sRGB, as they offer a wider color gamut. In Lightroom, you can set this in the Export dialog, while in Photoshop, go to Edit > Convert to Profile.

Resolution: Sharpness Matters

For high-quality prints, you should aim for a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). In Lightroom's Export dialog or Photoshop's Image Size settings, make sure your image meets this standard for your intended print size.

Brightness and Contrast: its all about balance

Prints often appear a little darker than what you see on screen. To compensate, try applying these changes:

• In Lightroom: Increase the Exposure slightly (usually by +0.1 to +0.3) over its original value

• In Photoshop: Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer and increase brightness by 10-15%

Boost contrast slightly to add depth to your prints, but be careful not to lose detail in shadows or highlights.

Saturation and Vibrance: Color That (subtly) Pops

Prints can sometimes appear less vibrant than digital images. To counteract this:

• In Lightroom: Increase Vibrance slightly (around +10 to +15)

• In Photoshop: Add a Vibrance adjustment layer and increase by 10-15%

Remember, subtle adjustments can often get you the best results.

Sharpening: Crisp Details

Apply output sharpening specifically for print (but make sure to not over do it!):

• In Lightroom: In the Export dialog, choose "Sharpen For: Matte Paper" or "Glossy Paper" depending on your print medium

• In Photoshop: Use the Smart Sharpen filter (Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen) with a low Amount (around 50%) and a high Radius (1-2 pixels)

Noise Reduction: You want it smooth

Noise that's barely noticeable on screen can become pronounced in prints. Apply noise reduction:

• In Lightroom: Use the Noise Reduction slider in the Detail panel

• In Photoshop: Use the Reduce Noise filter (Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise)

Soft Proofing: Preview Your Print

Use soft proofing to simulate how your image will look when printed:

• In Lightroom: Enable soft proofing in the Develop module and select your printer/paper profile

• In Photoshop: Go to View > Proof Setup and select your printer/paper profile

This allows you to make final adjustments based on how the print will actually appear.

Save a Print-Specific Version

Always save your print-edited photo as a separate file. This preserves your original edit for digital use while optimizing a version specifically for print.

Editing for print requires an extensive understanding of how digital images translate to physical media. By following these steps, you can make sure that your memories look their absolute best, whether they're displayed in one of our photo albums, as a standalone print, or as a piece of wall art.

Remember, the key to great prints is subtlety in your edits. Small adjustments can make a big difference, bringing out the best in your images without it looking over-the-top. Once those changes have been made, you’re ready to see your beautiful photos in print! Browse through our website and find out which album, print or wall art option is right for you. Happy printing!

The Ultimate Guide to Ordering Your Photo Album from UAF Photo Lab

Written by: Camila Sanchez Checa

There is no denying that there's something special about making a personally crafted photo album and sharing it with your loved ones. If you're looking to transform your memories into a stunning keepsake, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of ordering your perfect photo album, ensuring every detail is just right.

Step 1: Navigate to the UAF Photo Lab Website

Look through our catalog of products and choose whether you want transform your images into beautiful photo albums, photo prints, wall art… the choice is yours. All the information about our products can be found in the main website, under the “+ Products” tab. Check out and read through all the options we have available for you.

Step 2: Explore Album Options

UAF Photo Lab offers a variety of album styles to suit every taste. From the timeless Classic Album to the modern Acrylic Album, each option has its unique charm. For this guide, we'll focus on the Ribbon Album as an example – a perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary design.

Step 3: Select Your Album Size

Size matters when it comes to showcasing your memories. UAF Photo Lab offers a range of sizes, from intimate 6x8 books to grand 16x20 albums. Take into consideration the nature of your photos, the style you’re going for and the story you want to tell. Remember, some sizes come in both square and landscape orientations, giving you even more creative control.

Step 4: Personalize Your Order

This is where the magic happens. UAF Photo Lab's customization options are where your album truly becomes yours and your style comes to life: The final price will depend on what you choose and how you personalise your album. You’ll be able to see the final price at the checkout cart.

1. Cover Material: From luxurious leather to trendy holographic finishes, the choice of cover material sets the tone for your album. Some popular options include:

   • Linen: Available in a spectrum of colors from classic Smoke to vibrant Peacock

   • Velvet: For a touch of opulence

   • Leather: In various hues, perfect for a timeless look

   • Suede: Offering a soft, tactile experience

2. Embossing: Make your mark with personalized embossing. Choose between the elegant Raleigh Cursive Font or the classic Garmond Font. Select your preferred color and decide on the perfect placement for your text.

3. Page Details: Customize the inside of your album too:

   • Photographic Paper: Choose from Luster, Deep Matte, or Metallic finishes

   • Page Thickness: Opt for standard or double-thick pages

   • Gilding: Add a touch of luxury with gilded page edges

4. Album Box: Protect your masterpiece with a carefully chosen box:

   • Standard Black soft-touch album box

   • Upgrade to Genuine Leather and Suede or specialty leather

   • Select your box frame color (black or white)

Step 5: Finalize Your Order

With your album perfectly customized, it's time to place your order:

1. Upload your files. Add all of your final images into a .zip file and make sure you’re happy with what’s going to be printed. Remember: we won’t be able to add or delete any images after the purchase has been completed, so double check!

2. Create an Account: If you're a new customer, you'll need to set up an account. Don't worry – it's a quick process, and you'll receive a confirmation email immediately. If you’re a independent photographer and don’t have on hand a Tax ID, EIN or VAT number, just write the numbers 1 through 10.

3. Shipping and Billing: Fill in your details carefully to ensure your album reaches you safely and at the right address.

4. Payment: Choose your preferred payment method and complete your transaction securely.

Ordering a photo album from UAF Photo Lab is more than just a purchase – it's an experience. With your memories beautifully preserved, you'll have an actual keepsake to revisit your precious memories whenever you want. So why wait? Start creating your perfect album today and give your cherished moments the showcase they deserve.

Remember, if you need any assistance during the ordering process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us using the ‘Contact Us’ page. Happy album creating!