Generic sharpening for prints

[bobbyz]

If I were selling my pictures on something like zenfoli, I don't know what size the customer will print.

So what should be good starting sharpening (say USM in PSCS2) for me to apply for 4x6, 8x10, 11x14. I know sharpening should be based on output print size but I can't control that so I am looking for something which will give me good results for atleast these sizes.

[Mr. Pickles]

Well, might post three versions if you are concerned about it. Reason is, that all three of the sizes you mentioned have different aspect ratios too. So are you allowing them to crop, or is Zenfolio cropping in center, or what?

Just something else to think about, since something will be lost is some print sizes...

[peterst6906]

As a Smugmug user I'm not that familiar with Zenfolio, but do they have a proofing feature that allows you to review the images ordered before they are printed?

If they do, then that would allow you to upload the correct version for printing based on the order placed.

If they don't, then I would either go with Pickles suggestion of uploading different versions, although if that makes your galleries look cluttered by having three different versions of each image, then I would optimize the sharpening for the size that you sell the most and accept slightly softer or crunchier images at the other sizes.

Regards,

Peter

[bobbyz]

On sites like Zenfolio/Smugmug, people can crop to whatever they like based on what print size they selected.

Of course having separate sizes available online is better but then it does clutter the gallery.

Maybe I should pick what looks good for say 8x10 and try how prints look when printed at 11x14 and 5x7 etc.