IMAGE CATALOG – PHOTO HANDBOOK

Focus

Focus is one of the top factors why images may not be accepted by Image Catalog. A photo may be perfectly composed, with perfect lighting, and may look great in a web resolution (72dpi, 800 x 600), however if the focus is not spot on, we are unable to accept the image. The reason for this is because some designers may use images for print size resolution. All our images are inspected at this maximum resolution.

Focus is not to be confused with motion blur or intentional soft focus. Motion blur is the intentional blur to demonstrate movement within an image. Usually used with lights or sports. Soft focus is the intentional affect of “softening” the over all image or part of an image to give an effect.

Notice below in the image of the cat, at web resolution, the detail is great, however when blown up to full print size resolution, the image still retains nearly perfect focus of even the eyelashes! There is almost no blur at all.

Notice below, the tree. This is an example of an image that is satisfactory at web resolution, but when blown up to full maximum resolution is blurry around the edges. Image Catalog will not accept these types of images.

Tip!
To ensure maximum sharpness within your image, make sure you are using a low ISO, a tripod and if you have the ability to use mirror lockup to prevent shutter movement, this will also help.