File delivery standards- proposal
There is always a lot of discussion about file delivery in commercial photography - how to prep files, how to deliver files, what format, color space, bit depth, it goes on.
What follows is a list I've complied for developing a strategy. These are based on the closest thing to an industry standard I can get to, and constant discussion with everyone from photographers right to the guy on press.
After you get your own house in order, the first step? Talk to the client. Of course, right? We are in the communication business, after all...
The second biggest issue, in my opinion, is to determine if you want to "Early Bind" or "Late Bind". That is, do you want to dedicate the file to a specific purpose when you deliver it, or do you want to deliver the most data and allow the file to be "purposed" by the production guys. Again, communication.
Here, for what it's worth, is my guideline. (ducks, runs away...)
Step 1: Workstation setup and standards
Good color-accurate calibrated display
General purpose calibration settings: 6500K, 2.2 Gamma, Luminance ~120
Standardized Color Settings in Photoshop- NA Prepress Defaults
Step 2: Communication with client
Determine client use and preferences for file delivery
Negotiate fees for preparation to those requests
Establish reasonable client expectations for color accuracy and proofing processes
Step 3: Determine processing "mode", ie, "Early Binding" or "Late Binding".
Early Binding- Files are processed for specific use as specified by client.
Examples: Offset printing, web/multimedia, fine reproduction
Late Binding- Files are processed to accommodate reasonable forseeable usage, allowing editing in post for specific applications.
Suggested procedures: (all presuming "unless otherwise requested by client")
Early Binding:
Communication with Prepress or web developers is a prerequisite.
Obtain profile for proofing device
Adjust RGB to fit within proofing gamut and convert to CMYK under strict parameters of prepress requirements.
Include RGB files with CMYK as well as a "readme" explaining parameters of conversion.
(RGB can be "backwards converted", that is, converted to RGB from the CMYK to assure displayed colors can be printed.)
Files are delivered at final size with USM applied as per the prepress request.
TIFF format, JPEG only if compression needed (FTP or email, Level 10 or above)
SWOP certified proofs accompany image files, signed by client.
Inclusion of "Limits of Liability" in contract, or with "readme" on disk.
Late Binding:
Files are adjusted and "soft proofed" to keep within gamut for forseeable usage
Files are delivered in AdobeRGB in 8-bit
TIFF format, JPEG only if compression needed (FTP or email, Level 10 or above)
Files are delivered in native resolution.
Files are "pre-sharpened", but not "final-sharpened".
Where applicable files are delivered with sample "Colorchecker target" image prepped to the same standards.
Guidelines and instructions are included with files in "readme" attachment.
I think these guidelines are general enough to give a good strategy, a roadmap, for any photographer, but specific enough to be of value... Responsible handling of files, in any case, demands an understanding of the issues, and a thoughtful approach to how to best protect yourself as well as your client, in fulfilling the assignment.
Ultimately the goal is a good job, a happy client, and more work, right?
What follows is a list I've complied for developing a strategy. These are based on the closest thing to an industry standard I can get to, and constant discussion with everyone from photographers right to the guy on press.
After you get your own house in order, the first step? Talk to the client. Of course, right? We are in the communication business, after all...
The second biggest issue, in my opinion, is to determine if you want to "Early Bind" or "Late Bind". That is, do you want to dedicate the file to a specific purpose when you deliver it, or do you want to deliver the most data and allow the file to be "purposed" by the production guys. Again, communication.
Here, for what it's worth, is my guideline. (ducks, runs away...)
Step 1: Workstation setup and standards
Good color-accurate calibrated display
General purpose calibration settings: 6500K, 2.2 Gamma, Luminance ~120
Standardized Color Settings in Photoshop- NA Prepress Defaults
Step 2: Communication with client
Determine client use and preferences for file delivery
Negotiate fees for preparation to those requests
Establish reasonable client expectations for color accuracy and proofing processes
Step 3: Determine processing "mode", ie, "Early Binding" or "Late Binding".
Early Binding- Files are processed for specific use as specified by client.
Examples: Offset printing, web/multimedia, fine reproduction
Late Binding- Files are processed to accommodate reasonable forseeable usage, allowing editing in post for specific applications.
Suggested procedures: (all presuming "unless otherwise requested by client")
Early Binding:
(RGB can be "backwards converted", that is, converted to RGB from the CMYK to assure displayed colors can be printed.)
Late Binding:
I think these guidelines are general enough to give a good strategy, a roadmap, for any photographer, but specific enough to be of value... Responsible handling of files, in any case, demands an understanding of the issues, and a thoughtful approach to how to best protect yourself as well as your client, in fulfilling the assignment.
Ultimately the goal is a good job, a happy client, and more work, right?
Labels: File delivery, File delivery standards, industry standard
posted by Ted Dillard at
5:59 AM
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