How To

How to Print Photography Contact Sheets

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Professional photography studios in the past were able to present a contact sheet of sample images from the photo session to the client soon after shooting. These contact sheets were simply a representation of the film content. Clients could choose any number of photos for the photographer to print. This saved film and time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Images
Printer and paper
Image software

Step 1

Consider the printer used for contact sheets. Although a high quality printer should be used for final image printing, contact sheets can be printed on low cost paper and lower ink can be used.
Step 2

Decide on the number of images to include on one sheet. Choose the best series or block of photos and print them to narrow the field of choices. Not every session photo needs to be printed on a contact sheet.
Step 3

Find a proper format for the images. Many photo houses will offer a contact sheet with four images across and five rows of images. This lessens the need for a magnifying device to inspect the photos.
Step 4

Choose a quality photo printing and reviewing software. Whether the photos have been scanned into a computer or downloaded directly from the digital source, the proper importing and sorting software is critical to an attractive contact sheet format.

Tips & Warnings

Sit with the model or client and review the images on a computer screen. This method offers the quickest and best way to inspect, comment on and choose the photos desired.
Allow the client to take the photography contact sheet with them when they leave the studio. This will give the client time to truly look over their work to make a better decision.
Look at Windows XP Picture and Fax Viewer. This program included in the operating system actually has a free image viewing application with the ability to print contact sheets without having to buy new photo software.

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