1. Horizontal : this will give you the largest image without cropping. A true horizontal layout.
2. Window Box: this takes the horizontal format and prints it on a vertical orientation. This eliminates the need of turning or flipping the photo. Larger borders are apparent.
3. Two-Way Bleed: this is similar to the window box, but maximizes the space. No borders on the sides, giving you a larger image
4. Cropped to Vertical: A significant amount of the left and right sides of the image is cropped for a true vertical image. NOTE: it can only work if the original subject is far back enough to crop from the sides.

You can see the cropping samples below. We can also do a special crop or border to suit your photo.

Once your favorites are displayed, simply click on SHARE YOUR FAVORITES. You will have a chance to enter your name and email address and up to 5 emails at one time. Click send and a private link will be emailed instantly. This private link will only share those favorites and all other images from the shoot will not be accessible by them.

A custom original is a single original print of your image, which has been custom color correct and adjusted. In the days of film, a custom original was required in order to make reproductions. Once you had that custom original done, you would then print the reproductions in mass quantities and you would have your stack of headshots!  In the digital age, it is no longer a requirement, though they are still recommended for proofing purposes. If you are unsure if you want to set up the image, simply get a custom original print and see what it looks like larger. This will allow you to see multiple images without having to set them all up.

If you shot on film, making reproductions from a custom original is recommended.  This will allow you to take full advantage of the fact you shot on film, which is admittedly much better quality than digital. Colors will be cleaner, skin tones creamier, less grain and no pixels. The transition between shadows and highlights are much cleaner.

If your shot on digital, custom originals are still extremely useful, but in a different way. Since you will not generally get an opportunity to see the true coloration of a digital photo until it is professionally printed (because monitors and LCD screens will not give you accurate colors), it is recommended that you get a custom original to proof out your top picks before you go to print with one of them. If you are not sure if you want to reproduce an image, a custom original print will allow you to see your image printed up and see if in fact that is the shot to reproduce and print up the headshots. It’s a good time to also see if you need any retouching done as well, since often once images are blown up and printed, many little details that were not visible on the computer show up on the print.

Custom originals are also useful if you wish to make a single print for framing, or display.

Rays custom originals, unlike what you would get at a Kinkos or pharmacy lab, are always color corrected and printed with professional chemicals, in a professional printing machine, on high quality archival photo paper. This produces a print that is true to color. You can elect to have your photo printed on a luster/matte finish, as well. This is something you cannot typically do at an amateur lab. Often, amateur prints have a high gloss finish that is not suitable for most artistic or industry applications.

In summary, you would get a custom original for the following reasons:

• you shot with a film photographer and want the best possible print
• not sure if you want to setup and reproduce the image
• need to compare a few shots blown up to see them larger. This will save on setting up multiple images if you are unsure
• want a nice print to give mom for her birthday to put in a frame

If you are faced with the “good” problem, 4×6 proofs are a great way to help narrow down that selection. It’s great to see the prints a little larger and to spread them out on a table and compare which ones are the stronger ones. Also, you can easily take those 4×6 proofs to agents, managers, friends, colleagues and others to help in the deciding process. Have them make little tally marks on the back of the proof. Show them to as many people as you can, the one with the most marks….wins!

Keep in mind, it’s always good to get the opinion of others as to what makes a good headshot. We all tend to see ourselves differently and the key to a good shot is to make sure you it represents what your going after. It’s not always the shot that you look the hottest or most coolest in. Many times we get hung up on little things that others won’t even notice, the main thing is you get a headshot that is strong and that can get you work.

4×6 proofs are as little as $.99 each if you order 20 or more. Rays proofs are color corrected and adjusted to give you a better idea of what to expect should you pick that image for reproduction. You will be surprised at how coloring and printing can affect your decision in making the right selection. Often people will pass on an image because it’s too washed out or grainy or too dark.

Once you determine which shots are the chosen ones, you are ready to move on to the next step!

Please note: it is nearly impossible to replicate the colors you see on your  monitor with those in a printed photograph, even with top notch professional equipment. Some of the reasons are listed below:

• Monitors display images that are backlit, producing and image that looks similar to a transparency or slide. A backlit image will always differ from a printed photograph.
• Monitors display a different range of colors than printers.
• Each monitor is different in the color it displays. (Both from the manufacture and the viewer settings).
• Many files have “monitor” profiles, which are ignored when those files are printed.
• Images on a screen are produced with rays of light and color gammas, while photographs are produced through chemistry and lithographs are produced with ink.

To help minimize the variances here are some guidelines:

• Calibrate your monitor
• View your files in sRGB color profile
• Keep your monitor at it’s normal setting. (Do not adjust brightness or contrast)

“As a working photographer in L.A. for well over 20 years, I have worked with many photo labs. Because I run my business in an extremely personal fashion, where EVERY client is of upmost importance to me, my lab has to be an extension of me:  high standards, attention to detail, and kind-hearted customer satisfaction.  Rays photo lab has been my ONLY lab choice for almost 15 years, because they deliver a product so consistent in the highest of quality, yet they have the time to personalize every order, and treat my clients with kindness and the respect they deserve.  Lilly, who operates the Studio City location, has been a gem, and makes my life easier by her efficiency and wonderful attitude. Gayla, who is the owner of Rays, is very hands on, and is always willing to solve anything that might come up.  I am very fortunate to have Rays in my life, and so are my clients! ”

——–sincerely, nancy jo gilchrist / nancy jo gilchrist photography

Some of her work can be seen below. Please visit her website www.nancyjophoto.com by clicking here.

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