Photographic Definitions

Reprint Prices.

The term ‘reprint’ was used when a negative was printed a second time and a record of the original color printer settings was kept for the lab use. With today’s digital capture world, each image printed is a ‘first generation’ image so the term ‘reprint’ is somewhat of a misnomer. Prices tend to change more quickly than I can update the web site - so you really have to call and get a current price if you need it. In addition, there are 3 different grades of prints that are offered - ‘Proof’, ‘Standard’, and ‘Signature’. I am not saying you cant get some decent prints from Costco or Kmart, and if ‘cost’ is the issue with you, go there. But if you are looking for a quality custom one of a kind image - the ‘signature’ print is what we offer.

Proof print.

These images are not intended to be a ‘final’ image, but merely a representation of a final print. The ‘proof’ is intended as an aid in selection of an image based on subject content only - that is to be printed as either a standard or signature print. Typically a ‘proof’ will be an approximate ‘wallet’ size ‘jpg’ image that has been resized and highly compressed to enable batch printing on a laser or inkjet printer. The ‘proof’ could also be different sizes - either as small as an index print (approximately 35mm negative size) or a lab print as large as 4x6. There is no retouching, digital enhancements, color corrections, density corrections, or cropping done to a ‘proof’ image. Proof prints are frequently included as part of a contract ‘shoot’ unless another arrangement is made prior to the contract shoot.

Standard print.

A Standard print is an image printed as a (jpg) file approximately as it came from the digital camera with no additional compression or image modifications. Printing is normally done using ‘batch’ processing. Cropping is at the discretion of the printing software. Retouching is not available. The maximum size available for a standard print (excluding portrait and candid portrait) is 8x10.

Gallery print.

Gallery images are low resolution thumbnail representations of the original files, that are located in a separate area and displayed by a more efficient technique than the rest of the images on this web site. All Gallery PRINTS ordered directly from the lab - are indivudually retouched and printed from full resolution files for optimum professional quality.

Signature print.

These prints are made from images that have been retouched, enhanced, color balanced, and cropped - specifically for paper-printer ICC profiles or to color lab specs. Signature prints are normally coated - usually with a lacquer based spray - to insure maximum color and image integrity. Signature prints are identified by the ‘McLean’ logo on the image front and a personal signature on the back of the print. All portraits and candid portraits 8x10 and larger, will be signature prints.

Photojournalism Wedding.

There are a lot of opinions today on what constitutes a ‘photojournalism style’, and we have our own ideas - which may or may not agree with the general PpofA consensus of opinion. Our ‘photojournal’ style weddings is a style that reflects not only a ‘candid’ approach, but exposures that capture the event in an uncontrived manner. Most of the time, the subject is aware that there is a camera in the area and that he may indeed be included in images, but the distance is well outside of what I refer to as his ‘comfort zone’. In other words, when a photographer gets within a certain distance of the subject, he enters into the ‘comfort zone’ of the subject and ‘invades’ so to speak, his ‘space’. The ‘photojournal’ approach is beyond that ‘space’ so that the subject is not uncomfortable with the presence of the photographer and continues to do whatever he was doing - unaffected by the presence of a photographer. When people are at a wedding, they know that there is a wedding photographer that is going to be shooting wedding images, so their ‘comfort zone’ usually allows the photographer a little more freedom than he normally would have. I consider ‘photojournalism’ as being a style whose emphasis is on unposed candid images that capture personalities, moods, expressions and ambiance.

Traditional Wedding.

A ‘traditional’ style of wedding photography, is what a person normally thinks about with wedding photography. The images are ‘candid’ in that they are created ‘on location’, and they may include both ‘posed’ and ‘unposed’ images. The subject is aware of the photographer and is allowing him to be a part of his ‘space’ in an effort to facilitate an image that captures a significant moment in time.

Candid.

The term ‘candid’ is another term that is defined differently by different people. We define ‘candid’ as an image that is created ‘on location’ and usually in the environment of the subject. There may be some posing and setting up for a particular shot, but for the most part, the image is created without much adjustment by the photographer. This differs from the PpofA definition because of the distinction we make between ‘candid’ and ‘portrait’.

Portrait.

A ‘portrait’, by our definition, is an image that is created which reveals something of the ‘soul’ of the subject. By ‘soul’, we mean personal characteristics that uniquely identify the individual.

The ‘portrait’ captures something of the character and personality of the subject, which is difficult to accomplish and admittedly quite subjective. It may be as selective as only a portion of a subjects face - or include other objects or setting in which the subject is uniquely identified..

Candid Portrait.

By our definition, a ‘portrait’ may also be ‘candid’, in that the subject did not necessarily interact with the photographer and the image reveals something of the character of the subject in a natural environment and setting without any special modifications to lighting and background by the photographer.

Contract Shoot.

A contract shoot is photography that is previously agreed upon in a written contract, with respect to content, time, final product and price. The price of a contract shoot is due on or before the time of the shoot. The contract shoot may or may not include the final product - depending on the type of shoot and agreement.

Digital Albums.

I use the term 'digital album' to describe an album where the pages are digitally created.

Traditional Album Albums.

I use the term 'traditional album' to describe an album where conventional sized photographs are inserted into mats, and the mats are then inserted into base leaves.