ZERCHER PHOTO 

First time users please read these instructions before continuing.

For good prints see  -  Color Balance, Enhanced Color,  Resolution, Image Compression, Cropping, Access Speed - over 40 images

$.19 Digital Prints

Zercher Life Pics Ordering is FREE to use. The system allows the selection of images from on-line stored albums for prints, calendars and cards with some basic editing.  Images are stored in albums for 30 days so you can share your images with others on the Internet.  Long term storage is available at a minimal charge.  There is no charge for using Zercher Life Pics and you may reuse it as often as you like.  

To start Life Pics, first join.  Your password will be e-mailed to you in seconds.  With your new password login and start by uploading images to albums.  You can upload multiple images but some Apple and Netscape systems will be limited to uploading images one at a time.  From the albums select the images you wish to print.  Select the image you wish to print and then Order.  On the order page select the type and size of print.  Add as many images as you want then process the order.  

Color Balance                 ZERCHER Photo

Each computer and monitor sees colors differently.  The above colors are Black, Red,  Blue, Green, Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, White and Neutral Gray.  If these colors are not what you see, then your monitor is not correctly balanced.  Do not worry, all monitors are off to some degree, but remember your prints will be made using the actual colors you send and not the ones that  appear on your monitor.

Enhanced Color 

Unless you tell us not to, we will adjust your images to give the truest color, density and saturation just as we do with film.   Enhanced Color service is at no additional cost.

Image Compression

Excessive compression will cause a number of image distortions, including detail loss, color shifts, patterning and halos between light and dark areas.  Compress the image as little as possible.  Compression of 4:1 or 8:1 cause almost no noticeable loss.

Resolution  Needed for Good Prints

It is always recommended you use a high resolution image saved with low loss compression. Why buy a good camera and get poor pictures.  The lower the resolution, the lower the quality of the final print.  Remember, when you crop an image, its resolution size will be reduced.  Excessive cropping will lead to poor quality images.  Simple rule for small prints is 120 dpi minimum, 150 for fair, 220+ good and 300+ for pro quality.  The following shows the lowest resolution in pixels.   

Wallets = 300 x 420

3.5x5 = 420x600 (digital camera with 0.6 megapixel, 1 preferred)

4x6 = 480 x 720 (digital camera with 1 megapixel, 2 for pro quality)

5x7 = 635 x  890 (digital camera with 1 megapixel, 3 for pro quality)

8x10 = 1016 x 1240 (digital camera with 1.3 megapixel, 4 preferred)

11x14 = 1396 x 1780 (digital camera with 2.1 megapixel, 5 preferred)

High Speed Access vs. Phone Line

Because you need large files to create good digital images, we recommend you use high speed internet access.    If you do not have high speed access this may limit your online use.   Very large files or a large number of prints may also be too much.  You can bring your images directly to our stores for printing on most standard media.   If you have at least 40 images and take them to our store you will still receive internet pricing.  All images on the media will be printed and no special cropping will be done.