Joe Only Shoots RAW
In layman terms, RAW files are proprietary file types unique to a camera manufacturer. Unlike jpeg or tiff picture file formats, RAW files are completely unusable to clients until processed and converted to a usable format such as jpeg or tiff (most common). However, unlike more common file formats, RAW files provide a photographer more data to work with, enhancing image quality and ensuring non-destructive post-processing (jpeg images degrade every time you open, make changes, then save again). In short, RAW files look dull, boring, lacking color, and overall bland; but, they provide far higher quality images when processed.
About Client Proofs (Optional for Clients- Only Recommended for Commercial Work)
Client Proof Portfolios contain unprocesssed low resolution photographs (jpeg Srgb 800 px long edge @ 72 LPI 80% quality setting) straight from the photo session, normally uploaded same day. These image files are very small and formatted for computer monitors only. This allows images to load very fast, regardless of your Internet connection (you can easily proof them on your mobile phone for example). All proof portfolios require an access code and password unique to that client. Clients received special instructions to access online proofs. Proof portfolios generally remain available for 3 months at the discretion of Dassaro Imaging. WARNING: Proof images are unfinished low resolution photographs and do not represent the final product. They have rarely been processed in any manner (other than basic conversion to jpeg) and are presented to quickly provide the client a general idea of a photograph's potential for possible selection, post-processing, and transfer to a Finished Portfolio. The photographer will typically select his favorites (called photographer select) for automatic processing. Client's may select the number of photographs, aside from what the photographer selects, previously agreed to with Dassaro Imaging, for post-processing. Proof photographs ARE NOT suitable for printing or distribution and Dassaro Imaging expressly prohibits such use. If you have any questions please feel free to call Joe at (615) 852-5409. Proof photographs are not available for download. Many clients prefer not to utilize a proof portfolio due to sheer number of images.
About Finished Portfolios
Client Finished Portfolios contain the final processed version of an image and any variations of that image (for example, conversion to B&W, filter effects, sepia, cropping, sharpening, etc..). Finished images are high resolution (jpeg Srgb or Adobe RGB full resolution (px) @ 300 lpi or > 100% quality setting). Images contained in your finished portfolio are the highest quality available and are submitted direct to the photo lab on your order. Images in your finished portfolio will not load as fast as those in your proof portfolio due to the size difference. All finished portfolios are social media sharing enabled unless specifically requested otherwise by the client. All finished portfolios require a single access code unique to that client (no password required). Clients receive this code via e-mail with instructions. Finished portfolios remain available for one year from the time they are posted, or one year from date of most recent print order. Unlike many photographers, Dassaro Imaging strives to enable maximum social media sharing of your images. If there is something you need, please let Joe know.
About Your Monitor
Dassaro Imaging uses a completely color managed workflow (from camera through print) with specialized colorimeters and monitors specifically designed for digital photographers (display in wide color gamut Adobe RGB). Joe shoots RAW in the Adobe RGB color space at 16 bits. Most consumer monitors do not display digital images properly because they are not color calibrated, do not contain enough resolution, cannot incorporate a wide enough color space (gamut), use Internet browsers that are not color managed, and vary widely in quality. Therefore, on your monitor, you are most likely not viewing the image as intended (color shifts and accuracy for example) unless you are using a professional hardware color calibrated monitor, enabled the same color space I use (Adobe RGB), and are using a color management enabled image viewer. Actual physical prints continue to provide the highest image quality, resolution, and color for your images and the true quality of an image can only be demonstrated through a physical print. If you like or love what you see on your monitor, you will go crazy over it when you get the print!