What size are the images when purchased?
The image size is normally between 1mB and 2mB, although some older photographs which are of historical interest cannot be reproduced at this size. We have experimented with images of various sizes and have found that for practical purposes there is no discernible difference between the image size we use and one which is 3 or 4 times larger. If an image is purchased for publication and we hold the original negative or slide we may be able to scan it again and provide a larger image in the unlikely event that the purchased image is unsuitable.
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Why are the images in JPG format?
We standardised on JPGs because they are suited for most common uses of the image. TIFF format files are much larger and hence would take significantly longer to download and offered few advantages, particularly on photographs taken before the days of digital cameras. We have found that the main determinant of the image size is the quality of the original image.
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Do you “doctor” the images in Photoshop?
We use Photoshop to prepare all the images before uploading them but we do not add-to or move any part of the original image. We find many negatives and slides which, although at first sight high quality, often are scratched and sometimes have water or light damage. We always rectify these problems as far as practical so that the image is provided in the best possible condition.
We may have to lighten, or occasionally darken, an original but the purchaser can use a photo editing program to further adjust it to their own taste. For those who have old negatives or slides which seem to be a lost cause please contact us – you would be amazed at how often what appears to be an unusable negative or slide can be salvaged. (Note that we only carry out this work on images which are going onto the Rail-Online site).
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How do I print an image I have purchased?
After you have downloaded your purchased pictures onto your own computer can either print them on your own printer or take/send the digital image to a photographic company such as Boots or Jessops in exactly the same way as for any other digital photograph.
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