Caption and Transmit Guidelines
File Type:
JPG: compressed to level 10
RGB or Grayscale (no CMYK): RGB files can be converted to any CMYK profile with better results than converting from one CMYK profile to another.
File Size: Images should be at least 10 inches (preferably 14 inches) at their widest edge at 300 DPI. Acceptable file sizes are 18-40 MB*.
Examples of image dimension in inches to file size*:
11x14" = 40 MB (Grayscale 14 MB)
8x10" = 20 MB (Grayscale 8 MB)
5x7" = 10 MB (Grayscale 4 MB)
*Note: These sizes are pixel dimensions, not the size of the compressed JPG file. JPG files should end up being under 5 MB when unopened.
Color Management:
When used correctly, color profiles ensure that the image is viewed the same on every calibrated computer screen. Keep in mind that laptops can be calibrated, but not as precisely as other monitors.
Recommended color profile: Adobe RGB (1998) (Dot Gain 20% for grayscale images)
Any color profile can be used as long as it is embedded in the image. Adobe RGB (1998) is recommended because it is widely used and encompasses every CMYK profile. Without a color profile the image will be displayed using the Adobe PhotoShop working space of the computer being used and this varies from machine-to-machine. Our computers at Redux Pictures use Adobe RGB (1998) as the default so any image without a profile will be viewed through that. (Only applies to programs that utilize color management.)
When saving an image in PhotoShop, make sure the "Embed Color Profile" box is checked. This will show you which profile is being tagged onto the image.
Captioning:
All images must contain IPTC format captions. Caption information can be input using Adobe PhotoShop, Photo Mechanic, FotoStation, or any other software that supports the IPTC format.
We do not recommend using Lightroom or iView to caption your images. The IPTC format is incompatible with most captioning programs, including Photo Mechanic.
!!! Images sent to the Redux Pictures Archive without caption information are unable to be located by a client. In essence they do not exist. Caption info is critical.
Redux Pictures uses the Associated Press-style caption formats.
Required fields:
- Headline — (Adobe Photoshop = Headline) *this is not where you should put the caption information. Simply outline the 'what' of these image, in ≤8 words
- Object Name — (Adobe Photoshop = Title)
- Date
- Location — (Adobe Photoshop = City, State/Province, Country) ex. Los Angeles, California, United States
- Caption — Who, What, Where, When, How and Why
- Byline — (Adobe Photoshop = Author)
- Credit — Your Name/Redux
- Optional:
- Keywords — Any special keywords which are not included in the caption field.
- Special Instructions — Restrictions, embargoes, etc.*
*Unless noted in your Redux contract, it is your responsibility to list any and all restrictions that pertain to the images you are uploading. Redux Pictures is not responsible for the distribution or sale of restricted imagery in the absence of this information. To avoid any such confusion be sure to put all restrictions in the ''Special Instructions'' caption field. It is also recommended that you outline any restrictions in your email to images@reduxpictures.com.
Example (this is your cheat sheet!):
