Representation
Retna is currently seeking photographers for syndication in the areas of celebrity / music portraiture, lifestyle / stock, historic collections and event coverage. If you are interested in having your work considered for syndication, please send an email to nyc@retna.com with a link to your site or submit your portfolio to:
Retna Ltd.
24 W. 25th street
12th floor
NY, NY 10010
attn: Melissa Jean Miller
If shipping your portfolio, please include return shipping materials. Books can be dropped off between the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday and are usually available for collection the following day.
Submission Guidelines
Retna is introducing a set of standards for all digital file submissions. The aim of these standards is to ensure that all content is up to the high standards that our clients count on when they come to Retna.
We would like all submitted imagery to be ready to post on the Retna website. Ready to post images are color corrected, in the correct color space, in the correct file format and of the correct file size. They contain the correct captions and, as a result, are easily searchable by our clients.
We want to work with our photographers to ensure that all images meet this standard. These documents can serve as a guide in preparing your files and you are encouraged to contact Retna staff with any questions or concerns.
Click on the one of the left menu sections for specific submission info, or download one of the documents below:
DOWNLOAD THE Portraits SUBMISSION GUIDELINES [PDF]
DOWNLOAD THE Celebrity & Music SUBMISSION GUIDELINES [PDF]
DOWNLOAD THE Stock SUBMISSION GUIDELINES [PDF]
DOWNLOAD THE RETNA METADATA TEMPLATE FOR PHOTOSHOP [XMP]
Submission Guidelines: Entertainment
Retna is introducing a set of standards for all digital file submissions. The aim of these standards is to
ensure that all content is up to the high standards that our clients count on when they come to Retna.
We would like all submitted imagery to be ready to post on the Retna website. Ready to post images are
color corrected, in the correct color space, in the correct file format and of the correct file size. They
contain the correct captions and, as a result, are easily searchable by our clients.
We want to work with our photographers to ensure that all images meet this standard. This document
can serve as a guide in preparing your files and you are encouraged to contact Retna staff with any
questions or concerns.
Equipment Considerations
File Saving Conventions
Naming Conventions
Metadata (Captions)
Transmitting Files to Retna
Editing Guidelines
Photoshop Guidelines
Summary
Resources
Appendix A: Keyword List
Appendix B: Events List
Equipment Considerations
Before processing images, it is important to make sure that all the proper settings are in place on both
your digital camera and computer.
Digital Camera Settings:
Make sure that your camera is set to capture Tiff or RAW files of the highest possible quality.
Set your camera to the Adobe RGB (1998) color space as opposed to the sRGB color space, which is the
default on most cameras.
If you need assistance in finding these settings, consult the camera manual or call a Retna staff member.
Computer Settings:
Set Adobe RGB (1998) as your working color space in the Color Setting dialogue in Photoshop. This can
be accessed under the menu:
(Mac) Photoshop>Color Settings
(Windows) Edit>Color Settings
Make sure to set: (1) RGB to "Adobe RGB (1998)" and (2) Gray Scale to "Dot Gain 20%".
Monitor Calibration:
To ensure that the colors that you see on your monitor match the colors that we see at Retna, it is
essential to calibrate you monitor a minimum of once every two weeks. We recommend the Spyder
calibration devices made by ColorVision.
[back to top]
File Saving Conventions
Color Space:
Every file submitted to Retna must be in the Adobe RGB (1998) color space. This is the industry standard
and provides the largest color gamut.
By setting Adobe RGB (1998) as your default color space in your camera, as well as in Photoshop, all of
your files should be in the correct color space. For any files that are not in this color space, you must
convert them in Photoshop before submitting them to Retna.
To convert a file to Adobe RGB (1998) in Photoshop:
Open the file and go to Image>Mode>Convert to Profile
In the dialogue box select Adobe RGB (1998) as the profile (1) and Adobe (ACE) as the Engine (2).
File format:
All submitted images should be saved as high-quality JPEGs and as high-resolution TIFF files. The JPEG
files are to be uploaded to the website and the TIFF files will be saved in our archive.
All JPEG format images should be saved (1) at a quality of "12" and set to (2) "Baseline Standard".
File Size Guidelines:
JPEG Files (to be uploaded to website):
Minimum file size = 1MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
Highest quality JPEG
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 2-4MB on the desktop.
All finished files should not exceed 5mb on the computer desktop.
TIFF Files (to be submitted for archive):
Minimum file size = 20MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
TIFF file format
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 30-40MB on the desktop.
[back to top]
Naming Conventions
Images submitted to Retna via the FTP site, or on removable media such as CD's or DVD's, must follow
these naming conventions:
Subject's Last Name
Underscore (_)
Photographer's Initials
Number in Series
Period (.)
File Extension (jpg)
For Example:
The first of a series of photographs of Mick Jagger taken by John Doe would have the name...
Jagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: MickJagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Mick_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JohnDoe1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JD_1.jpg
Right: Jagger_JD1.jpg
Do NOT use characters such as !@#$%^&() +"':<>? These will corrupt the files and cause them not to be
uploaded to our servers.
[back to top]
Metadata (Captions)
It is essential to have properly formatted Metadata (captions and keywords) in order to have your
images be easily searchable on the website. Improperly entered Metadata will result in your images
being lost on the server, not accessible by Retna or its clients and therefore will not be sold.
This document assumes you are using Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, Photoshop Browser (7 or CS) or Adobe
Bridge (CS2). Other captioning applications such as Photo Mechanic, Photostation, IView Media, etc.
may be used but you must make sure that the correct fields are being filled.
To Access the File Info Dialogue Box:
File>File Info
You must fill in the following fields:
- 1: Document Title
-
- Name of Subject(s) in the photo should be in this format:
-
- For Individuals: Last Name, First Name
-
- For Two or More People: Last Name, First Name & Last Name, First Name
-
- Example: Doe, John & Doe, Jane
- You must use the "and symbol" (&) to separate the name of each person
- For large groups of people only include celebrities or main subjects
- For Bands: Band Name
-
- For Bands with a central person:
-
- Last Name, First Name & Band Name
- Example: Jagger, Mick & Rolling Stones
- 2: Author:
-
- Name of photographer, entered as follows:
-
- � First Name Last Name
- Example: � John Doe
- There must be a space between the copyright symbol (�) and the photographer's name.
- 3: Description
-
- Description of the contents of the photograph. It should follow this format.
-
- Descriptive Sentence.
- Photographed in City, State or Country
- Date Photographed
- � Photographer's Name / Retna Ltd.
- **RESTRICTIONS**
-
- Example:
- Mick Jagger signs copies of the new Rolling Stones album "A Bigger Bang."
- Los Angeles, CA. May 19, 2005.� John Doe / Retna Ltd. **HIGHER RATES
- APPLY**NO TABLOIDS / SKIN MAGAZINES**
- Description Tips:
-
- Descriptive sentences should use proper grammar, be complete sentences and
should identify the main subject(s) of the photo, as well as identify the event.
- Captions should answer the basic who, what, when and where of the photo.
- Avoid using proper names other than those of the subject(s) of the photo.
- 4: Date Created:
-
- The "Date Created" field can be found by going to the "Origin" section on the left side of
the "File Info" dialogue. Enter the date that the photograph was taken, separated by
slashes, in the following format: MM/DD/YY
-
- Example: November 30, 2005 = 11/30/05
Metadata Template
A template for captioning images according to the Retna convention can be downloaded here. To use
the template, download the file and place it in the Metadata Template folder.
To access the Metadata Template folder:
Open the File Info dialogue
Click on the arrow in the upper right hand corner of the "file info" dialogue box.
Select "Show Templates" and drag the downloaded template into the folder
You may edit this template with your information to use when captioning your images.
[back to top]
Transmitting Files to Retna
FTP
Upload files to Retna using a FTP program such as Fetch (Mac) or CuteFTP (Windows).
- 1: Host: ftp://rpass.retna.com
- 2: User ID: Your Username*
- 3: Password: Your Password*
-
-
Photographers without personal username/passwords should contact a Retna staff
member.
- 4: Drag the files to your directory or use the "put files" button
- 5: Make sure to upload the individual files and not folders.
-
-
Only submit JPEG files. Do not submit PSD, TIFF, etc. Do not submit files compressed as
ZIP or SIT files.
CD or DVD
If you are sending a very large quantity of files it may be more efficient to send a CD or DVD with the
files. When doing this make sure to:
Name and caption the files according to the submission guidelines
Make a separate folder for each subject
Clearly mark the CD/DVD according to its contents
Include both TIFF and JPEG files
Editing Guidelines
In order to ensure that out clients can easily and quickly find the images that they require it is important
that photographers edit their submissions carefully.
Make sure to:
Eliminate images that are blurry or out of focus
Eliminate images that are excessively under or overexposed
Eliminate excessive near frames
Include headshots, 3/4 length and full-length shots if possible
Use these guidelines as a reference when deciding how many images to submit:
5 - 25 images - Small Events (e.g. book signings, store appearances, etc.)
15 - 35 images - Medium Events (e.g. after parties, concerts, etc.)
35 -100+ images - Large Events (e.g. award shows, red carpets, etc.)
Photoshop Guidelines
We would like all images that are submitted to Retna to be color and tone corrected. However, it is
important not to overly "tweak" the images.
These guidelines highlight some things to aim for and avoid when using Photoshop:
Make sure that the image isn't too dark or too light.
Make sure that the colors look correct. The whites should appear neutral and there should not be a
noticeable colorcast to the image.
Make sure to preserve detail in both the highlights as well as the shadows. Use the "info" window in
Photoshop to ensure that the highlights do not exceed a value 0f 250 and the shadows do not fall
below a value of 5.
Make sure that the image is properly cropped if scanned from a negative.
Make sure to flatten the image before saving if you have created additional layers, adjustment layers,
masks, etc.
Do not over-sharpen the image. After sharpening the image, view it at 100% and make sure that the
sharpening has not caused pixilation or introduced artifacts.
Do not use artistic filter or effects.
Do not upsize or interpolate your images. Submit the files in their original size and we will upsize them
at Retna if necessary.
[back to top]
Summary
Retna is known in the photography industry for providing high-quality and timely imagery. In order for
us to maintain our reputation and for all of our photographers to maximize their sales, all submitted
digital images must be :
Correctly captioned
Saved as high-quality JPEGs and as TIFF files
In the Adobe RGB (1998) color space
Color and tone corrected
Correct file size
If you have any questions or concerns about changes in our submission policy or how to implement
these changes in your workflow, you are encouraged to contact a Retna staff member.
For questions concerning file uploading, contact Alissa: alissa@retna.com 212.255.0622 x37
For questions concerning cameras, contact Derek: derek@retna.com 212.255.0622 x12
For questions concerning computers, contact Dan: dan@retna.com 212.255.062 x24
[back to top]
Resources
Books
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book by Adobe
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS2 by Bruce Fraser
Real World Color Management by Bruce Fraser
Color Management for Photographers by Andrew Rodney
Websites
http://www.canon.com
http://www.nikon.com
http://www.adobe.com
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/index.shtml
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/color_management.htm
http://www.creativepro.com/author/home/40.html
http://www.digitaldog.net
Appendix A: Keywords
- Accessories
-
- Bag
- Glasses
- Gloves
- Hat
- Jewelry
- Piercing
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Tattoo
- Action
-
- Cooking
- Drinking
- Driving
- Eating
- Embarrassing
- Fitness
- Gesturing
- Injured
- Kissing
- On Phone
- Sex
- Shopping
- Smoking
- Clothing
-
- Combat
- Denim
- Fur
- Khaki
- Leather
- Mini
- Naked
- Patriotic
- Pattern
- Revealing
- Skirt
- Suit
- Swimsuit
- Emotions
-
- Affectionate
- Angry
- Exaggerated
- Happy
- Laughing
- Sad
- Surprised
- Family
-
- Hair
-
- Image Type
-
- Eye Contact
- Film Still
- Full Length
- Headshot
- On-Set
- Performance
- Recording in Studio
- Studio / Portrait
- Location
-
- Airport
- At Home
- Boat
- Runway
- Shoes
-
- Athletic
- Boots
- Sandals
- Stiletto
- Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Biking
- Football (Soccer)
- Golf
- Jogging
- Skating
- Skiing
- Water
- Subject
-
- Couple
- Party
- Pregnant
- Wedding
[back to top]
Appendix B: Headlines
Submission Guidelines: Portraits
Retna is introducing a set of standards for all digital file submissions. The aim of these standards is to
ensure that all content is up to the high standards that our clients count on when they come to Retna.
We would like all submitted imagery to be ready to post on the Retna website. Ready to post images are
color corrected, in the correct color space, in the correct file format and of the correct file size. They
contain the correct captions and, as a result, are easily searchable by our clients.
We want to work with our photographers to ensure that all images meet this standard. This document
can serve as a guide in preparing your files and you are encouraged to contact Retna staff with any
questions or concerns.
Equipment Considerations
File Saving Conventions
Naming Conventions
Metadata (Captions)
Transmitting Files to Retna
Editing Guidelines
Photoshop Guidelines
Summary
Resources
Equipment Considerations
Before processing images, it is important to make sure that all the proper settings are in place on both
your digital camera and computer.
Digital Camera Settings:
Make sure that your camera is set to capture Tiff or RAW files of the highest possible quality.
Set your camera to the Adobe RGB (1998) color space as opposed to the sRGB color space, which is the
default on most cameras.
If you need assistance in finding these settings, consult the camera manual or call a Retna staff member.
Computer Settings:
Set Adobe RGB (1998) as your working color space in the Color Setting dialogue in Photoshop. This can
be accessed under the menu:
(Mac) Photoshop>Color Settings
(Windows) Edit>Color Settings
Make sure to set: (1) RGB to "Adobe RGB (1998)" and (2) Gray Scale to "Dot Gain 20%".
Monitor Calibration:
To ensure that the colors that you see on your monitor match the colors that we see at Retna, it is
essential to calibrate you monitor a minimum of once every two weeks. We recommend the Spyder
calibration devices made by ColorVision.
[back to top]
File Saving Conventions
Color Space:
Every file submitted to Retna must be in the Adobe RGB (1998) color space. This is the industry standard
and provides the largest color gamut.
By setting Adobe RGB (1998) as your default color space in your camera, as well as in Photoshop, all of
your files should be in the correct color space. For any files that are not in this color space, you must
convert them in Photoshop before submitting them to Retna.
To convert a file to Adobe RGB (1998) in Photoshop:
Open the file and go to Image>Mode>Convert to Profile
In the dialogue box select Adobe RGB (1998) as the profile (1) and Adobe (ACE) as the Engine (2).
File format:
All submitted images should be saved as high-quality JPEGs and as high-resolution TIFF files. The JPEG
files are to be uploaded to the website and the TIFF files will be saved in our archive.
All JPEG format images should be saved (1) at a quality of "12" and set to (2) "Baseline Standard".
File Size Guidelines:
JPEG Files (to be uploaded to website):
Minimum file size = 1MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
Highest quality JPEG
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 2-4MB on the desktop.
All finished files should not exceed 5mb on the computer desktop.
TIFF Files (to be submitted for archive):
Minimum file size = 20MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
TIFF file format
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 30-40MB on the desktop.
[back to top]
Naming Conventions
Images submitted to Retna via the FTP site, or on removable media such as CD's or DVD's, must follow
these naming conventions:
Subject's Last Name
Underscore (_)
Photographer's Initials
Number in Series
Period (.)
File Extension (jpg)
For Example:
The first of a series of photographs of Mick Jagger taken by John Doe would have the name...
Jagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: MickJagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Mick_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JohnDoe1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JD_1.jpg
Right: Jagger_JD1.jpg
Do NOT use characters such as !@#$%^&() +"':<>? These will corrupt the files and cause them not to be
uploaded to our servers.
[back to top]
Metadata (Captions)
It is essential to have properly formatted Metadata (captions and keywords) in order to have your
images be easily searchable on the website. Improperly entered Metadata will result in your images
being lost on the server, not accessible by Retna or its clients and therefore will not be sold.
This document assumes you are using Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, Photoshop Browser (7 or CS) or Adobe
Bridge (CS2). Other captioning applications such as Photo Mechanic, Photostation, IView Media, etc.
may be used but you must make sure that the correct fields are being filled.
To Access the File Info Dialogue Box:
File>File Info
You must fill in the following fields:
- 1: Document Title
-
- Name of Subject(s) in the photo should be in this format:
-
- For Individuals: Last Name, First Name
-
- For Two or More People: Last Name, First Name & Last Name, First Name
-
- Example: Doe, John & Doe, Jane
- You must use the "and symbol" (&) to separate the name of each person
- For large groups of people only include celebrities or main subjects
- For Bands: Band Name
-
- For Bands with a central person:
-
- Last Name, First Name & Band Name
- Example: Jagger, Mick & Rolling Stones
- 2: Author:
-
- Name of photographer, entered as follows:
-
- � First Name Last Name
- Example: � John Doe
- There must be a space between the copyright symbol (�) and the photographer's name.
- 3: Description
-
- Description of the contents of the photograph. It should follow this format.
-
- Descriptive Sentence.
- Photographed in City, State or Country
- Date Photographed
- � Photographer's Name / Retna Ltd.
- **RESTRICTIONS**
-
- Example:
- Mick Jagger signs copies of the new Rolling Stones album "A Bigger Bang."
- Los Angeles, CA. May 19, 2005.� John Doe / Retna Ltd. **HIGHER RATES
- APPLY**NO TABLOIDS / SKIN MAGAZINES**
- Description Tips:
-
- Descriptive sentences should use proper grammar, be complete sentences and
should identify the main subject(s) of the photo, as well as identify the event.
- Captions should answer the basic who, what, when and where of the photo.
- Avoid using proper names other than those of the subject(s) of the photo.
- 4: Date Created:
-
- The "Date Created" field can be found by going to the "Origin" section on the left side of
the "File Info" dialogue. Enter the date that the photograph was taken, separated by
slashes, in the following format: MM/DD/YY
-
- Example: November 30, 2005 = 11/30/05
Metadata Template
A template for captioning images according to the Retna convention can be downloaded here. To use
the template, download the file and place it in the Metadata Template folder.
To access the Metadata Template folder:
Open the File Info dialogue
Click on the arrow in the upper right hand corner of the "file info" dialogue box.
Select "Show Templates" and drag the downloaded template into the folder
You may edit this template with your information to use when captioning your images.
[back to top]
Transmitting Files to Retna
FTP
Upload files to Retna using a FTP program such as Fetch (Mac) or CuteFTP (Windows).
- 1: Host: ftp://rpass.retna.com
- 2: User ID: Your Username*
- 3: Password: Your Password*
-
-
Photographers without personal username/passwords should contact a Retna staff
member.
- 4: Drag the files to your directory or use the "put files" button
- 5: Make sure to upload the individual files and not folders.
-
-
Only submit JPEG files. Do not submit PSD, TIFF, etc. Do not submit files compressed as
ZIP or SIT files.
CD or DVD
If you are sending a very large quantity of files it may be more efficient to send a CD or DVD with the
files. When doing this make sure to:
Name and caption the files according to the submission guidelines
Make a separate folder for each subject
Clearly mark the CD/DVD according to its contents
Include both TIFF and JPEG files
Editing Guidelines
In order to ensure that out clients can easily and quickly find the images that they require it is important
that photographers edit their submissions carefully.
Make sure to:
Eliminate images that are blurry or out of focus
Eliminate images that are excessively under or overexposed
Eliminate excessive near frames
Include headshots, 3/4 length and full-length shots if possible
Use these guidelines as a reference when deciding how many images to submit:
5 - 25 images - Small Events (e.g. book signings, store appearances, etc.)
15 - 35 images - Medium Events (e.g. after parties, concerts, etc.)
35 -100+ images - Large Events (e.g. award shows, red carpets, etc.)
Photoshop Guidelines
We would like all images that are submitted to Retna to be color and tone corrected. However, it is
important not to overly "tweak" the images.
These guidelines highlight some things to aim for and avoid when using Photoshop:
Make sure that the image isn't too dark or too light.
Make sure that the colors look correct. The whites should appear neutral and there should not be a
noticeable colorcast to the image.
Make sure to preserve detail in both the highlights as well as the shadows. Use the "info" window in
Photoshop to ensure that the highlights do not exceed a value 0f 250 and the shadows do not fall
below a value of 5.
Make sure that the image is properly cropped if scanned from a negative.
Make sure to flatten the image before saving if you have created additional layers, adjustment layers,
masks, etc.
Do not over-sharpen the image. After sharpening the image, view it at 100% and make sure that the
sharpening has not caused pixilation or introduced artifacts.
Do not use artistic filter or effects.
Do not upsize or interpolate your images. Submit the files in their original size and we will upsize them
at Retna if necessary.
[back to top]
Summary
Retna is known in the photography industry for providing high-quality and timely imagery. In order for
us to maintain our reputation and for all of our photographers to maximize their sales, all submitted
digital images must be :
Correctly captioned
Saved as high-quality JPEGs and as TIFF files
In the Adobe RGB (1998) color space
Color and tone corrected
Correct file size
If you have any questions or concerns about changes in our submission policy or how to implement
these changes in your workflow, you are encouraged to contact a Retna staff member.
For questions concerning file uploading, contact Alissa: alissa@retna.com 212.255.0622 x37
For questions concerning cameras, contact Derek: derek@retna.com 212.255.0622 x12
For questions concerning computers, contact Dan: dan@retna.com 212.255.062 x24
[back to top]
Resources
Books
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book by Adobe
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS2 by Bruce Fraser
Real World Color Management by Bruce Fraser
Color Management for Photographers by Andrew Rodney
Websites
http://www.canon.com
http://www.nikon.com
http://www.adobe.com
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/index.shtml
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/color_management.htm
http://www.creativepro.com/author/home/40.html
http://www.digitaldog.net
[back to top]
Submission Guidelines: Stock
Retna is introducing a set of standards for all digital file submissions. The aim of these standards is to
ensure that all content is up to the high standards that our clients count on when they come to Retna.
We would like all submitted imagery to be ready to post on the Retna website. Ready to post images are
color corrected, in the correct color space, in the correct file format and of the correct file size. They
contain the correct captions and, as a result, are easily searchable by our clients.
We want to work with our photographers to ensure that all images meet this standard. This document
can serve as a guide in preparing your files and you are encouraged to contact Retna staff with any
questions or concerns.
Equipment Considerations
File Saving Conventions
Naming Conventions
Metadata (Captions)
Transmitting Files to Retna
Editing Guidelines
Photoshop Guidelines
Summary
Resources
Equipment Considerations
Before processing images, it is important to make sure that all the proper settings are in place on both
your digital camera and computer.
Digital Camera Settings:
Make sure that your camera is set to capture Tiff or RAW files of the highest possible quality.
Set your camera to the Adobe RGB (1998) color space as opposed to the sRGB color space, which is the
default on most cameras.
If you need assistance in finding these settings, consult the camera manual or call a Retna staff member.
Computer Settings:
Set Adobe RGB (1998) as your working color space in the Color Setting dialogue in Photoshop. This can
be accessed under the menu:
(Mac) Photoshop>Color Settings
(Windows) Edit>Color Settings
Make sure to set: (1) RGB to "Adobe RGB (1998)" and (2) Gray Scale to "Dot Gain 20%".
Monitor Calibration:
To ensure that the colors that you see on your monitor match the colors that we see at Retna, it is
essential to calibrate you monitor a minimum of once every two weeks. We recommend the Spyder
calibration devices made by ColorVision.
[back to top]
File Saving Conventions
Color Space:
Every file submitted to Retna must be in the Adobe RGB (1998) color space. This is the industry standard
and provides the largest color gamut.
By setting Adobe RGB (1998) as your default color space in your camera, as well as in Photoshop, all of
your files should be in the correct color space. For any files that are not in this color space, you must
convert them in Photoshop before submitting them to Retna.
To convert a file to Adobe RGB (1998) in Photoshop:
Open the file and go to Image>Mode>Convert to Profile
In the dialogue box select Adobe RGB (1998) as the profile (1) and Adobe (ACE) as the Engine (2).
File format:
All submitted images should be saved as high-quality JPEGs and as high-resolution TIFF files. The JPEG
files are to be uploaded to the website and the TIFF files will be saved in our archive.
All JPEG format images should be saved (1) at a quality of "12" and set to (2) "Baseline Standard".
File Size Guidelines:
JPEG Files (to be uploaded to website):
Minimum file size = 1MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
Highest quality JPEG
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 2-4MB on the desktop.
All finished files should not exceed 5mb on the computer desktop.
TIFF Files (to be submitted for archive):
Minimum file size = 20MB
Short side = 9.4"
300ppi
8 Bit RGB
TIFF file format
Files should be approximately 30-40MB (Pixel Dimensions in Photoshop) and 30-40MB on the desktop.
[back to top]
Naming Conventions
Images submitted to Retna via the FTP site, or on removable media such as CD's or DVD's, must follow
these naming conventions:
Subject's Last Name
Underscore (_)
Photographer's Initials
Number in Series
Period (.)
File Extension (jpg)
For Example:
The first of a series of photographs of Mick Jagger taken by John Doe would have the name...
Jagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: MickJagger_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Mick_JD1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JohnDoe1.jpg
Wrong: Jagger_JD_1.jpg
Right: Jagger_JD1.jpg
Do NOT use characters such as !@#$%^&() +"':<>? These will corrupt the files and cause them not to be
uploaded to our servers.
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Metadata (Captions)
It is essential to have properly formatted Metadata (captions and keywords) in order to have your
images be easily searchable on the website. Improperly entered Metadata will result in your images
being lost on the server, not accessible by Retna or its clients and therefore will not be sold.
This document assumes you are using Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, Photoshop Browser (7 or CS) or Adobe
Bridge (CS2). Other captioning applications such as Photo Mechanic, Photostation, IView Media, etc.
may be used but you must make sure that the correct fields are being filled.
To Access the File Info Dialogue Box:
File>File Info
You must fill in the following fields:
- 1: Document Title
-
- Name of Subject(s) in the photo should be in this format:
-
- For Individuals: Last Name, First Name
-
- For Two or More People: Last Name, First Name & Last Name, First Name
-
- Example: Doe, John & Doe, Jane
- You must use the "and symbol" (&) to separate the name of each person
- For large groups of people only include celebrities or main subjects
- For Bands: Band Name
-
- For Bands with a central person:
-
- Last Name, First Name & Band Name
- Example: Jagger, Mick & Rolling Stones
- 2: Author:
-
- Name of photographer, entered as follows:
-
- � First Name Last Name
- Example: � John Doe
- There must be a space between the copyright symbol (�) and the photographer's name.
- 3: Description
-
- Description of the contents of the photograph. It should follow this format.
-
- Descriptive Sentence.
- Photographed in City, State or Country
- Date Photographed
- � Photographer's Name / Retna Ltd.
- **RESTRICTIONS**
-
- Example:
- Mick Jagger signs copies of the new Rolling Stones album "A Bigger Bang."
- Los Angeles, CA. May 19, 2005.� John Doe / Retna Ltd. **HIGHER RATES
- APPLY**NO TABLOIDS / SKIN MAGAZINES**
- Description Tips:
-
- Descriptive sentences should use proper grammar, be complete sentences and
should identify the main subject(s) of the photo, as well as identify the event.
- Captions should answer the basic who, what, when and where of the photo.
- Avoid using proper names other than those of the subject(s) of the photo.
- 4: Date Created:
-
- The "Date Created" field can be found by going to the "Origin" section on the left side of
the "File Info" dialogue. Enter the date that the photograph was taken, separated by
slashes, in the following format: MM/DD/YY
-
- Example: November 30, 2005 = 11/30/05
Metadata Template
A template for captioning images according to the Retna convention can be downloaded here. To use
the template, download the file and place it in the Metadata Template folder.
To access the Metadata Template folder:
Open the File Info dialogue
Click on the arrow in the upper right hand corner of the "file info" dialogue box.
Select "Show Templates" and drag the downloaded template into the folder
You may edit this template with your information to use when captioning your images.
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Transmitting Files to Retna
FTP
Upload files to Retna using a FTP program such as Fetch (Mac) or CuteFTP (Windows).
- 1: Host: ftp://rpass.retna.com
- 2: User ID: Your Username*
- 3: Password: Your Password*
-
-
Photographers without personal username/passwords should contact a Retna staff
member.
- 4: Drag the files to your directory or use the "put files" button
- 5: Make sure to upload the individual files and not folders.
-
-
Only submit JPEG files. Do not submit PSD, TIFF, etc. Do not submit files compressed as
ZIP or SIT files.
CD or DVD
If you are sending a very large quantity of files it may be more efficient to send a CD or DVD with the
files. When doing this make sure to:
Name and caption the files according to the submission guidelines
Make a separate folder for each subject
Clearly mark the CD/DVD according to its contents
Include both TIFF and JPEG files
Editing Guidelines
In order to ensure that out clients can easily and quickly find the images that they require it is important
that photographers edit their submissions carefully.
Make sure to:
Eliminate images that are blurry or out of focus
Eliminate images that are excessively under or overexposed
Eliminate excessive near frames
Include headshots, 3/4 length and full-length shots if possible
Use these guidelines as a reference when deciding how many images to submit:
5 - 25 images - Small Events (e.g. book signings, store appearances, etc.)
15 - 35 images - Medium Events (e.g. after parties, concerts, etc.)
35 -100+ images - Large Events (e.g. award shows, red carpets, etc.)
Photoshop Guidelines
We would like all images that are submitted to Retna to be color and tone corrected. However, it is
important not to overly "tweak" the images.
These guidelines highlight some things to aim for and avoid when using Photoshop:
Make sure that the image isn't too dark or too light.
Make sure that the colors look correct. The whites should appear neutral and there should not be a
noticeable colorcast to the image.
Make sure to preserve detail in both the highlights as well as the shadows. Use the "info" window in
Photoshop to ensure that the highlights do not exceed a value 0f 250 and the shadows do not fall
below a value of 5.
Make sure that the image is properly cropped if scanned from a negative.
Make sure to flatten the image before saving if you have created additional layers, adjustment layers,
masks, etc.
Do not over-sharpen the image. After sharpening the image, view it at 100% and make sure that the
sharpening has not caused pixilation or introduced artifacts.
Do not use artistic filter or effects.
Do not upsize or interpolate your images. Submit the files in their original size and we will upsize them
at Retna if necessary.
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Summary
Retna is known in the photography industry for providing high-quality and timely imagery. In order for
us to maintain our reputation and for all of our photographers to maximize their sales, all submitted
digital images must be :
Correctly captioned
Saved as high-quality JPEGs and as TIFF files
In the Adobe RGB (1998) color space
Color and tone corrected
Correct file size
If you have any questions or concerns about changes in our submission policy or how to implement
these changes in your workflow, you are encouraged to contact a Retna staff member.
For questions concerning file uploading, contact Alissa: alissa@retna.com 212.255.0622 x37
For questions concerning cameras, contact Derek: derek@retna.com 212.255.0622 x12
For questions concerning computers, contact Dan: dan@retna.com 212.255.062 x24
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Resources
Books
Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book by Adobe
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS2 by Bruce Fraser
Real World Color Management by Bruce Fraser
Color Management for Photographers by Andrew Rodney
Websites
http://www.canon.com
http://www.nikon.com
http://www.adobe.com
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/index.shtml
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/color_management.htm
http://www.creativepro.com/author/home/40.html
http://www.digitaldog.net
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