How to Use a Small Test Print Before Enlarging a Portrait
By ImgHeal · Updated
Evaluate the most important image region at the intended final scale.
Select a meaningful crop
Choose a section containing the face, hair, and both light and dark detail. Place it at the scale those features will have in the final enlargement. A reduced whole-image print does not show whether the enlarged face will look natural.
Keep the process consistent
Use the intended paper and provider when practical, and note any automatic enhancement options. Print from the same delivery version planned for the enlargement. Otherwise differences in processing may make the small proof a weak predictor.
Judge at normal distance
Inspect recognition, halos, texture, and shadow detail under ordinary viewing light. Compare with the source and a moderate edit. Choose the version that fits the family purpose rather than the one with the strongest apparent sharpness at extreme zoom.
Check before you finish
- Proof the crop at final image scale.
- Use comparable paper and processing.
Continue with a related guide
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