FTP (File-Transfer-Protocol) is a versatile means of exchanging digital files on-line. It is far more reliable than e-mailing an individual file or group of images and is absolutely essential for sending large uncompressed files such as TIF, PSD or RAW images. For the easiest, most reliable transfers, we recommend a stand-alone application like FileZilla, Fetch, Cyberduck or similar program which allows the user to securely log on and transfer any number or size of files. Please note that when you transfer your files to our FTP server, you must contact us once the transfer is complete so that we may download your images a begin work on your imaging job. Once we have successfully retrieved you files, we delete them from the server. We strongly recommend you call us at 301-937-5510 or use our toll free number at 800-362-5959 so that we can verify a successful transfer. Experienced users may also be able to setup FTP transfers through Internet Explorer and FireFox with appropriate plugins installed on their systems.

Free FTP Software

We use and highly recommend Filezilla, which is available for both MAC and WINDOWS computers. Click here for a link to their website for a free download. Make sure you select the FileZilla Client version for your computer. Once you have the software, you will need to contact us at 301-937-5510 or toll free at 800-362-5959 or use our contact page to obtain the required login credentials.

FTP Order Setup

Before you can send us your files, you will need to prepare them for submission on your computer. First, create a folder with your name or studio plus the date, such as "Joe Smith MM-DD-YYYY". Next, copy the files you want to send us into this folder. You can create additional folders within the main folder if necessary to distinguish print sizes, quantities, or other project designations. If you are ordering traditional Frontier or Chromira photo prints, please make certain that the files are saved as flattened, 8-bit sRGB files, in jpeg or un-compressed TIF format. Studio Giclee Prints can be produced from Adobe 1998 files, but must be clearly marked for this purpose. Finally, create a text document with your contact information, (including a phone number) and a description of the work you want to have done. Make sure you specify print sizes, cropping or full frame requirements, and if you want color/density corrections made or print "as-is". If you have retouching, mounting or framing requests or need to meet a deadline, please mention that as well.

FTP Uploading

This is the easy part! Once you are connected to our FTP server you just drag and drop your prepared folder to the main  root directory. In FileZilla, you can also "right click" on your folder and select "upload" to start the process. You can monitor the progress in the status window. Once the upload is successful, please call (preferably) or e-mail us to let us know you have sent us the files. We will download your folder and verify the contents before deleting the folder on our remote client server.