FTP (File-Transfer-Protocol) is an easy to use method for exchanging digital files on-line. It is generally far more reliable than e-mailing an individual file or group of images and is essential for sending large files such as TIF, PSD or RAW. Windows XP users can utilize Internet explorer in the FTP Browser mode which is explained below, or you can employ a stand alone FTP program. MAC users can get applications such as FETCH, FILEZILLA, CYBERDUCK and others to access our server and upload files.

FTP Software

If you want a dedicated program, 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. You want to 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 instructions.

Using Internet Explorer for FTP

For Windows users, an alternative to a stand-alone FTP program is to utilize the built in FTP browser that is part of Internet Explorer. It takes a little time to setup, but once that is done it is incredibly fast and easy to use. Before attempting this setup, you will need to contact us at 301-937-5510 or toll free at 800-362-5959 or use our contact page to obtain a login user name and password. Once you have this info, start by clicking this link. It will take you to the login page of our FTP Server. Once you have keyed in this information, you will be logged on to the "client" area. The very first time you log in, you should see a notice that says "To view this FTP site in Windows Explorer, click PAGE, (which is located on the right side of the toolbar at the top of the browser) and then  OPEN FTP SITE in WINDOWS EXPLORER (usually the last item on the drop down list). After you have clicked this option, a new window will open. You may have to re-enter your username and password. If you check the "Remember Password" box, then save this FTP page as a favorite, you can also save this "Favorite" as a shortcut icon on your desktop for fast "Drag and Drop" uploading. This way, our server will act just like an external drive on your computer and sending us a job is as simple as dragging a prepared folder into this new icon on your desktop. Please note that this feature will only work with Internet Explorer 7 and 8. The other browsers that we have tested do not seem to have this feature!

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 and the date, such as "Joe Smith 06-04-2010". 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 Frontier or Chromira photo prints, please make certain that the files are saved as flattened, 8-bit sRGB files, in jpeg or 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, 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 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 client server.