Attaining perfect calibration can be a big investment, and to be honest, it might not be worth it! I'll explain exactly what it will take to achieve perfect calibration below and help you decide if it’s worth going through the process.

Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor

Recommended Monitor

• BenQ SW270C (2K resolution) – This is what we personally use, and it performs exceptionally well.
• BenQ SW271C (4K resolution) – For those who prefer a higher resolution option.
• Buy the SW270C here: BenQ SW270C.

Calibration Device

• Calibrite Display Pro HL – A precise and reliable calibration device.
• Purchase it here: Calibrite Display Pro HL.

Color Calibration Software

• BenQ Palette Master Ultimate – Free software designed for BenQ monitors, compatible with the SW270C and SW271C.
• Download it here: Palette Master Ultimate.
  ​(Note: This software only works with select BenQ monitors like the SW270C and SW271C.)

Why This Setup Matters

We’ve tested various combinations of monitors, calibration devices, and software and found that mismatched tools can lead to inaccurate results. By using the exact same setup we do, you can ensure the most accurate color representation for your work.

Our Calibration Settings

These are the most important settings we use when calibrating:

• Color space: D50
• Brightness: 120 lumens
• Color Profile: Adobe RGB

Step 2: Soft Proofing with ICC Profiles

Once your monitor is calibrated, request our ICC Profiles to soft proof your images. This step ensures the colors you see on your screen match what will be printed.

Lighting & Print Viewing

Keep in mind:

• Monitors use transmissive light, while prints rely on reflective light.
• Lighting can drastically affect how a print looks.
• For critical proofing, we use a D50 lightbox (GTI PDV-3e/D) with adjustable brightness to simulate the perfect viewing conditions.

Do you need a lightbox? Probably not. Most customers won’t compare prints side-by-side to their screen. Prints will be viewed under various lighting conditions in homes, offices, or galleries. Your best option is to recommend proper overhead lighting for your customers to make their prints shine.

Is Calibration Necessary for You?

Here’s the truth:

• 99% of our customers don’t calibrate their monitors. Many use MacBooks, iMacs, or even phones!
• Some of the top-selling photographers we work with don’t calibrate either. Their focus is on the lighting for prints, not screen calibration.

Our Advice

• Start with test prints and compare them to your screen.
• If they’re close enough, focus on creating amazing photos rather than chasing perfection in calibration.
• If you feel like your prints may be too dark, we can experiment with adjusting the brightness on your monitor.
• Rest assured: Our process is consistent. Whether you order today or in 5 years, your prints will always look the same from our end.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating stunning prints your customers will love! 😊

Yes, every image submitted is reviewed by our skilled technicians before printing. We ensure that the resolution and overall quality of your image meet our standards to produce a high-quality print. If there are any issues, we will contact you before proceeding.

However, please note that we do not thoroughly proof color, as we understand that artistic styles are highly individual and subjective. We believe that each artist should manage the color of their work according to their personal preferences. Our inspection focuses on image resolution and identifying any clear mistakes in file management.

For those with a NMFA Pro account, we offer additional services to help you preview how your high-resolution images will translate to print. This includes sending a free sample pack with examples of our finishes and color quality.

New Standards for File Uploads

Our uploader now supports both JPEG and TIFF files, with a maximum file size of up to 2GB.

JPEG Uploads

Our online uploader is optimized for lower resolution JPEG images, making it ideal for printing a variety of personal photos. Whether you’re looking to print family pictures, holiday snapshots, cherished memories, event highlights, or casual portraits, this user-friendly option is designed to bring everyday moments to life in print.

TIFF Uploads for High-Quality Printing

For those looking to maintain the highest quality in their prints, especially for gallery displays, client projects, or fine art reproductions, uploading higher resolution TIFF files is essential. Our platform allows you to upload TIFF files directly, ensuring that your work is preserved with the utmost quality.

JPEG vs. TIFF: Understanding the Differences

JPEG:

• Smaller File Sizes: JPEG files use lossy compression, resulting in smaller file sizes. This makes them easier to store and share, particularly online.
• Wide Compatibility: JPEG is a universally supported format, convenient for sharing across various platforms, devices, and websites.
• Quick Previews: Ideal for quick previews and proofing, JPEGs load faster in most image viewing software.

TIFF:

• Lossless Compression: TIFF files use lossless compression or remain uncompressed, preserving all image data and ensuring the highest print quality.
• High-Resolution Quality: TIFF files can store extensive color and tonal information, crucial for fine art prints where detail and color accuracy are paramount.
• Versatility: TIFFs support multiple layers, channels, and color profiles, making them perfect for professional image editing and retouching.
• No Data Loss: Saving images as TIFF ensures no loss of image data, maintaining the integrity of your photographs.

Choosing the Right Format

While JPEG files offer convenience and are well-suited for quick sharing and previews, TIFF files are the preferred choice for fine art printing due to their ability to maintain superior image quality. For the finest prints with maximum detail and color accuracy, TIFF is the recommended format. However, for sharing or previewing images before printing, JPEGs are effective, but be sure to keep a master TIFF version for the actual printing process to achieve the best results.

TIFF File Export Settings:

Adobe RGB (1998)

16-Bit

TIFF

Adobe RGB (1998) is a popular choice for fine art printing due to several advantages it offers over other color spaces:

• Wider Color Gamut: Adobe RGB has a larger color gamut compared to the standard sRGB color space. It can reproduce a broader range of colors, which is particularly beneficial for achieving vibrant and high-quality prints.
• Suitable for Professional Workflows: Adobe RGB is commonly preferred by photographers and professionals who have control over their entire workflow, from image capture to print. It's an excellent choice for those working with high-end equipment and seeking the highest color fidelity.
• Smooth Transitions: Adobe RGB provides smoother and more gradual transitions between colors, which can result in more visually appealing prints, especially for images with subtle color gradients and transitions.
• Preservation of Color Detail: When using Adobe RGB, you can maintain a greater level of detail in the highlights and shadows of your images, allowing for a more faithful reproduction of the original scene.
• Compatibility: Adobe RGB is widely supported by professional photo editing software and printers, making it a practical choice for photographers and fine art printing labs.
• Versatility: Adobe RGB strikes a balance between color accuracy and practicality, making it suitable for a wide range of printing applications, including fine art photography, graphic design, and professional photography.

Overall, Adobe RGB (1998) is favored for its ability to preserve a broader spectrum of colors and is the color space of choice for many professionals engaged in the fine art printing industry, as it provides superior color accuracy and quality for their prints.

Image Resolution Guidelines for Printing

The optimal size for your images depends on both your personal preferences and the intended viewing distance. As a general rule, the closer viewers will be to the image, the higher the resolution should be to ensure clarity and detail. We always proof your images to verify they meet our quality standards for the size you’ve selected.

To determine if an image is suitable for printing at the requested dimensions, we use specific methods that consider the unique characteristics of each file. If there are any concerns about resolution or the potential quality of the final print, our team will reach out to discuss the best options with you. If you’re uncertain about how large you can print your image, we encourage you to contact us at orders@nmfa.io before placing your order, and we’ll provide a recommendation.

Additionally, our new website features a PPI (Pixels Per Inch) calculator, allowing you to easily check the resolution of your image. For best results, we recommend keeping your images above 115 PPI, though we do accept orders at resolutions as low as 75 PPI. Images printed at lower resolutions can still look fine, especially when printed in larger formats, as they are typically viewed from a greater distance.

No, you should not resize your images before uploading unless you're doing so for specific sharpening purposes. We’ll take care of resizing your image to ensure it’s perfectly optimized for the print dimensions. Resizing on your own can lead to unnecessarily large file sizes, which can increase upload times for you and download times for us.

Yes, you can add a watermark or a digital signature to your photos, and we recommend the use of a digital signature for added personalization on your prints. When you do add a signature, we advise placing it in the bottom left or bottom right corner of the image, ensuring there's sufficient space from the edges to prevent it from being trimmed off during the printing process. Please note that for Metal and Acrylic prints, which require a bleed, up to 1/8" of the image may be trimmed off, so positioning your signature accordingly is important to ensure it remains visible on the final print.

For signing your prints, you can sign directly on the surface of Metal and Fine Art prints. However, for Acrylic prints, we recommend signing on the back rather than the front to maintain the print's aesthetic integrity. If your print is being dropshipped to a customer, a digital signature is advisable for a consistent and professional presentation. If you wish to provide a Certificate of Authenticity, it should be handled separately as it will need to be shipped directly by you.

To sign up for an NMFA Pro Account, please go to our dedicated sign-up page which you can find here: https://nmfa.io/pages/nmfa-pros

When registering, be sure to include a link to your professional website or a social media page where your work is displayed. Our NMFA Pro account is exclusively for photographers and artists, so it's important that you showcase your work. If your work isn't available online, you're welcome to email us at orders@nmfa.io with a selection of your most recent images.

Ordering with an NMFA Pro account offers several exclusive benefits:

1. Substantial Discounts: Enjoy significant savings on selected media types, allowing you to access premium products at a fraction of the cost. These discounts are applied automatically while logged into an active Pro account, so no additional discount code is required!
2. Priority Production: Your orders are given top priority, ensuring that your prints are produced and ready for dispatch swiftly.
3. Dedicated Support: Receive priority customer service, providing you with fast, personalized assistance whenever you need it.
4. Advanced File Handling: Quality printing starts with high-resolution files. Enjoy seamless ordering with our platform that allows easy upload, management, and storage of high-res .tiff files.
5. Tips and Tricks: Boost your print mastery with our extensive video library. From tutorials on exporting images optimally for print to insider tips on selling your first masterpiece, we've got you covered.

NMFA Pro accounts are FREE!

We accept all major credit and debit cards for payment.

At NMFA, we take pride in creating custom, handcrafted prints that meet the unique needs and preferences of each customer. Every order we fulfill is a result of our dedication to delivering the highest quality products.

Custom Means Unique:

• We want you to understand that each order we process is entirely custom, tailored to your specific requirements, making it one-of-a-kind. We appreciate your trust in our craftsmanship to bring your vision to life.

Our Commitment to Quality:

• Our team works tirelessly to ensure that every print we produce meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. We use premium materials, state-of-the-art equipment, and skilled professionals to create your personalized art.

Defects and Issues:

• In the rare event that you receive a print with a defect or an issue that hinders your ability to enjoy the artwork as intended, please contact our customer support team within 7 days of receiving your order. We will do our utmost to address the issue promptly and make it right.

Contact Us:

• To report a defect or issue with your order, please reach out to our customer support team at orders@nmfa.io. We kindly ask that you provide a clear description of the problem and, if possible, attach relevant photographs to help us understand the concern better.

Custom Means Quality:

• Because every order is unique and custom-made, we do not accept returns for reasons other than defects. We believe in the exceptional quality of our products and strive to deliver your vision in the best possible form.

To edit or cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible before your order enters the production stage. As long as we are notified in time, we are happy to accommodate your request to cancel the order. If you wish to make edits, we will do our best to implement the changes before production begins. Please email orders@nmfa.io with any requests you may have.

At NMFA, we understand that you may be eager to track the progress of your order.  

To obtain the most up-to-date information on your order, you can login to your account and go to your orders page where you can track your order. You can also contact us via email at orders@nmfa.io. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your order status, estimated delivery, or any other inquiries you may have.

1. Shopping Cart: Once you've added all your desired items to your cart, click on the cart button.
2. View Cart: Review your order, and beneath the item list, look for a field labeled "Discount Code or Gift Card"
3. Enter Code: Enter the discount code you have in the provided field. Double-check for accuracy.
4. Apply Code: Click on the "Apply" button next to the discount code field. You should see an immediate adjustment to your order total.
5. Checkout: Complete the checkout process as usual by clicking on the checkout or payment button.
6. Enjoy Savings: Voila! Your discount has been applied, and you can enjoy your savings on the order.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, feel free to reach out to our support team at orders@nmfa.io.

We're here to help!

Fine Art Paper Photo Prints:

• Fine art paper photo prints take your images to the next level with their exceptional texture, depth, and museum-quality appearance. They are printed on archival-quality, acid-free paper, ensuring longevity.
• Advantages: These prints are perfect for artists and photographers who want to showcase their work as true pieces of art. The textured surface adds depth and character to the image, making it suitable for fine art exhibitions and galleries.
• Best Environments: Fine art paper prints shine in elegant and sophisticated settings, such as art galleries, upscale homes, or professional offices. They work best in well-lit spaces, where the texture and details can be appreciated under controlled indoor lighting.

Canvas Prints:

• We’ve made the hard decision to discontinue Canvas prints in 2025. Canvas was what originally got us started in printing, and we’ll always be grateful for that part of our journey. Over time, we’ve become known for producing the highest quality fine art prints for photographers, and the demand for Canvas has steadily declined. Today, we believe Metal and Acrylic are the best ways to display any image, offering unmatched depth, vibrancy, and longevity. By focusing all of our attention on these premium materials, we can continue to deliver the quality and innovation that define NMFA.

Acrylic Prints:

• Acrylic prints feature your image face-mounted to a clear, high-quality acrylic sheet, creating a sleek, modern, and luminous appearance. The print appears to float off the wall, giving it incredible presence and visual depth.
• Advantages: Acrylic prints represent the absolute highest quality in fine art printing. They offer exceptional sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy, making them ideal for both color and black and white images. Compared to Metal prints, Acrylic provides greater detail and a more refined, gallery-quality finish. They are also extremely durable and resistant to fading, ensuring your artwork looks its best for years to come.
• Best Environments: Acrylic prints are perfect for contemporary spaces, modern homes, upscale restaurants, and corporate offices. Their glossy surface shines in well-lit environments, both natural and artificial. If you prefer a finish without glare, our newest addition, P99 Matte Acrylic, delivers the same incredible quality with a beautifully soft, non-reflective surface.

Metal Prints:

• Metal prints are created by infusing your image onto a metal surface, resulting in a sleek and modern appearance. They are lightweight and have a striking, glossy finish.
• Advantages: Metal prints are known for their exceptional color vibrancy, durability, and resistance to fading. They have a unique, modern look and are perfect for high-contrast and colorful images.
• Best Environments: Metal prints are well-suited for contemporary settings such as modern living rooms, busy office spaces, and stylish commercial areas. Additionally, their robust and low-maintenance surface allows for easy cleaning, adding to their practicality.

Each print type offers distinct advantages and can be tailored to different environments, allowing you to create a personalized and visually appealing display of your images based on your specific preferences and needs.

Yes, we do offer custom framing. We now carry a curated selection of premium frames from Roma Moulding, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design.

You can view our current framing options directly in our ordering system here:

👉 https://nmfa.io/pages/create-your-print

Our frames are available for both Metal and Acrylic prints, providing a gallery-quality presentation right out of the box. Each frame is handcrafted to the highest standard, ensuring your artwork arrives ready to hang and perfectly finished.

If you have any questions about our framing options or would like personalized recommendations, reach out through our live chat or email, and our team will be happy to help.

Choosing the right print type depends on your preferred style, display environment, and how you want your image to look and feel. Each material offers a distinct aesthetic and level of presentation.

Fine Art Paper Prints: Best for those who prefer a traditional, classic presentation with custom matting and framing. Fine Art Paper offers beautiful texture, soft detail, and museum-quality appeal.

Acrylic Prints: The highest-quality print available. Acrylic provides maximum sharpness, depth, and color accuracy, making it perfect for both color and black and white images. It delivers a sleek, gallery-level finish with exceptional clarity and brilliance.

Metal Prints: Great for those who want a vibrant, high-contrast, and durable print that is a bit more affordable than acrylic. Metal prints are modern, lightweight, easy to clean, and ideal for a wide range of environments.

No matter which option you choose, every print is handcrafted with the same attention to quality and detail that defines NMFA.

Fine Art Paper Prints:

Our Fine Art Prints are created using the highest-quality archival papers from Canson.

• Canson Platine Fibre Rag: A beautiful lustre finish that delivers exceptional color depth, contrast, and smooth tonal transitions.
  
• Canson Arches BFK Rives White: A matte textured finish with a soft, tactile feel, perfect for artistic work and images that benefit from subtle tonality.
  

Both papers are museum-grade and designed for long-term preservation, offering incredible detail, color accuracy, and a timeless fine art presentation.

Acrylic Prints:

Our Acrylic Prints are crafted using premium UV-resistant acrylic for unmatched clarity and depth. We print on super gloss photo paper, which enhances color vibrancy and luminosity, then face-mount it to acrylic using a crystal-clear, optically pure adhesive for a flawless, long-lasting bond.

We currently offer three acrylic options:

• P99 Matte Acrylic: A soft, non-reflective finish with zero glare. Perfect for bright spaces while maintaining exceptional detail and color accuracy.
  
• TruLife Anti-Glare Glossy Acrylic: A premium glossy finish with reduced reflections, added UV protection, and superior scratch resistance.
  
• OP3 Glossy Acrylic: A high-gloss finish with maximum depth and brilliance, ideal for bold, vibrant images.
  

Each acrylic print is finished with a 1/16-inch acrylic backing for strength and rigidity, ensuring it arrives ready for display.

Metal Prints:

Our Metal Prints are produced on Chromaluxe aluminum panels, the gold standard for metal printing. Chromaluxe panels are lightweight, durable, and deliver exceptional color depth, sharpness, and vibrancy. The result is a modern, sleek finish that’s easy to clean and perfect for both residential and commercial spaces.

All of our color profiles are custom-built in-house to ensure consistency and accuracy across every print type, so your images look exactly how you intend them to.

If you would like to see a full breakdown of all our product pricing, please email us requesting a pricing sheet at orders@nmfa.io

Yes, we offer custom sizes! Simply go to our ordering configuration page here - https://nmfa.io/pages/create-your-print

1) Select a print type

2) Upload your image

3) Click the Size dropdown and select "Custom" at the top of the list

4) Enter the custom size desired

We offer custom sizes for Metal and Acrylic in increments of 1" and Fine Art Prints in increments of 0.25". Below are our max sizes for each print type.

Fine Art Prints: 24 x 48"

Metal Prints: 40 x 60"

Acrylic Prints: 60 x 120"

We do not typically offer scanning services for individual pieces of artwork or originals. However, we can accommodate scanning for large volume orders. If you have a bulk quantity that needs scanning, please reach out to us to discuss your specific requirements and how we can assist you.

The best pricing we offer is our NMFA Pro Pricing. NMFA Pro accounts are for photographers and artists. You can apply for a NMFA Pro account here: https://nmfa.io/pages/nmfa-pros

No, we do not offer individual test prints before placing an order. However, we provide free sample packs containing all of our finishes to first-time customers. These 8x10 sample packs include 9 different images showcasing a spectrum of colors across our range of finishes. If you wish to have a test print of your specific image, you can order this through our website as a regular purchase.

Shipping costs are determined by the total value of your order. Here's a breakdown of our shipping rates:

Contiguous United States (Excluding Hawaii and Alaska)

$0 to $49.99: $15

$50 to $74.99: $17.50

$75 to $99.99: $20

$100 to $149.99: $25

$150 to $199.99: $30

$200 to $299.99: $40

$300 to $499.99: $65

$500 to $749.99: $130

$750 to $999.99: $190

$1,000 to $1,999.99: $250

$2,000 to $2,999.99: $300

$3,000 to $3,999.99: $350

$4,000 to $4,999.99: $450

$5,000 to $7,499.99: $550

$7,500 +: Billed at Cost

Hawaii and Alaska

$0 to $49.99: $20

$50 to $74.99: $27.50

$75 to $99.99: $35

$100 to $149.99: $50

$150 to $199.99: $65

$200 to $299.99: $80

$300 to $499.99: $125

$500 to $749.99: $275

$750 to $999.99: $350

$1,000 to $1,999.99: $430

$2,000 to $2,999.99: $500

$3,000 to $3,999.99: $575

$4,000 to $4,999.99: $650

$5,000 to $7,499.99: $725

$7,500 +: Billed at Cost

Please reach out to us at orders@nmfa.io for a custom shipping quote if your order exceeds $7,500.

We ship all over the world! Currently, we only have shipping costs automated for orders inside the US through national carriers like USPS and UPS. 

If you live outside of the US, please contact us at orders@nmfa.io get a custom shipping quote.

Fine Art Prints

For small photo print sizes, we will ship them in a flat envelope.

For large photo print sizes, we will ship them rolled up in a thick cardboard tube.

For large quantity print orders, we will ship them in a sturdy box.

Metals and Acrylics

Smaller prints of these mediums will be shipped in a 20x26" box. If the prints do not fit comfortably and safely in this box, we will build a custom crate for them.

Our crates are made with high quality plywood and all come with custom foam lining on the inside. 

If any prints are damaged in shipping, we kindly ask you take plenty of photos before opening and send all information to orders@nmfa.io.

Our typical turnaround times are listed below. If you ever need an order rushed, please contact us at orders@nmfa.io and we will do our best to make it happen. 

Metal Prints - 5-10 Business Days
Acrylic Prints - 5-15 Business Days
Fine Art Prints - 5-7 Business Days

Yes, we can dropship directly to your customers. Simply enter your customer's shipping information at checkout, and we'll handle the rest. Rest assured, we never include a packing slip or any pricing information in our boxes or crates, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for your customers.