Introduction

Overview

ProofStation provides a simple, complete solution to running event photography, handling image capture and generation of proof order forms as each image is taken. The resulting database is sent to Parker Franklin Ltd. who will handle all printing and distribution of orders. It is designed to make the photographer’s and the event host’s life easy!

Application Platform

The software is designed to run on a laptop running Windows Vista, XP or 2000, although it can run on a desktop machine if required. Hardware requirements:

• A printer must be connected; we recommend a Canon Pixma IP 4000(s). This is cheap, fast and gives a good quality result.
• If the event is a school that has supplied names (if using SIMS for example) then a barcode scanner is also required; we recommend SYMBOL LS2208 USB Model. It can be sourced from www.thebarcodewarehouse.co.uk
• A professional digital SLR camera should be connected that has been configured to drop JPEG images into a specific folder on the laptop.

Installation

Someone from Parker Franklin will normally assist you in completing this installation at the same time as you receive your training.

• Run the installation program provided by Parker Franklin following the simple instructions.
• The installation creates a simple folder structure at C:\ParkerFranklin, with subfolders "HotFolder", "Database" and "Files". Inside "Files" is another folder – "SampleJob" – and in this are two sample files required for running a test job (see Getting Started). If desired this folder structure can be moved to another location more suitable to your computer organisation However you will then need to change the database folder and the source folder in Program Settings, which defaults to these locations when the program is first run (see Program Settings).
• ProofStation is now ready to be run. We would suggest you follow the step by step guide in Getting Started for the first time or contact Parker Franklin on 0845 094 9183 and we will happily talk you through getting started.

Basic Operation

ProofStation works by monitoring a “hot” source folder. As images are placed in this folder by the camera, the software automatically picks them up and processes them. The image is moved to a database image location used by the software. Although it is renamed, the original image is always left untouched; it is never modified or deleted (even if you do cropping ProofStation handles this as virtual cropping and does not modify the actual file).

Each image taken into the database has a record associated with it which includes a unique reference and any other information about the subject available (the amount of this information depends upon the type of event; for example a SIMS event will typically have more information than others). As each image is accepted into the database, a proof order form is printed onto a pre-printed “blank” order form (this can be suppressed if you would rather do it later or have proof cards printed). The proof order form includes a small proof of the image, the pack descriptions and prices for that event and the unique reference number for the image, in both barcode and digit form. This order form can then be taken away by the subject and used to order prints of their image, either by post, on the internet or dropped off at the school. After the event is finished the entire database is copied to a CD/DVD and sent to Parker Franklin to be printed as and when the orders come in.