Overview
GotPhoto offers background extraction services ("knockouts") via our partners, Pure Photos and 36Pix. In this article, we'll look at the options available for background removal, essential requirements for using this service, best practices for shooting, and pricing and turnaround times.
Extraction Types
We offer two types of background extractions — Automated Background Removal and Verified Background Removal.
| Automated Background Removal Pure Photos | Automated Background Removal 36Pix | Verified Background Removal 36Pix | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Process: | Background is removed via AI. | Background is removed via AI | Background is removed via AI and photos are checked by hand. |
| Provider: | Pure Photos | 36Pix | 36Pix |
| Job Types: | All job types | School, Preschool, and Sports | School, Preschool, and Sports |
| Pricing US / UK: | $0.10 / £0.08 (plus tax) per edited photo | $0.10 / £0.08 (plus tax) per edited photo | $0.30 / £0.23 (plus tax) per edited photo |
| Turnaround Time: | 10 min-3 hrs (depending on volume) | 10 min-3 hrs (depending on volume) | 48 hrs |
| Essential Requirements: | |||
| File Format: | Images must be in JPG format. Individual and group photos can be extracted. Photo-Limit per request: 10,000 | Images must be in JPG format. Only recommended for individual photos, see guidelines. | Images must be in JPG format. Only recommended for individual photos, see guidelines. |
| Best Practices: | Photos can be shot on any background, including natural backgrounds. Please review Pure Photo's best practices. Since Pure Photos' AI-only extractions are non-refundable, it is essential to check the suitability of your photos in advance, particularly when using props to ensure optimal results. | Photos must be shot on a solid background. A green background will provide the highest quality extraction. Important: White backgrounds can be used for portraits, but not for sports. Since 36Pix' AI-only extractions are non-refundable, it is essential to check the suitability of your photos in advance to achieve optimal results. | Photos must be shot on a solid background. A green background will provide the highest quality extraction. Important: White backgrounds can be used for portraits, but not for sports. Results must be reviewed and approved by you to ensure they meet your satisfaction and expectations. |
Setting Up Your Photo Job for Extractions
Once you've made sure your images meet the requirements, it's time to set up your job for extraction.
- Make sure your photos are sorted correctly, and make any adjustments as necessary.
- Activate the access codes. This will ensure that all QR code images are hidden.
⚠ Skipping this step will cause your QR images to also be sent for extraction, costing you extra fees and potentially ruining your tagging. - Click into the Photo Editing tab of your photo job and click Continue on the service option of your choice.
- On the following screen, review the information and costs provided, and then click
- After submitting, you will see the status on the Photo Editing tab set to progress. Please note that you can't access and update your job's settings, Photo Management or the job status during the editing process. If you need to cancel the request immediately after submission, please reach out to our support team so that we can check the status of your editing job.
Receiving the results
- If you selected the automated background removal by Pure Photos, the images will be automatically be sent back to your job. You will be notified once the extractions are done.
- For the automated background removal by 36Pix, simply confirm the images.
- For the human verified background extraction by 36Pix, you will receive a notification via email when your photos are ready for review. Under the Photo Editing tab, review the extractions and either approve or disapprove the images and add the requested additional information. After approving the results, they will replace the original pictures in Photo Management.
Metadata After Extraction
With both Pure Photos and 36Pix, your photos' metadata will be retained.
Important: If you plan to perform extractions via different software, please test ahead of your shoot if the stored tagging information (barcodes and/or 5-star ratings) is still saved in your metadata:
Canon: Info is stored in the Copyright fieldNikon & Fuji: Info is stored in the User Comment field
Sony:Info is stored in the Image ID field
Sony users: If you plan to edit your images via an editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.), the software will most likely not recognize this field, and the metadata won't be saved. To prevent this, we have created a script that copies the metadata from the Sony field into the UserComment and Copyright field, which will ensure the barcodes remains in the metadata, and GotPhoto will be able to detect the codes after exporting the images from your editing software. Find detailed instruction on using the script here.
Please note: To facilitate the replacement of the original JPG files in your galleries, a JPG file extension is added to the extracted images (PNGs) upon their return from the editing service.
The Takeaway
Leveraging GotPhoto's partnership with 36Pix and Pure Photos for background removal is a game-changer. Whether opting for rapid automated removal or meticulous verified removal, this resource guarantees a seamless experience in achieving professional-grade background extraction services.