In an ideal world, color would be consistent from the scene in front of the camera, to what we see on the monitor, to the final print.  Consistency from  various  digital imaging devices requires a sophisticated knowledge of color management. In this hands-on discussion, we will help artists and photographers gain deeper understanding of how to get a good match from the monitor to the print.

Included in this discussion:

• A work-around to match the image on screen to the print
• Best practices for monitor calibration
• Color profiles
• Soft-proofing

Please RSVP. This is a free event, so please bring a beverage or snack to share!

Dot Editions first HDR test, 2008

March 9: Color Management Discussion (6:30-9pm, doors open at 6pm)

In this hands-on discussion, we will demonstrate a work-around that photographers printing at home or in the studio can use to match the print to the image on the monitor. This trick will help artists become more efficient when printing, and hopefully will relieve some of the frustration that can arise when perfecting a print.

We will also discuss:
•    Best practices for monitor calibration
•    Paper profiles
•    Soft-proofing

This is a good opportunity to get your questions about color management answered.

In the meantime, check out the tutorials we’ve posted, including one on monitor calibration using Eye One Match, and a Photoshop work-around for matching your image on the monitor to your print.

Please RSVP, and as always, this event is free, so please bring a beverage or snack to share!

TWO UPCOMING HDR DISCUSSIONS:

March 23: HDRi Discussion at Dot Editions Studio. Please RSVP to Dot Editions HDR event here.
April 6th: ASMPNY Discussion (at Tabula Rasa Studio & Event Loft Space). For more info on the ASMYNY HDR event, click here.

In both of these events, we will define HDR and how to use it as a tool not a look. How it’s being used in the commercial world of photography today as well as the fine art world. What is the future of HDR and how you as a photographer can start utilizing this powerful tool.

If you can’t afford either of these monitors, here’s a place to get started for monitor settings: Color temperature 6500K, gamma 1.8.

If you’re using an Apple Cinema Display, remember that these monitors are extremely saturated and contrasty, and most likely, your print will look flat and lifeless in comparison.

Assuming that you are correctly applying printer profiles, this work-around should help you better control color managmenent (we will discuss using printer profiles in a later blog post). Your best work-around is to make an adjustment layer on your Photoshop file that you TURN OFF when you go to print. Use these simple steps:

1. Make a print from an image that you think has good skin tone, contrast, nice highlights and shadows.

2. Put your print next to your monitor in decent light. Ideally you would view your print in a daylight balanced light box similar to the GTI viewers. Most people don’t have this, so use diffused, even soft window light if possible. Remember that as the light changes through-out the day in your room, so will your calibration.

3. Make an adjustment layer curve on the image you printed from, and match the image on the monitor to the print. Take your time here, match the image on the monitor to the print as best you can in terms of color, contrast, and saturation. (If you make a few layers, group them together). You should be able to do it with just one curve layer.

4. Name the adjustment layer or the group “TURN OFF WHEN PRINTING” (you can color the layer red as well, by control + clicking on the eye icon on the layer palate)

5. As you make further adjustments to the image to perfect your print, always keep that “TURN OFF WHEN PRINTING” layer on top of you layer stack.

6. Finally, make sure to turn off that layer when printing! Save a PSD file with all your layers (including the TURN OFF WHEN PRINTING layer). Duplicate the layered image, turn that layer off, then flatten (Photoshop will ask you if you want to Discard the hidden layers, click OK) and save as a Tiff file for printing.

COMING SOON: Soft proofing through Photoshop