Proofing

[iCe]

I made a boo boo... I ordered a 20 x 30 of one of my images (1" gallery wrap on canvas) but I didn't proof it first I had the profile for the printer that they used to print it. I just forgot to hit CTRL-Y and make sure it looked ok first. Bummer.

I'm not posting here just to whine... It occured to me after I proofed it that I didn't have a clue what to do to make it print right... that was my first print and it sucked. My monitor is calibrated and the image on the monitor was exactly like I wanted it to look. When I hit CTRL-Y the image goes flat. I can't post it like that. It's got way too much contrast. It perfectly matches the image that is on the canvas... but in my opinion that image sucks (my son loves it so I gave it to him)... My little pea brain doesnt know what to do with the image. Do I tweak it in Proof mode? If so at what point do I do that? I edit in 16 bit ProPhoto RGB space (I'm not changing so don't waste your time arguing with me about it). Then, since the printer that I used (grumble grumble) REQUIRES JPG images (much to my dismay), I convert to 8 bit and Adobe Raw and then do a Save As JPG. In this case I can't blame the printer. I screwed up and I chose to go with a teensy weensy (in my opinion) JPG so they did exactly what I asked them to do. I need some help with this part of my workflow...

[billbunton]

Duplicate the image. Then reduce the size of both windows (original and duplicate) so they can both (at least mostly) be seen on-screen. Go back to the original and soft proof (ctrl-Y). Now do whatever adjustments are necessary, on layer(s), to get it as close to the duplicate as you can.

I have a saved curves adjustment for each of my common papers that gets very close. For Lexjet Semimatte the curve adds some overall contrast, reduces the black point just a bit, and also has a slight tweak to the blue-only curve to take care of a slight color cast. For some images I may end up adding three or four layers in a group, it depends both on what changes are needed for a specific image, and how close I want the result.

When done I name the layer (or group) according to the paper. (Actually, I don't usually need to do the rename, because I have actions that add the curves layer. So unless I have to add layer(s) and make a group, the action names the curves layer correctly).

I save the original image with the layer turned off. Delete the duplicate I made. Then I can turn on the layer, flatten, change mode, convert profile, whatever is necessary to get an image ready for printing.

[iCe]

Thanks Bill...

I'll give that a try.

At least I wasn't surprised when the print came in. I knew what it was going to look like after I ordered it... Now I need to work on knowing what it looks like BEFORE I order it Lessons learned and all that.

[dsjsws]

Michael,

Another way to ensure satisfaction before ordering a huge gallery wrap....

I have it printed in an 11x14 first. Then, I tweak anything that needs tweaking and have the gallery wrap made.

Sometimes after seeing the 11x14, I no longer want a gallery wrap. Sometimes, it helps sell several.

Good luck.

Donna

[iCe]

Thanks Donna. I need to break down and get a decent printer. I have been waiting for Canon to release their latest and greatest. I've been so busy lately I don't know what is and isn't out there... You make a good point. about being able to see if gallery wrap works. In my case, even if the colors would have been rigth I don't think gallery wrap works in this instance.

Thanks

[dsjsws]

Michael,

Most of the time, it's cheaper for me to take the print to Costco - 11x14 is $3. than it is for me to print it.
I do this, especially when it's a "throw away". Then, I can print at home on expensive paper/ink or have a wrapped canvas made.
I have found spending the extra $3. in the long run saves me a lot of money.

Donna

[iCe]

Ah... but I live in BFE I think Walmart is my best solution and I'm not a big fan of their "work" I think the closest Costco to me is 90 miles? something like that.

But... if I had printed it at Wally World I might have been able to see that the layout wasn't good for a gallery wrap

[dsjsws]

A good printer sounds like a good idea..

However a "proof" at Wally world might be a good idea once in awhile.
I don't have a lot of faith in Wally world's printing services, so that's hard to say.

The Costco I use is wonderful and their colors perfectly match when I have prints and canvas wraps made at MPIX.

I had some prints made at SAMS in Houston when I was visiting my parents and shooting at High Island and Brazos Bend. The color was off and they were flat, on flat paper. Ick....

I could never have relied on SAMS for a proof copy.

Donna

[iCe]

I agree with your assessment of Wally World. Definitely not my favorite...