ICC profile(s) and Photo Printing

[DigiSLR]

OK please forgive me for the newbie question...

I am looking to get some of my photos printed from an on line lab at sizes larger than I can print at home.

I have a color calibrated monitor but have never done any calibration on eith my printer or any labs printer. Here's my question...

If I want to get the most accurate color reproduction, and a lab offers a downloadable custom ICC profile, how would I go about using it? Where do I install it or configure it?

If it matters, I am using CS3 and work with RAW, converted to TIFF. I usually work in an Adobe1998 colorspace if I plan on printing my photos, but sRGB if I'm only using them for web viewing.

Thank you for any advice!

[johnastovall]

Go do to my post in this thread and get the books suggested.

[jeffkohn]

The downloadable profiles are mainly for soft-proofing. I wouldn't actually convert your image to that profile unless your sure the lab can handle a file prepped like that. It's best to closely follow the instructions the lab provides you for prepping your files (and if they don't provide that kind of information, find another lab).

[markperez]

this is the reference I have used

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/usi...r_profiles.htm

[DigiSLR]

Thanks Mark! That's exactly what I'm looking for. I assume it works for CS3. I'll have to go home and play with it later tonight.

[Clint_Smith]

depending on what lab you are using they may want you to use sRGB. I know Millers wants only sRGB.