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> ** Original Subject: Profiling Procedure
> ** Original Sender: Bertho Boman <boman@vinland.com>
> ** Original Date: Sun, 6 May 2001 11:40:40 -0700 (PDT)
I sent this six hours ago and it hasn't appeared yet. Perhaps a second attempt will be more timely...
> ** Original Message follows... (SNIP)
> I am amazed at how undefined this process is. I have been reading the
> threads for months and there is a tremendous amount of information and
> help but then comes such a basic issue as when and where are the printer
> profiles applied.
>
> How in the world can that not be a black and white clear-cut answer?
> Where can we get an exact answer? Does anyone have a contact at Epson
> that could give definite answers?
Bertho,
You ask simple questions about a complicated process which requires a simple answer. You are off on the right track with the Spyder, ColorCal and Profiler RGB.
These hardware and software tools will handle the complicated aspects of the process by providing you with a strong STARTING POINT for producing a color corrected digital image. No profile is 100% right for EVERY image. The difference between having profiles and not is that production time for any given image is greatly reduced by the MAGIC inherent in the profile process. You have paid your hard-earned dollars for profiling software that will do in seconds what might take hours on a difficult image. By calibrating the monitor to itself and then to the printer and paper, you have created a system with increased potential for reaching your goal in a MUCH shorter time.
>
> One possible way to quickly find out about where the profiles are applied
> would be to intentionally create a really bad profile. Then it would be
> obvious if it is applied.
>
> One basic principle as an engineer that I try to apply is to understand
> the problem and the failure mode before fixing it. Printer profiling
> surely needs better understanding based on the volume of post and
> disagreements on how it works.
>
>
> My proposed procedure after monitor calibration is to try to isolate the
> problem areas and I see little discussion about that and I do not
> understand why.
>
> Question #1:
> Why not create an artificial image: gray scales and color ramps in the
> color workspace and add a known standard photo and use that for printing
> directly? Never mind the previews and monitor calibrations. That is an
> independent problem to resolve. They just confuse the issue.
>
> By sending the test image to the printer with and without profiles and
> reviewing it in a known light source, we should be able resolve basic
> printing issues without worrying about scanner/ monitor/ preview/ and
> conversions from one space to an other. Am I right or am I missing
> something?
>
With the wrong profiles, printed images usually fail. With accurate profiles, they have an excellent chance of working. With an Epson printer, each image MUST be printed with a profile, whether it be one provided with the OEM driver or one created by you or a third party. Therefore, there's no way to print without one. The question is: which one? By using calibration software you have the ability to create a profile specifically tailored to your equipment, ink and paper which will provide an intelligent STARTING POINT in the printing process of any image. Add to the equation your experience and the other wonderful tools provided by Photoshop or other similar imaging software and you have a reasonably good chance of producing an image that meets your goals and expectations.
Michael Plack
M e t r o P h o t o g r a p h i c
Specializing in Portrait Design and
Digital Photo Restoration
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