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Colour Management Help!!


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timcee

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hi, I've just got a new monitor and i have downloaded an ICC profile to use as i don't have calibration hardware yet. I've loaded it in Windows using colour management. My question now is what colour 'working space' i should set in Photoshop. I must say that learning about colour has been a steep learning curve for me so I have tried to avoid it as much as i can!!! If a total novice guide on colour has been covered in another thread just point me there! Thanks in advance :mrgreen:
 
RGB in general. RGB works for monitors, tvs etc. Todays printers accept RGB and then convert it to print with the ink colors available with the printer. You should let Photoshop manage color when asked in the setup.
You should set your color settings based on what the intent is for the graphics you are creating. If your going to print, you should be set up with the Adobe 1998. If your content is going to the web, I use the North American Web/Internet and your output should be sRGB.
The profile you speak of should be for the printer and paper combination your using. For example, I just got a Canon Pixma Pro 100. It came with the proper profiles to use Canon photo papers (of course) but if you switch to another paper brand, to get the best color, use a profile for that paper. Hope this is of some help to you.

By the way, you need to calibrate your monitor asap. All bets are off if the monitor is not calibrated, so what your seeing on your screen is going to be reproduced by the printer or look right on the web. Also, if your going to the web, let Photoshop Save for the Web and it will help getting close to what it will look like. You have an option there to preview it in your browser.
 
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^this

And I add: If you design something formprinting with professional hardware, never use RGB, always use CMYK. That way your poster/flyer/whatever will look much better because RGB to CMYK conversion sometimes can be way off.
Note that if using CMYK, some settings or filter aren't available. Also, don't use blend modes in Photoshop. Instead of black (#000000) use a dark grey. Everything between #333333 - #555555 should work. If you are not sure ask the printshop or take a look on their website. Often they have hosted a color profile for you to use that takes care of stuff like that.
 
Yes, I should have added that what I posted was pretty much applicable to desk top printing.
 
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Thank you both for your replies I will stick with RGB. I guess my problem is that i want to be working with the maximum amount of data/detail with my photos and manipulations. In reality I rarely print at the moment so my output is the web which i know doesn't support colour other than RGB. It is certainly easier in terms of colour management with RGB which is fine by me :)

Can I ask your opinions as you know your stuff! What colour calibrating hardware would you recommend at the budget end of spectrum?

Thanks :)
 
Before you invest in ultra expensive calibration hardware, I would buy a professional monitor. I can strongly recommend Eizo (http://www.eizo.com), probably the ColorEdge series.
As for calibration, maybe take a look at the Spyder (http://spyder.datacolor.com/en/display-calibration/). But before purchasing think twice as your skills won't get better with this - it just makes sure that you see the colors as close as they actually are. You can also take a look in your area, there are companies that will calibrate everything for you.
 
I have a Spyder 4 Pro, seems to be OK. What I print is very close to what I see on the screen. I can't say about the web, because I can only see it my browser. Different browsers render color differently. It cost about $160.00 or so.
(Using it with my Dell laptop)

By the way, I had posted this link in another thread, if you didn't see it, it might be of benefit to you.
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/profiles.htm
 
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Nice monitor-$1200 bucks
humbug said:
Before you invest in ultra expensive calibration hardware, I would buy a professional monitor. I can strongly recommend Eizo (http://www.eizo.com), probably the ColorEdge series.
As for calibration, maybe take a look at the Spyder (http://spyder.datacolor.com/en/display-calibration/). But before purchasing think twice as your skills won't get better with this - it just makes sure that you see the colors as close as they actually are. You can also take a look in your area, there are companies that will calibrate everything for you.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for that link it was useful. So when it says about my camera having a profile as well is it talking about the colour space I'm using on the camera ie sRGB and Adobe RGB?? thanks :)
 
No,not the same, which digital camera do you have? Some of them will come with proper profiles, such as some Canons. Is it a DSLR type (Digital Single Lens Reflex). Search internet for more info.
 
Sorry been crazy busy with work. Thanks ALB Laser Engraver. I shoot with a Canon 650D. I prefer to use Camera Raw in Photoshop rather than using lightroom. thanks :)
 
I'm with you now, Canon calls them picture styles. I don't use them generally, although they can be useful. I use 'Adobe Standard' in Camera Raw where they're listed. They're basically the colour settings applied if you're shooting jpeg. I took the plunge and ordered the a spyder 4 as well, looks like the best bang for buck. It will be good to know i've got accurate colour when its all done, it's bothered me for ages! :)
 
OK then tim..good PSing..have fun.
 
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