During a recent discussion about printers on the TDS Flickr public group page, I asked members what they are using to make prints. The Epson R1800 and HP B9180 were mentioned a few times, along with other options.
I thought this would be an interesting topic for the podcast, along with my three tips for great prints:
First, calibrate your monitor. I like the Pantone Eye-One Display LT Monitor Color Calibrator for about $163 US, but any good colorimeter will work.
Next, match your ICC profiles and printing paper. Usually the easiest way to do this is to buy paper manufactured by the same company that makes your printer. If you have an Epson, buy Epson paper. The corresponding ICC profile will be available in your printer dialog box because they are loaded on to your computer when you install the print driver. If they're not there, go to the manufacturer's web site, download them, and install them on your own.
Finally, let the application control the color management (Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, etc.). Make sure you're using the matching ICC profile (usually called out under "Profile") for the paper that's in your printer, and you're set.
Monthly Photo Assignment
I also discuss this month's photo assignment, Before & After. Participants will submit two images this month: the original picture right out of the camera, and then the edited picture with all of the adjustments made in post production. You can read more about how to submit on our Submissions page. Deadline for entry is June 30.
Listen to the Podcast
Now that I've piqued your curiosity, it's time to listen to today's audio show titled, "Printers and Prints." You can download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes
Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our new Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!
Have you looked at the Park by the Numbers Camera Phone Project? If you have a camera phone, you've got to check this out!
Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, The Digital Story
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Derrick,
Good podcast. It's comforting to know that the workflow I'm using isn't that far off from what you are recommending. The one question I have is regarding iPhoto vs Phtoshop for printing.
I keep things organized in iPhoto. Occasionally I'll tweak things in Photoshop, but many times I can just correct and crop in iPhoto and then print out a 4x6 for the relatives.
I don't remember any advanced settings in in the print dialogue on iPhoto to let that app do the color managment. Is there one? If not, should I use ColorSync (and how would I do that)? Or should I let my Epson Stylus Photo 825 do the color management?
Thanks,
Brad
In iPhoto, you can use the dialog box provided by your printer's driver to control the color management. Start by clicking on the "Advanced" button in the iPhoto print dialog box. Then find "Color Management." I recommend that you choose " no color management" or "application controls color management". Then use the ICC profiles you have loaded for the paper in the printer. See what you think.