The basics

Color gamut >> The difference between
the gamuts of different devices can lead to
photographers not being able to match
what they see on screen with printer
output.
(a) All visible colors.
(b) Screen colors.
(c) Printable colors.
Graph generated in ICCToolbox, courtesy of
www.icctools.com.
ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Add to this scenario the fact that if I send the same image to three of my friends it will probably
appear differently on each of their screens. On one it may be a little contrasty, on another too
blue and on the last screen it could appear overexposed. Each of the monitors is interacting with
the digital fi le in a slightly different way.
So with all these complexities are digital photographers condemned to poor color consistency?
The answer is a resounding NO! Through the use of a color-managed system we can maintain
predictable color throughout the editing process and from machine to machine.
Essentially color management is concerned with describing the characteristics of each device
in the editing chain. This description, often called an ICC profi le, is then used to translate image
detail and color from one device to another. Pictures are tagged, when they are fi rst created,
with a profi le and when downloaded to a computer, which has a profi led screen attached, the
image is translated to suit the characteristics of the monitor. With the corrections complete the
tagged fi le is then sent to the printer, where the picture is translated, again to suit the printer’s
profi le.
A similar scenario occurs when viewing fi les on different machines. As the picture is passed
around, the profi le for each monitor translates and accounts for individual hardware and color
changes. The result is a picture that appears very similar on all devices.
Pro’s Tip: To ensure that you get the benefi ts of color management at home, be
sure to turn on color management features for your camera, scanner, monitor,
software and printer. Always tag your fi les as you capture them and then use this
profi le to help keep color consistency as you edit, output and share your work.
Book resources at: www.adv-elements.com
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FINELY CRAFTED OUTPUT