06-13-2015 02:31 PM
I have just set up my new Pixma Photo Pro-100 printer. I printed several photos (6x10 format, using Canon pro paper luster), and My Picture Garden software; the photos have come out blurred and splotchy. I would any advice to remedy this problem.
Many thanks
06-13-2015 07:41 PM
You are probably using the wrong ICC profile or you are not using one at all.
Here are some tips for you.
First, you must not let the printer set anything. Turn off every bit off control it has. You can do this with the Canon My Printer under the Printer Settings tab. Do you know how? I will guess, yes, for now but if you don't get back to me.
Second, you need to have your photo editor (like Photoshop) handle all the settings and color matching. You know how to do this? I prefer Photoshop and I use AdobeRGB color space.
And lastly, it is essential you get some settings on your monitor that somewhat matches what the printer is printing. Your printer may be doing exactly what you are telling it to do and you have no idea it is, because your monitor is so far off. If you don't do this step, you can forget the other steps. However, there are only a few things that you need to be concerned with. You don't need any fancy extra add-ins to do this. No additional software or gadgets, etc.
Most people set their monitors too bright.
You must get the gray-scale very close. You need to get the brightness very close and you need the contrast very close.
After you do these things you can make adjustments to your prints by just looking at your screen. Because you know the monitor and printer are on the same level. One more point, you can NOT get a printer to print every color exactly the way you saw it. It isn't possible as all colors and adjustments effect all others. My goal is to get the skin tones right. That is what people notice most. Remember you are dealing with two different disciplines here. One is colored light and the other is colored dyes. They are not the same thing.
For instance, I know my Pro-100 tends to print darker than what I see on the monitor (typical). So, I automatically know to set it's prints 1/2 to one stop brighter in Photoshop, in my case. It also prints with a slightly warn tone. Most of the time, with portraits especially, this if OK but sometimes it is not. In that case I adjust the "temp" setting slightly cooler in PS.
All the Canon photo printers I have ever seen have this warm/magenta cast. Canon engineers must prefer this look. It can not be changed. You need to "fix" it in post.
Make sure you have the correct ICC profiles and you are using Canon brand ink and paper until you get good with the printer. Very, very important, otherwise you don't know if the printer is doing exactly what you are telling it to or not.
Important is, use the USB connection until everything is right. You are just adding another issue when you try to set up the printing and the wireless all at the same time. Just like using Canon branded products until it is a go. Use a real printer USB cable. Not just any old USB cable. Get everything right before you explore.
06-13-2015 08:16 PM
Another possibility; my neighbor did this.
Are you printing on the correct side of paper? The back side of paper doesn't absorb ink leading to what you are describing.
Wet your index finger and touch a corner of both sides of paper - the printing side will feel slightly tacky; the back side won't respond.
06-14-2015 01:37 PM
06-14-2015 01:34 PM
Thank you ebiggs1. I have followed your suggestions and am now printing from Photoshop and achieving the results I want.
I appreciate your help.
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