imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Image file vs Image file for printing vs Printed paper image

[raphaelshammaa]

Hi guys,

I have a PRO-1000, but my question applies to any printing situation. I print museum quality images.

When I am finished printing a specific image, I end up with 3 images: 1. The original Image file on my screen, 2. the adjusted for printing image file on my screen and, 3. the printed image on that expensive, matte, museum grade paper. 

The part that unsettles me is that none of these look anything like either of the other 2. Is that how it is; something I'd better get used to?

Thanks.

[jrhoffman75]

Are you working in a color managed workflow with monitor calibrated?

What computer operating system and photo software?

[raphaelshammaa]

I work with a Macbook that is as calibrated as it can be. I use Lightroom for image and color management, and daylight for looking at the printed image. It's not optimal, but that's what I have. It works fine, so long as I accept this disparity in the way the images look compared to one another.

Mind you, the prints end up looking stunning, as they are intended for galleries. I have no choice here.

Do you make museum quality prints?

[jrhoffman75]

I print for personal use and camera club print competitions. Not sure what your definition of "museum quality" is. I use mostly non-OBA paper and ensure that my printed output reflects my display.  (as close as possible - there will always be some deviation since the display is a transmitted image and the print is a reflected image). 

You should be able to calibrate your MacBook display using an xRite(Calibrite) or Spyder tool. I calibrate my MacBook Air.

The following link: PrinterEvaluationImage_V002_ProPhoto.tif is to a standardized test image.

If you want to try it open the file in LrC (don't make any adjustments, regardless of how it looks on screen) and print it using the appropriate  printer settings. I let LrC manage color for all my printing and manually select the appropriate ICC profile (even if I am using Canon paper.)

Examine the print. It has skin tones and a number of "memory color" images that will tell you if the color is off or not. If the print doesn't look good you need to work on printer issues. If the print looks the way you want then how does the display look? If the display is off - too bright, too dark, color off - you need to adjust the display settings.

Your display should be calibrated to the color temperature that your images will be viewed under. Your Canon printer manual will probably recommend 5000K color temperature. That's probably close to what a gallery lighting might be. Most general printers recommend 6500K. There is a trend to use 5600K; they feel it more closely represents the paper white of many photo papers.

[raphaelshammaa]

Thank you,  JR.

Definitely food for thought.

[raphaelshammaa]

 I go back to what you said earlier: I imported the Printer Evaluation Image into LRC (looks great), and prepare to print it.

What does a) "print it using the appropriate  printer settings" and, b)  "I let LrC manage color for all my printing and manually select the appropriate ICC profile (even if I am using Canon paper.)" mean? Don't I have to select the specific paper it's printing on? Print Resolution, Print Sharpening and Bit Output? What specific settings do I use? Thanks.

PREVIEW

[jrhoffman75]

I may have confused you based on my Pro-100/PC experience base.

For the Pro-100 the only paper types that are available for selection in the driver are Canon brand papers. In the driver, if I am printing on Canon paper I have the option of selecting "Auto" and the printer will select the appropriate Canon ICC profile.

I use many third-party papers. The paper vendor specifies what Canon media type to select and provides an ICC profile. I can't use "Auto" there; I need to specifically select media type and ICC profile.

In order to maintain a standardized workflow I always select manual selection and treat Canon paper like a third-party paper, manually selecting the appropriate Canon ICC profile.

Some printers (maybe the Pro-1000) allow third-party media types to be added to the driver.

Long discussion to answer your question - yes, you need to select the appropriate paper(media) type, the appropriate ICC profile, print resolution (I generally select 600), print sharpening (I know it is selected differently in Ps and LrC - choose what is pleasing to you) and bit output (I select 16-bit printing).

[raphaelshammaa]

Thanks a lot. Makes things clearer and simpler; although a 600 print resolution seems a bit over the top - but what do I know. An Epson rep once said at a presentation that 280 was the perfect setting because it is the exact multiple of ... uh ...  somethin', can't remember what. I leave it at 300.

On another matter, do you know which Canon paper approximates Epson's Hot Press Natural best? Just asking, in case you know the answer. In other words, I like matte paper with the largest gamut and highest definition - and is not bleached, only because I prefer softer, more saturated looks. And I like to use the same brand as the printer I am using, on the assumption that it'll work best.

[jrhoffman75]

How is your printing coming along?

[raphaelshammaa]

Thank you for asking. I appreciate it.

I'll resume tomorrow and keep you in the loop 🙂