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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Digital Photography > Digitial Photography Workflow and Printing
Expert: Sara Bella
Date: 9/3/2007
Subject: Digitial Photography Workflow and Printing
Question
Sara,
My name is Kevin Handley and I have enjoyed photography for several years. I moved over to digital a couple of years ago. I would like to improve my skills and wanted to know:
1. Any recommended books on setting up a digital darkroom?
2. Recommendations for printer/monitor combinations?
3. Recommendations on how to get the color accuracy (currently printed photos look terrible so I go to the local shop or shutterfly, but still do not look perfect).
Any tips or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin Handley
Answer
Hello Kevin,
As far as a specific book on digital darkroom goes...I will need to know what program you are working on...what machine...printer...etc...before I can suggest a book. There are a number of great books that talk about workflow but each is specific to hardware.
And now on to my "opinions". I use Apple computers. I know there is a huge debate, between Mac and PC users, but I'm a Mac girl and will recommend Mac for working with photographs. Photoshop runs better on a Mac. There, I said it. And I stand by it.
Mac screens are superb, but for the price, you would expect it. An option that many of my peers have used in the past is to purchase a refurbished Mac monitor directly from Apple.com. I use an Epson printer because I like the color image quality.
Are you working in Photoshop? The reason your printed photos look terrible is probably because your screen is not calibrated for the printer. Calibration kits are very expensive, but if you are going to set up a proper digital darkroom, you will need to purchase one. I have a GretagMacbeth Eye One and it is fantastic. The other option is to work with your printer (the people who print your photographs) to calibrate your screen. Many printers will offer calibration tools at no charge. But this is only true of high end printers. Shutterfly might not offer this kind of service since they are relatively inexpensive. Are you going to be printing most of your photographs on your own printer or will you be sending them out? Once you know the answer to that question, you will know which direction to go for proper calibration.
The most important thing with a digital workflow is consistency. It is great that you are thinking about these things now...you shouldn't have too many bad habits to break. You will want to set up your working space (dependent on the printer you purchase) and work only in that working space. You will want to work non-destructively always, no exceptions. You will want consistency in your file naming methods. I could go on and on here...but instead I'll wait for your answers before I advise you any further. Are you working on a PC or Mac? Are you using Photoshop and if so, what version? To what level do you want to push your digital darkroom? High-end, low end? Do you have a strict budget to adhere to or do you have some wiggle room? With these questions answered, I can better advise you.
Sara
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