FAQ's for Photographers

Color Management for Digital Imaging

What is Color Management?
In order to print predictable color from any digital file, s systematic approach is needed to capture and view the file, then adjust and print. Color Management then can be viewed as any system that is designed to accurately translate color from one device's color space to that of another device.

What is the color space of a device?
The color space is the range of colors that a particular device can interpet and the accuracy of that interpretation.

Any device that uses light in order to create the image operate in the RGB color space. Any device that uses ink to create the image operate in the CMYK color space. Each and every imaging device has it's own color space and limitations within that color space. There are also many differences in the way that different devices capture, display and reproduce color.

What is an ICC profile?
The International Color Consortium, www.color.org, has established a standarized way of describing the ability of a device to produce color in a data file. Simply put, an ICC profile is a small piece of software that "characterizes" a device's color capabilities so that color can be accuratelyl converted from the previous device, (say your monitor) to the output device. ICC profiles are created by scanning then printing and measuring standardized color targes with specialized software and equipment to determine a device's color capabilities. This occurs after the output or input device has been properly calibrated.

How do I create ICC profiles?
ICC profile based color management requires that every device in your imaging chain have an ICC device profile available in Photoshop. These devices may be your digital camera, scanner, color monitor and printer.

Many manufacturer's provide generic profiles with their scanners and printers, but a custom profile for your particular device will suit your needs much better.

Your color monitor is the first item that should be calibrated, then profiled using an electronic colorimeter and it's appropriate software running on your computer. Calibration and profiling should be rerun each week because even the best monitors change with time and age. Equipment and software costs vary anywhere from $250 to $900 and more. Here are some links to color management systems;

Monaco Systems

Colorvision

Colorblind

Macintosh - Praxisoft

Kodak's Colorflow Color Management Software

What if I don't want to purchase color management software?
An alternative to monitor calibration is Adobe's built in product called "Adobe Gamma". Adobe Gamma is simply a filter that alters the color your monitor displays. This built-in wizard will walk you through the steps in profiling your monitor. You are asked to make several subjective calls on how you perceive the color in front of you. A color management software and spider is a much better way of creating a custom profile of your monitor.