When did you first understand the importance of color to the photographic process?
We first started working with Images in Photoshop back around 1998, this involved using Drum Scanned film as the source files. At first we just used an Adobe or Apple (can’t remember which) calibrator that was built into the Apple OS. This was very rough though and involved using your eyes to adjust a grey scale manually on screen amongst several other things. I don’t think it was until around 1999-2000 that we purchased our first screen calibrator, this was a Gretag-McBeth (now known as X-Rite) Eye One Monitor. This changed everything as we could now work to a standard, many press houses were still operating a closed loop system of calibration. Being able to refer to a series of set values meant we discuss these settings with the Pre-Press guys and start to get very consistent and accurate results.
What is the most important aspect of color management that an aspiring photographer should know?
The number one thing for any new photographer is calibrate their screens and to use/but the best screen they can afford. If you’re not calibrating how do you know what you’re looking at ?
Give an example of the ways in which a solid knowledge of color management (or an accurate color environment) helped you – on a project? In a consultancy situation?
A solid knowledge of colour management helps me everyday in photography and gives me the confidence to deliver files that are consistently of the highest standard.
Why are you committed to using X-Rite products?
Because they make the best products, furthermore the people at X-Rite are both super knowledgeable and super nice, a great combination.
How important are the latest color management tools in today’s industry? Why?
As screen/display/capture technologies advance it’s import to keep up to date, a lot of work is now being displayed on large video screens, sometimes it’s projected. Electronic billboards are also becoming common, sometimes we need to assist our clients how to make best use of these technologies. We can add value for our clients by making helpful suggestions about their own colour management.
What does the (near) future hold for the photo industry, in your opinion? Do you think color management will be more or less important – why?
The future for the Photo industry is very exciting; More images are created and seen today then ever before. However it’s also becoming tougher as digital capture has made photography more accessible then ever before. As a working professional it’s my job to keep up to date with all the advancements in Photography and visual content creation.
Colour management will become increasingly important as more and more people view images through electronic devices. Prior to tablets, smart phones etc most non-broadcast content was printed and the printers took care of all the colour management. This had now changed because you can’t control how or where or what device the content will be viewed upon. If all devices are Calibrated this can ensure that everyone is looking at the same thing in terms of colour. A simple example is online shopping , imagine buying a Red shirt online and when it arrives you discover it’s actually pink, now can you see the importance of calibration?
How is color management related to your artistic process?
I can’t believe you’re even asking this question : )
Simple: Colour management is the only way to ensure that everyone can see the work the way I intended it to be seen, in terms of colour, density and tone/contrast.
Do you see color management as an advantage for saving money?
Colour management introduces high levels of consistency and this always saves money. Eg when you go to print something with your large format inkjet printer, it looks just like your screen. You only need to print once.