Colijn van Noort
When did you first understand the importance of color to the photographic process?
Having a business background when starting as a photographer, I focused very soon in my career on efficient workflow: optimization of the creative process, minimizing time and cost whilst working towards maximum quality. Soon it was clear that control and management of color, both in-camera as well as in image processing, was essential. It has been an integral part of his workflow ever since.
What is the most important aspect of color management that an aspiring photographer should know?
What I try to teach in my Color Management workshops targeted on photography students and aspiring photographers, is a basic understanding of the working of color: how do people see color and how does a camera or another device attempt to capture or reproduce that same image. If I can explain the fundamental relations, it is also possible to understand management of color. The second step is to incorporate the different aspects of color management into your own daily work routine and image processing workflow.
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?
One of my specializations is the digital restoration of works of art for musea and art collections. Often this concerns heavily damaged paintings or graphics. In these cases it’s essential to recover as much information and detail from the original work as possible. The reproduction should match the original exactly. Even more challenging is it, when trying to reconstruct the original colors in a work of art, which is degenerated in time. A solid knowledge of color, color management and an accurate color environment are essential in these cases.
Why are you committed to using X-Rite products?
After testing and using various devices from many different brands, I am convinced that the X-Rite products are amongst the best in their field. Furthermore, I appreciate that X-Rite is a company which focuses on color management products and services, which results in a great knowledge base and a broad range of solutions.
How important are the latest color management tools in today’s industry? Why?
Color management is an essential part of image processing and digital photography. The right tools are essential. With an increasing dynamic range in the development of cameras and reproduction technologies, it is becoming even more important each day.
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?
I expect color management to become more and more important. Dynamic ranges of camera’s, image processing software and reproduction techniques will increase.
How is color management related to your artistic process?
To archive an accurate reproduction of your images color management is essential. It’s a total waste of time and money putting effort in editing your photos if you don’t have clue if what’s on your screen represents the information in your file.
Do you see color management as an advantage for saving money?
Color management can save time and money. But: it should be a natural part of your workflow. In that case you should spend less time achieving better quality.