Is it folly to attempt to "profile" a digital lab?
It's indeed possible to profile photo labs, but you need to know a
bit more about their equipment and setup to ensure optimum results.
Most commercial profile aware photoprinter software assumes sRGB (if
enabled). The easy test is to send a known image converted to sRGB
and to Adobe RGB (1998) and see what you get back.
Process control is of course the key, but it's the same for
conventional prints from film and most labs actually have a pretty
good grip on this.
A new client sends their files out to several labs with (usually)
disappointing results. From the way they describe their workflow it
sounds like everything is sound, so I'm thinking it may be a
worthwhile experiment to try profiling the lab. Given fluctuations
in RA-4 chemistry is this advisable?
In my experience few labs actually auto adjust incoming files , at
least not before having seen a sample print which was not satisfactory.
The main problems at various labs around, in my experience, is lack
of knowledge of their software in regard to profiles/CM setup, and or
lack of profiles. Obviously a lab can be profiled without their
knowledge, but if all the sudden it no longer works it'll be hard to
figure out why... Better to talk to them about it. If you can show
them the benefit you might even be able to make a buck or two.
Be aware that most of the avaliable photopapers used around is
horrible at reproducing red's, and using Perceptual doesn't exactly
help...
Best Regards
Thomas Holm / Pixl Aps
- Colour Management Consultant
- Seminars speaker and tutor on CM and Digital Imaging etc.
- Apple Solutions Expert
- Member, ColorManagementGroup.com
