A Newbie with a series of questions. Please help

[yoyo123]

Hello all, I am a Software Tester by trade with a lot of interest in Photography. I have been playing with the default Macro Settings for about 1 year on my Rebel 2000 (Film version not the digital version) and having a lot fun. However, I an VERY interested in learning the finer details on printing my own images. Here's my current Setup:

1. 1Ghz 12 inch iBook, 768MB RAM,
2. Canon LiDE 30 2400x1200 dpi scanner
3. Vuescan Pro with an IT8 color proof printed on Fuji Film paper.
4. Epson R300 Photo printer
5. Epson branded 4x6 photo paper
6. Epson branded inks
7. Photoshop CS 1.0

Being a Software Tester, I am a very analytical person. I especially want to understand all of the required technology involved. I went and purchased Vuescan and the IT8 profile with the understanding that it would help me to calibrate my scanner. Unfortunately, it has made me more confused and I am still experiencing a lot of color correction issues. A friend suggested I purchase a Color Management tool such as MonacoEZ. However, I am a bit uncertain due to it's pricetag. Another suggested I by a better scanner (such as the Epson 4180 or 4990) with better bit depth and dpi capabilities. This has left me even more confused. Would getting a new scanner give me more bang for the buck? Or do I have to get both? Basically, I am confused as to which would give me better results; color management or a better scanner.

Any information would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

[Trevor Ash]

Hi Yoyo,

Same interests, same trade

The world of color management is a pretty complicated one that involves much more science than computers and software. But your knowledge gives you a significant advantge in udnerstanding these things.

My personal recomendation is to buy a book of color management. Specifically, get "Real World Color Management" by Bruce Frazer. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

It won't answer all of your questions immediately, but it'll build a solid foundation for you to get a grip on all of this later. You may have to read it twice.

Color management isn't simple, period.

Good Luck!

[another view]

I'm the total opposite - I try really hard not to have to read lots of manuals about software!

But from practice, I'd say that getting color management under control should be the #1 thing on your list. I use Monaco Optix XR which just profiles the monitor. From everyone I've talked to, that's at least 80% of the problem and it's fairly inexpensive ($250 but usually rebates). There are others out there, but this one came highly recommended. And it's really helped!

Complete systems that profile the printer, scanner and cameras will get you a little closer but cost a lot more. The lighting in the room that you work is very important too - calibrate the monitor under the same light you work in. Safest might be in the dark so the only light in the room is from the screen but that can be hard on your eyes - see what the book says.

A new scanner won't help anything in this department - your monitor will still be showing you only an approximation of what you're seeing. I have an old (as in SCSI) film scanner but still get nice 8x10's from it with my setup. My digital capture shots look great, too (if I do say so myself... ;) ).

[yoyo123]

Well, I bought a copy of Real World Color Management and started reading it. Pretty interesting stuff. I have also decided to purchase a copy of the Monaco EZ/Optix bundle (as soon as I can cough up the cash). I'll hold off on the new scanner until later.

Thanks for all of your help. Y'all have been great