FAQ’s
Photoshop Tutorials
As you probably have figured out…there are at least a dozen different ways to accomplish the same task in Photoshop . These techniques are not meant to be the only way, just one of the ways. Working in a production as well as a design environment, I have found that these techniques work well for me. Your mileage may vary. Be sure to check back occasionally as I will be adding additional material to this page
These tutorials are in PDF format simply click to read them, or right click to download them.
Color Calibration
How do I become calibrated?
To be calibrated, you must set up a color managed workflow. Color management involves several steps to be effective. The first step is calibrating your monitor. If you have ever looked at a wall of TVs in an electronics store, you will notice that each set looks a little different. The same is true of computer monitors. Calibrating brings your monitor to a standard where your monitor (and images) look the same in your studio as they do at our lab. The second step is to properly set up your color management polices in Adobe Photoshop or whatever image editing program you choose. The color space for images uploaded to iamcalibrated.com is SRGB.
How do I calibrate my monitor?
You must use a hardware/software combo. There are many on the market ranging from $99-$500. These packages consist of a hardware device (puck) and profiling software that you install on your computer. When prompted by the software, we recommend a TRC (gamma_ setting if 2.2 and a white point of D65 (6500 degrees). Before calibrating, be sure that you monitor has warmed up for 1 hour (especially for CRTs). Always calibrate with the ambient room light set as it would be when you are correcting images.
Do I really need to invest in this equipment. Can’t I just get someone to come to my studio with their stuff and calibrate for me?
Monitor Calibration is not a one-time event. Ideally you will recalibrate weekly, or at least monthly. Monitors change (drift) over time and you must maintain calibration.
How do I change my color settings in Adobe Photoshop?
Choose edit/color settings to open the color setting dialog box. Change the RGB working space to “srgb IEC61966-2.1.” Then change the RGB color management policies to “convert to working rgb” Then click OK. If you are shooting RAW, you will also want to set your processing preferences color space to SRGB.
What type of files should I send?
Your files should be 8 bit RGB jpgs with a color profile of SRGB. Files should not contain any additional channels or paths.
Why don’t my prints look like my monitor?
If you are properly calibrated, your prints will look similar to your monitor. This is why having physical prints from imcalibrated.com is so important. In most case your monitor will need a final adjustment to truly match your final prints.
You must consider the light source under which you are viewing the actual prints. If you take a print and walk from room to room in your studio or home, you will see the print change colors under different light sources. Fluorescents will make them appear green, incandescent lights will make them appear yellow. Always check your final prints under either daylight or daylight corrected bulbs.