Preparing to print big

[IainB]

I've not yet done any large prints (A2 size). Is there any way of judging that the post-processing is 'correct' before committing to the cost and hoping all will be well? How do you tell, for example, that unsharp mask has not been overdone for such an enlargement? I suppose a correctly calibrated monitor should at least allow me to get the colour and contrast correct... but having had stern words from the local lab guys who have printed my 'processed' 6x4s ('don't fiddle with the colour balance') I'm nervous about that too, as I thought the 6x4 files looked just right :rolleyes:

I know, there are probably several volumes written on this topic!

I'd appreciate a few tips.

[chtgrubbs]

I would make a few 4x6 or 5x7 inch crops of select areas of the print and have them printed. You can judge sharpness, color, and so forth.

[IainB]

I would make a few 4x6 or 5x7 inch crops of select areas of the print and have them printed. You can judge sharpness, color, and so forth.

That makes sense. I must confess to still be a little fuzzy on the colour-space issue. I'll research the posts on that subject, however is it sensible to use same colour space (sRGB, Adobe RGB...) in camera, PS and embed profile for the printer?

Thanks.

[DavidW]

Most labs require you to convert to the profile of their printer (which you have to get from them, as it's unique to every printer) and not embed the profile if you want accurate colour. You also need to tell them to turn auto corrections off. Some labs work from sRGB - though they may still want you not to embed the profile.



David

[chtgrubbs]

That makes sense. I must confess to still be a little fuzzy on the colour-space issue. I'll research the posts on that subject, however is it sensible to use same colour space (sRGB, Adobe RGB...) in camera, PS and embed profile for the printer?

Thanks.
This site has a great deal of info on color management and profiles for printing devices:
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/

[jj1987]

when I worked at a photo lab here's the little writeup I did for the webpage
http://www.showprints.com/profiling.php

[dgcorner]

Iain, I printed the sunset pic #1 (from the mini-GKPE sunset on the roof) on A4 (using my Pixma ip5000) and it has given me a pretty good idea of what it should look like if I have an A3 done.

If you want to have an idea of what it looks like in that size, copy the image onto your CF card and bring it over when you're in the neighbourhood. The A4 should show you whether sharpening will be visible.

And, Tim's monitor calibration thingy is still around (with Pete, maybe Moppie or Scott next) The calibration has done wonders!

Cheers!

[PhotosGuy]

I would make a few 4x6 or 5x7 inch crops of select areas of the print and have them printed. You can judge sharpness, color, and so forth. Be sure to crop at 100%. I've done that for Costco & the 4X6s are an exact match for the finished 12X18" print.

[IainB]

thanks guys. The only 'post-processing' I've been doing for the last few days has involved sandpaper and a paint brush, hence the delay in responding! You've given valuable ideas. I will take a look at the links you've suggested chtgrubbs and jj1987.
dgcorner - I could make use of the calibration unit - i'll pm you to track it down.