Please help on the colors in this pic

[gramps]

I posted this picture in another forum then printed it out. Today I calibrated my monitor and I am happy with what I see on the screen. The prints are JUNK. I have a CHEAP HP 5550 printer and don't expect much but after the calibration I thought I'd get better results. Will you please give me you honest opinion on the colors in this picture? The dog (pudge) is a "dark blonde" if that helps. The prints are washed out and lacking color and contrast. The carpet behind him is a light tan. This is the address of the picture if you want to look there. http://www.pbase.com/sjh/image/39880287

http://www.pbase.com/sjh/image/39880287.jpg

[Scottes]

That's a fine looking picture and dog if you ask me. Great job on the exposure - the details on the nose are quit vivid. Hmm, tongue looks like it could be redder - perhaps a bit of saturation?

The pic is a beauty. Must be the printer Gramps. And given the cheap HP it's not a surprise. This kind of pic - all tans - requires some good undercolor removal procedures and the HP driver might be doing a lousy job.

However, did you convert the pic to sRGB and try printing that? The printer won't like Adobe RGB.

[gramps]

Thank you Scottes...............the new printer is starting to get closer.

[steven]

Have you looked to see if there are ICC profiles for that printer?
Being a cheep printer they may not be available but you never know.

[snibbetsj]

The colors look good to me. You might want a little tiny bit more contrast to give it some "pop".


I got a Pixma i6000D for under $165.00. 6 colors/ 8x10 prints. It's great and spot on for color matching. Also prints in Adobe RGB.

Good Luck and great looking dog.
:)

[Chazs]

I've found that I have to really increase the curves and contrast with particular pictures when printing them. Even though the prin might be true to life, my brain sees it as washed out. Pushing the color a little unnaturally makes the print appear better. Not knowing exactly the color of your dog, I increased the curves and contrast a bit to come up with this. It's probably a little much, but it could help the printed version.

[Scottes]

The dog's fur and tongue look great, but the black point is too high. Compare the noses - you lost a LOT of detail.

[gramps]

chazs, I've notice the same thing with some pictures also. It sure makes things frustrating!!!

A new DECENT printer will sure help eliminate some of the problem.

[gramps]

I redid the pic in PS, more contrast and added some magenta (more color in his tounge). This one on the screen is "nuts on".................on paper it's WAY OFF!
http://www.pbase.com/sjh/image/39908435.jpg