When did you first understand the importance of color to the photographic process?
ColorattiAwareness and the importance of colour management came to me the day I changed from analogue to digital. No more would I rely on my lab manager to produce colour the way I always perceived it.
What is the most important aspect of color management that an aspiring photographer should know?
One of the most vital things a photographer must learn, is that the back of the camera is never going to reproduce as you think, unless you take the necessary steps to ensure that all the links in the chain are correct, otherwise you are going to be disappointed.
Give an example of the ways in which a solid knowledge of color management (or an accurate color environment) helped you – on a project? In a consultancy situation?
I work in a way that ensures I will get the nearest reproduction from my files as possible, I always start with determining correct exposure, then I introduce a colour checker and record that image, I only take another sample if the light levels change, or I change location.
This I find always helps when I visit my raw software to edit my files, the times I have actually thought I could remember a subtle pink, lemon, blue or shade of. It is impossible to do, having my workflow in place assures that this always produces correct colour.
Within weddings, colour is very important, especially pastel bridesmaid gowns, vintage flowers etc.
Why are you committed to using X-Rite products?
As a photographer that demands and wants the best from my imagery, it is essential that I use the very best products available to me. X Rite are the leaders in technology and are at the cutting edge of colour management, all the tools from capture to post processing workflow are there to help. I just feel they are the best at producing top quality tools to assist me in my work.
I feel that the X Rite products fit so well into my workflow, tools that are precision made, accurate in their entirety to give me what my clients deserve.
How important are the latest color management tools in today’s industry? Why?
One comment that is always made at exhibitions is this.
“ Your albums are the very best here, your colour looks so real and vibrant, none of the other photographers have that “.
I have heard this constantly over the years, not just a one off. When I first attempted to edit files, I was speaking to an expert in colour management, he stated this. “ If you do not have your colour management and profiles correct, it is like a dog running around without a collar and name tag”
How true that is.
Similarly to those that adjust their monitors to match the print that comes back from a lab.
What does the (near) future hold for the photo industry, in your opinion? Do you think color management will be more or less important – why?
Since the advent of digital photography, which has made a massive impact on consumers, it has become pretty easy for many to become “ a photographer “.
In turn it has had an impact on social photographers studio and wedding work, this has led in many instances to driving down the fees that established photographers charge, just to compete.
I think that more consumers are aware now, that it is not just a case of going to the local supermarket to get prints, the standards are not good enough.
Returning to my earlier statement, the brides comments on my work and colour, this is why it is probably more important today to survive in this business, get your work up to standard with colour management, those discerning clients will see the difference, and of course, more importantly pay for it.
How is color management related to your artistic process?
Creatively colour can be used to describe mood and emotion, something more suited to fashion imagery, or products.
For me, I like to keep it healthy and real.
Do you see color management as an advantage for saving money?
Time equals money, therefore it seems to make sense that by having a good colour management system in place, it means that you are not having to revisit your computer screen to adjust colour, having to reprint for a client is not only costly financially, it is a time factor. Those that print for themselves will also have to consider replacement paper and inks, so get it right.
In summary, I would say that “ X-Rite is my silent salesman “