When did you first understand the importance of colour to the photographic process?
I realised the importance of colour to the photographic process after taking my very first digital image. I downloaded the image to my computer and was shocked at the image that appeared before me as the colours displayed were completely wrong and not what the scene looked like at all. From that point on I have been very aware of the importance of monitor calibration and ensuring the colours are correct.
What is the most important aspect of colour management that an aspiring photographer should know?
It has been said time and time again and I believe most photographers, both aspiring and professional will agree, that consistency is by far the most important aspect of colour management. Once your monitor has been properly calibrated and profiled you can ensure that all images from that point on are edited and adjusted to the same high standards, giving your clients that priceless piece of mind that your photographs are print ready and no further adjustments need to be made.
Give an example of the ways in which a solid knowledge of colour management (or an accurate colour environment) helped you – on a project?
I love my images to be bright and colourful and so understanding colour management helps me on a daily basis, whether I am adjusting images for a client or for inclusion in my stock collection, it is essential that the colour remains correct and consistent.
How long have you been associated with X-Rite?
I joined the X-Rite Coloratti family in 2012.
Why are you committed to using X-Rite products?
As any photographer knows, accurate and consistent colour is essential and with X-Rite's wide range of products, perfection is what you get time and time again. I wanted a colour management tool that I could rely on and thankfully I have found one, plus the software tools are both comprehensive and user friendly, making them accessible to photographers of all levels.
How important are the latest colour management tools in today’s industry? Why?
As technology continues to improve and advance, new monitors and cameras are released at an alarming rate, it seems logical therefore that colour management will also progress, so knowing that the tools you have chosen to use are of the highest level and the company who produces them are world renowned is extremely reassuring.
What does the (near) future hold for the photo industry, in your opinion? Do you think colour management will be more or less important – why?
I believe colour management will remain as important as it always has been, clients will still require colour perfect images and photographers will endeavour to produce them. Whether the images are displayed digitally or printed, consistency between the two will be essential and thankfully X-Rite has a comprehensive range of products to ensure photographers worldwide are kept happy!
How is colour management related to your artistic process?
For those readers familiar with my work it is quite clear that colour is one of the most important aspects to my images. Many of my photographs were taken due to the colours within the scene at the time, and so keeping these strong and vivid colours is my main focus during the adjustment stage, making colour management essential to my artistic process.
Do you see colour management as an advantage for saving money?
Again, my fellow Coloratti members have said it before me but I wholeheartedly agree, without good colour management money is lost due to both time wasted and more importantly from the loss of clients. A perfect colour match is an essential aspect to any photograph and as professionals; the images we produce should be colour correct from start to finish.