Year: 2008
Author: Andrew Darlow
Genre: CG
Publisher: Thomson
ISBN: 978-1-59863-204-0
Language: English
Format: PDF
Number of pages: 527
The tools and techniques necessary for great digital output are now readily available and more affordable than ever. "301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques: An Essential Printing Resource for Photographers" shows photographers of all levels how to make high-quality prints through step-by-step instructions and hundreds of full-color examples from more than 20 professional photographers and other artists. You'll discover how to choose the right inkjet printer for your output needs, how to save time and select the proper materials when prepping files and prints, how to manage your digital images, how to create captivating portfolios and framed art, and much more. Whether you are a professional photographer or a serious hobbyist this book will help you learn how to enhance and perfect your digital output skills and use your computer and inkjet printer to better express your vision and creativity. You can read the book cover to cover, or only the chapters that feature the specific tips and techniques that interest you.
A comprehensive index and a searchable companion web site will ensure that you find the information you are looking for.
Additional content for this book, including hundreds of clickable links to many of the resources covered throughout the book can be accessed at: www.inkjettips.com
Introduction.........................................................................................xxiii
Who This Book Is For................................................................................................xxiv
What Equipment You Need......................................................................................xxiv
How This Book Is Organized .....................................................................................xxv
About the Book’s Images...........................................................................................xxv
Companion Web Site...............................................................................................xxvii
Chapter 1
Getting Started.............................................................1
Decide Whether Inkjet Is Right for You ..................................................3
TIP 1 Determine your budget for a printer or multiple printers..............................3
TIP 2 Figure in the added cost of ink and paper.....................................................3
TIP 3 Think about the number of prints you plan to make in an average month. ..5
TIP 4 Decide how much control you want to have over your prints. ......................5
TIP 5 Determine your quality requirements............................................................5
TIP 6 Consider buying a color laser printer.............................................................5
TIP 7 Consider using a continuous-tone digital photo service. ..............................7
TIP 8 Consider buying a dye-sublimation printer or using an outside print
provider..........................................................................................................9
TIP 9 Consider the amount of computer knowledge necessary to start
printing your work..........................................................................................9
TIP 10 Think about the space necessary for a printer. ..............................................9
TIP 11 Consider how far the printer will be from the computer................................9
TIP 12 Take into account your time.........................................................................11
Using Outside Printing Companies.......................................................13
TIP 13 Ask for a sample print. .................................................................................13
TIP 14 Visit in person if possible. ............................................................................13
TIP 15 Match your lighting......................................................................................15
TIP 16 Buy a smaller version of a similar printer......................................................15
TIP 17 Ask your printmaker to keep a sample of each approved image................17
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Chapter 2
File Preparation: An Overview ....................................19
Transforming Your Images from Pixels to Prints ...................................21
TIP 18 Find appropriate imaging books and look for good magazine
and web resources.......................................................................................21
TIP 19 Learn the difference between DPI and PPI. .................................................21
TIP 20 Learn about resolution and file dimensions.................................................23
TIP 21 Choose an appropriate resolution for your prints........................................23
TIP 22 See how file sizes change as PPI increases in The Resolution Chart. ..........24
TIP 23 Use Photoshop as a Resolution Calculator. .................................................25
TIP 24 Set your file size to its print size...................................................................25
TIP 25 Calibrate and profile your monitor and printer, and print a standard
calibration image. ........................................................................................27
TIP 26 Print a test at multiple resolutions and with different settings.....................27
TIP 27 Take notes and change file names when necessary.....................................29
TIP 28 Interpolate in steps using Bicubic Smoother or Sharper..............................31
TIP 29 Interpolate using special software. ..............................................................31
TIP 30 Interpolate using the print and scan method. .............................................32
TIP 31 Interpolate through the driver......................................................................32
TIP 32 Know some sharpening history and Photoshop’s built-in options. ..............33
TIP 33 Sharpen with care and keep sharpening on a separate layer (or layers). ....33
TIP 34 Try sharpening using other options. ............................................................35
TIP 35 Add noise in Photoshop to create film grain in your images.......................37
TIP 36 Add or remove noise using other software options. ...................................39
TIP 37 Save your layered file and flatten before printing. ......................................39
TIP 38 Understand the benefits of working in 16-bit color or grayscale mode. .....41
TIP 39 Consider printing from 16-bit files, especially with grayscale images. ........41
Chapter 3
Choosing an Inkjet Printer ..........................................43
How to Choose Your Next Inkjet Printer ..............................................45
TIP 40 Fill out the InkjetSelector checklist. .............................................................47
TIP 41 Decide whether you want a printer with dye or pigment inks.....................51
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TIP 42 Consider a 4- or 5-inch-wide printer. ...........................................................53
TIP 43 Consider an all-in-one printer. .....................................................................54
TIP 44 Consider a mobile letter-sized printer..........................................................55
TIP 45 Consider a letter-sized dedicated photo printer..........................................58
TIP 46 Consider the Epson Stylus Photo R1800. ....................................................58
TIP 47 Consider the Epson Stylus Photo R2400. ....................................................59
TIP 48 Consider the Epson Stylus Photo 1400. ......................................................62
TIP 49 Consider the HP Photosmart Pro B9180......................................................63
TIP 50 Consider the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF5000. ..........................................65
TIP 51 Consider the Epson Stylus Pro 3800............................................................67
TIP 52 Consider the Epson Stylus Pro 4800............................................................69
TIP 53 Consider the Epson Stylus Pro 7800/9800. .................................................70
TIP 54 Consider the HP Designjet 90/130..............................................................73
TIP 55 Consider the HP Designjet Z3100. ..............................................................74
TIP 56 Consider the HP Designjet Z2100. ..............................................................76
TIP 57 Consider the Canon imagePROGRAF 8000/9000.......................................79
Chapter 4
Color Management .....................................................81
Color Management Tips and Techniques .............................................83
TIP 58 Understand drivers, RIPs, firmware, and plug-ins. .......................................85
TIP 59 Understand the basics and benefits of color management.........................87
TIP 60 Learn the difference between calibrating and profiling...............................89
TIP 61 Understand calibration, maintenance, and linearization..............................91
TIP 62 Set up, calibrate, and profile your display. ..................................................93
TIP 63 Use and install supplied printer profiles. .....................................................96
TIP 64 Have custom profiles made, or make your own. .........................................97
TIP 65 Consider dry down time and the patch reading surface. ..........................101
TIP 66 Soft proof and choose the right rendering intent for your work................102
TIP 67 Avoid double profiling...............................................................................103
TIP 68 Decide which working space profiles to use..............................................103
TIP 69 Learn about color gamuts and tools for mapping gamuts. .......................106
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Chapter 5
Black and White ........................................................109
Black and White Tips and Techniques.................................................111
TIP 70 Look at books and darkroom prints as a guide for color and density........112
TIP 71 Choose a color printer with multiple black and gray inks..........................113
TIP 72 Consider a dedicated black and white inkset............................................114
TIP 73 Print with a single black ink only. ...............................................................115
TIP 74 Optimize your color to black and white conversions and toning. .............117
TIP 75 Consider a RIP for better black and white. ................................................122
TIP 76 Buy a small printer and use it for proofing. ...............................................124
TIP 77 Use the gloss enhancer with compatible papers if available.....................124
TIP 78 Coat your prints to reduce bronzing and gloss differential. ......................125
TIP 79 Consider participating in a print exchange. ..............................................125
TIP 80 Visit trade shows and exhibitions...............................................................127
TIP 81 Find appropriate papers for black and white. ...........................................129
TIP 82 Control your midtones and shadows with specific tools. ..........................130
TIP 83 Keep your lighting in mind. .......................................................................131
Chapter 6
Inkjet Paper, Canvas, and Coating ............................133
Inkjet Substrate Selection and Usage .................................................135
TIP 84 Do some research before buying paper or other substrates.....................137
TIP 85 Consider glossy/semi-gloss RC inkjet papers............................................137
TIP 86 Consider fiber gloss/semi-gloss inkjet papers. ..........................................139
TIP 87 Consider matte and watercolor inkjet papers............................................141
TIP 88 Consider matte, semi-gloss, or gloss canvas.............................................143
TIP 89 Consider other substrates..........................................................................145
TIP 90 Use a gloss enhancer/gloss optimizer on semi-gloss and gloss papers. ...147
TIP 91 Decide whether to use sheets, rolls, or both. ............................................149
TIP 92 Use sprays or brush-on coating options. ...................................................151
TIP 93 Use inkjet-compatible labels for tracking, exhibitions, and more..............155
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Chapter 7
Portfolio and Presentation........................................157
Portfolio and Presentation Options ....................................................159
TIP 94 Consider albums and portfolio books with plastic sleeves........................162
TIP 95 Consider albums and portfolio books without plastic sleeves. .................165
TIP 96 Consider a wire or plastic bound book......................................................169
TIP 97 Make books using saddle stitching, ribbon bindings, or fasteners. ..........171
TIP 98 Choose good cutters and a self-healing mat.............................................173
TIP 99 Use pre-cut mats or have mats custom cut................................................176
TIP 100 Find the right boxes, cases, and online resources.....................................177
TIP 101 Mount your work on acrylic or other materials. .........................................178
TIP 102 Frame it right and consider standard sizes. ...............................................181
TIP 103 Make your own custom business card/promo pieces................................184
Chapter 8
Specific Printer Tips and More..................................189
Getting Specific...................................................................................191
TIP 104 How to use compact photo printers more effectively................................191
TIP 105 How to save ink with Epson Stylus Pro printers. ........................................195
TIP 106 Pre-feed with any printer, and save time with the HP Designjet series
printers.......................................................................................................198
TIP 107 How to quickly tone black and white images and create compelling
image effects. ............................................................................................204
TIP 108 How to uncurl roll or sheet paper. .............................................................206
TIP 109 Consider a printer stand, wall shelving, or organizer.................................209
TIP 110 Save ink and learn to save your print settings. ..........................................212
TIP 111 Place prints on paper prior to hanging on a wall.......................................213
TIP 112 Decide whether you should keep your printer on. ....................................215
TIP 113 Discover resources for scrapbooking and paper arts. ...............................216
TIP 114 Donate or recycle your inkjet-related items...............................................221
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Guest Artist Section
Chapter 9
Inkjet Paper Tips .......................................................225
Using Hahnemühle’s Photo Rag and Other Coated
Watercolor Papers...............................................................................227
TIP 115 Print with custom profiles and experiment. ...............................................229
TIP 116 Brush prior to printing to reduce “flaking.”...............................................229
TIP 117 Cut sheets from roll papers before printing. .............................................230
TIP 118 Avoid using paper near the end of a roll. ..................................................230
TIP 119 Let the paper dry before packing or framing. ...........................................230
Using Crane’s Museo Silver Rag..........................................................231
TIP 120 Use an inkset with Photo Black. .................................................................231
TIP 121 Print using Epson’s Advanced B&W Mode................................................233
TIP 122 Handle Silver Rag with care and avoid rolling. ..........................................233
TIP 123 Dry mount and spray if appropriate...........................................................234
TIP 124 Take a look at Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl.................................................234
Printing on Uncoated Fine Art Papers ................................................235
TIP 125 Choose the right art paper(s) for your work...............................................235
TIP 126 Do your own fade testing. .........................................................................236
TIP 127 Profile and choose the right paper settings...............................................236
TIP 128 Hang your rolls and vacuum your paper. ...................................................237
TIP 129 Send paper through twice for a stronger black. ........................................239
TIP 130 Take special steps when printing with deckled edges...............................242
Displaying Work Using Posterhängers................................................243
TIP 131 Use multiple Posterhängers to hold a series of tiled prints. ......................243
Achieving Saturated Color on Art Papers...........................................247
TIP 132 Choose a wide gamut RGB space when converting..................................247
TIP 133 Use custom profiles and softproof.............................................................249
TIP 134 Choose the right paper or other media.....................................................249
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Chapter 10
Art Reproduction, Canvas, and Finishing ..................251
Art Reproduction: Image Capture and Color Management...............253
TIP 135 Use quality targets when capturing artwork. .............................................254
TIP 136 Use appropriate lighting and light the art evenly. .....................................255
TIP 137 After capture, move images through the workflow in the same
color space. ...............................................................................................256
TIP 138 Adjust the colors in the reproduction file using Photoshop and
ColorPicker.................................................................................................257
TIP 139 Use a high quality device to produce custom canvas and paper
profiles. ......................................................................................................258
Printing on and Coating Canvas .........................................................259
TIP 140 Choose good quality materials from reliable media suppliers. .................259
TIP 141 Allow excess border on canvas..................................................................261
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