Color Profiles and how do I use them: I have been having some issues when printing photos at my local lab. They said to calibrate my monitor. I did, a little better but not quite...

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I have been having some issues when printing photos at my local lab. They said to calibrate my monitor. I did, a little better but not quite there. Then they said to download the color profile for their printer.
I have found the profile but have no clue what to do with it. I can't find anything on line. I must not be searching with the right key words. I am using photoshop CC.
Thank you in advance for any help with this.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Country's Mama wrote:

I have been having some issues when printing photos at my local lab. They said to calibrate my monitor. I did, a little better but not quite there. Then they said to download the color profile for their printer.
I have found the profile but have no clue what to do with it. I can't find anything on line. I must not be searching with the right key words. I am using photoshop CC.
Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Load the profile into PS, then enable proofing using that profile, and make your adjustments viewing the proofing view. I'm not in front of my computer with PS installed, but will be happy to provide more detailed instructions later. In the interim, maybe one of the PS gurus on line can provide step-by-step instructions on loading the profile...

Linary Loc: UK

Read this short article about where to put the printer profile on your computer

http://www.colourmanagement.net/advice/where-are-my-icc-profiles

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Red River paper has a good how-to written up for using their paper profiles:
http://www.redrivercatalog.com/profiles/inkjet-printer-color-icc-profiles-red-river-paper.html

and Dry Creek Photo's how-to for their printer profiles (for Costco printing):
https://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/using_printer_profiles.htm

Both are good resources. The second link should answer your question. And on Windows it may be as easy as right-clicking and choosing "Install Profile" - restart Photoshop or Lightroom and it should be available.

Linary Loc: UK

You must also include the profile when you save the image, in Photoshop when you "Save As" ensure the printer profile is checked.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Thank you everyone. I think I can figure it out from here. If not I will be back. :)

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Country's Mama wrote:

They said to calibrate my monitor. I did, a little better but not quite there.

How did you calibrate your monitor? Using a hardware device like a Spyder or with software?

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

How did you calibrate your monitor? Using a hardware device like a Spyder or with software?

Yep that is the first thing I did. I have colormunki.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The next thing to do is to d/l the printer profiles for the printer that the service center is using and turn on Soft Proofing. You'll see color discrepancies

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Thank you everyone. I have figured most of it out. Now after doing some more reading I have a feeling that a generic Color Profile isn't what is needed. It sounds like every printer is unique and should have their own profile. I am pretty sure this lab doesn't have one, but I will find out.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Country's Mama wrote:

Thank you everyone. I have figured most of it out. Now after doing some more reading I have a feeling that a generic Color Profile isn't what is needed. It sounds like every printer is unique and should have their own profile. I am pretty sure this lab doesn't have one, but I will find out.

Quality labs (like Bay Photo) typically have a downloadable profile, but you may need to search for it on their site or give them a call. Paper manufacturers have profiles for each of their papers as well if you do your own printing.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I was hoping this would work out locally. I may have to go to using Bay lab again. :(