[photoprofx]

(02-20-2012, 01:45 PM)Slynky Wrote:

(02-20-2012, 06:30 AM)williamting Wrote: PhotoProFx, I agree with everything you said. Just add in two more items, right focal length for the job and right white balance.

I was beating my chest for the poor quality CD labels I made until I decided to buy a new batch of CD labels. Slightly more expensive but the result stunned me!

So, to summarise (not in order), paper quality, pigment ink, calibrated monitor, right colour space, use right ICC profile for the printer, good DSLR, correct and fast glass for the job, right lighting, right white balance.


I am lucky that I got wholesale price for my prints. That is why I am not motivated to buy my own high end printer. I also require every large print to be laminated. So, dirt free is crucial.

I am struggling with correct white balance. Any tips from anyone? I am looking at http://www.lastolite.com/tribalance.php and http://www.qpcard.com/. Anyone has experience with these before I part with my hard earn money?

EEEEK ! That's a lot of worry! LOL

White balance usually is set in the camera. NOW, that being said shooting on Full Auto is on setting on my camera that I never use and I mean never! IF you want to get perfect white balance EVERY time you can use a 18% gray card, available online for a few bucks.
The other alternative is, if you are using PS or Lightroom then get the white balance eye dropper and look for a light patch of gray in the photo, that will put you in the ballpark. Warm it up a little if you
want some great ideas and want to look at photographers from all over the planet check out 500PX.com. this latter suggestion shows you some of the most creative uses of the camera you will ever see AND it gives you, most of the time, the camera settings.
Photography is an expensive hobby, sorry it just is, and you need to get the knowlege to leverage the equipment you buy. It is NOT in the owners manuel.
White balance is the VERY first step in any processing of ANY photo to get it right, from there you can do most anything.
Good Luck
PhotoProFX

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(02-20-2012, 01:45 PM)Slynky Wrote:

(02-20-2012, 06:30 AM)williamting Wrote: PhotoProFx, I agree with everything you said. Just add in two more items, right focal length for the job and right white balance.

I was beating my chest for the poor quality CD labels I made until I decided to buy a new batch of CD labels. Slightly more expensive but the result stunned me!

So, to summarise (not in order), paper quality, pigment ink, calibrated monitor, right colour space, use right ICC profile for the printer, good DSLR, correct and fast glass for the job, right lighting, right white balance.


I am lucky that I got wholesale price for my prints. That is why I am not motivated to buy my own high end printer. I also require every large print to be laminated. So, dirt free is crucial.

I am struggling with correct white balance. Any tips from anyone? I am looking at http://www.lastolite.com/tribalance.php and http://www.qpcard.com/. Anyone has experience with these before I part with my hard earn money?

EEEEK ! That's a lot of worry! LOL

White balance usually is set in the camera. NOW, that being said shooting on Full Auto is on setting on my camera that I never use and I mean never! IF you want to get perfect white balance EVERY time you can use a 18% gray card, available online for a few bucks.
The other alternative is, if you are using PS or Lightroom then get the white balance eye dropper and look for a light patch of gray in the photo, that will put you in the ballpark. Warm it up a little if you
want some great ideas and want to look at photographers from all over the planet check out 500PX.com. this latter suggestion shows you some of the most creative uses of the camera you will ever see AND it gives you, most of the time, the camera settings.
Photography is an expensive hobby, sorry it just is, and you need to get the knowlege to leverage the equipment you buy. It is NOT in the owners manuel.
White balance is the VERY first step in any processing of ANY photo to get it right, from there you can do most anything.
As a suggestion, Kelby Training, or go over to Adorama.com for their view series (free)
The bottom line... get knowledge then get creative. Knowing what a camera is and knowing how to leverage it is a must.

Good Luck
PhotoProFX