This month's issue of Insights highlights synthetic test files useful for evaluating printing conditions. We use these test files in my Fine Digital Print workshops to evaluate printing conditions and print quality. You can too. A few comments are made in this newsletter about how to use them. More information on how to use them will be included in a future issue of Insights.
These test files are for subscribers only! Your user name is Insights. Your password is jpcsubscribe. Save this issue or write this down for future reference. Due to a high volume of requests for information I won't be able to send individual reminders, though I will include reminders in future issues when more subscriber only content is posted.
Also featured is a PDF Printer Points of Control, which outlines the various areas you can exert control over printing conditions.
As with every issue, current articles, lectures, and workshops are listed in the calendar.
Best wishes,
John Paul
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In this Issue...
Creativity - Identify and Isolate Variables
July Workshop - The Fine Digital Printi
Technique - Printer Points of Control
Test File - Neutral Gradient Smooth
Test File - Neutral Gradient 5% and 10%
Test File - Neutral Gradient 1%
Test File - RGBCMY
Test File - RGBCMY to Black and White
Test File - Spectrum
Environment - Vanity Fair
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Creativity
Identify and Isolate Variables
In any situation, it helps to know what elements you're dealing with and what each of those elements contributes to the mix. With that information you can get results you desire more predictably and exert more precise control over the process. This idea is routinely applied in scientific fields where the benefits are clear for all to see. Not solely applicable to areas that are highly technical, it is equally applicable in any creative endeavor. Being analytical is one mode (to be listed among others) of creativity. The art is in knowing when to apply it, not being limited to using it exclusively or avoiding it altogether,
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Workshop
The Fine Digital Print
July 2-6
My most popular workshop, The Fine Digital Print offers a comprehensive survey of digital printing options and methods as well as in depth Photoshop sessions.
15% early registration discount for
July 2-6 ends 5/15.
Only a few spaces remain.
Register today!
Or, find out about additional upcoming sessions.
Read more.
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Technique
Printer Points of Control
Despite the fact that digital printers are extremely stable when compared to analog printing methods, you still have a number of points of control that allow you to optimize output conditions. Find out what your options are here.
Read ...
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Test File
Neutral Gradient Smooth
Smooth neutral gradients are useful for identifying posterization and overinking of shadows. Look for smooth transitions in the darkest areas of the gradient. If transitions are not smooth, try using another printer profile.
Download ...
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Test File
Neutral Gradient 5% and 10%
Coarser gradations in neutral gradients are useful for checking graybalance or uniformity of hue throughout the entire tonal scale. If graybalance is not ideal, try using another printer profile.
Download ...
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Test File
Neutral Gradient 1%
1% neutral gradients are useful for identifying minimum printable values. When printing these values, look for the lightest and darkest values at which detail can be resolved. Most digital printers can resolve a 1-2% dot and hold separation down to at least 96%. If this level of detail cannot be resolved, try increasing or decreasing ink limit.
Download ...
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Test File
RGBCMY
Printing pure primary and secondary values visibly demonstrates gamut or the maximum saturation that can be achieved with a given combination of ink - substrate - driver - profile - rendering intent - ink limit.
Download ...
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Test File
RGBCMY to White and Black
Printing pure primary and secondary gradients to white and black yields additional information about gamut.
Download ...
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Test FileSpectrum
Printing the full spectrum of hues at maximum saturation yields additional information about gamut.
Download ...
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Environment
Vanity Fair Annual Green Issue
Last year Vanity Fair presented its first "green" issue featuring profiles of people from diverse walks of life making contributions to environmental issues in diverse and creative ways. I appreciated the issue so much I wrote a letter to the editor. In it I noted the lack of profiles on photographers and writers, who have done so much (perhaps more than any other sector) to inform and raise public awareness on these important issues. I didn't get a response, but this year I see more profiles on photographers and writers. In the May 2007 issue, they've done it again, annoucing that this will be a sustained effort repeated annually.
The May 2007 issue is currently on stands. You can also view content online at vanityfair.com/politics/green/. The media convergence is fascinating. I highly recommend you look at both.
In so many ways, I'm extremely encouraged to see ecological issues coming to the forefront of public consciousness. More than ever, people are thinking, speaking, and acting on these issues - often in very creative ways. It's an important time in history and we can all make a difference.
Stimulating creative exchange of information and action on environmental issues has been an important component of the mission of my life's work - this has been intensifying as time passes. I'll be noting significant resources of interest in future issues of Insights and the Environment section of my website will be expanding. Stay tuned!
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Upcoming Events
May
Article
Test for Vignetting
Double Exposure
May 14-18
Workshop
Illuminating Creativity
Studio, ME
May/June
Article
Extending DOF
Digital Photo Pro
May/June
Article
Resolution
Photoshop User
May/June
Article
JPC - A Visual Artist
After Capture
June
Article
Dominant Impression
and Train of Thought
After Capture
June 25-29
Workshop
The Fine Art of Digital Printing,
Santa Barbara, CA
July 2-6
Workshop
The Fine Digital Print,
Studio, ME
