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Posted on 21/02/08 03:33:09 AM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply  |
Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
Some of my aerial images are going to a magazine publication. The max ink density for the printer is 240%. The shadows in my images approach 300%. How can I reduce the ink density of only the shadows while retaining proper contrast throughout the image? When I use levels or curves on an adjustment layer to lighten the K channel, the result is a flat, low contrast image..  Similarly, if I reduce the CMY channel for the shadows, the result is still low contrast... 
Is there a better way to approach this issue? Thanks in advance, --Chris The original image was photographed in raw format, and I have both Photoshop and Lightroom at my disposal (in case there is a better method by using Lightroom) |
Posted on 21/02/08 08:08:08 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply  |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
The ink density is determined by a series of test files run by the printer on the paper stock that the magazine will be printed on. It's not your concern - indeed, it's best not to address this at all. Supply your images to the magazine in RGB format, and let them run their custom CMYK conversion curves. That way, you can be sure the CMYK you end up with will be the best possible match for their paper stock. |
Posted on 24/02/08 04:23:31 AM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
Thanks, Steve. I'm worried that they will run a basic CMYK conversion that will wash out the images. When you send artwork to publications like the Guardian, do they send you custom profiles or are all your entries uploaded in RGB? |
Posted on 25/02/08 07:39:42 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
I always upload RGB images, to every publication I work for. These days, most magazines and newspapers are put together in InDesign; all the images are RGB, and InDesign outputs CMYK PDF files automatically, using the correct CMYK transfer curves. Of course, it depends on the magazine. Why don't you ask them for their advice? |
Posted on 25/02/08 2:38:34 PM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
Thanks Steve. The magazine told me I need to reduce the ink density for best results. The prepress dept couldn't offer suggestions (other than bumping up the entire image with curves or levels) and I had a very hard time speaking to anyone there who seemed to have some knowledge. 
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Posted on 25/02/08 3:58:54 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
Often the case, Chris. There will be somebody at the printers who understands this stuff, but you may never find out who it is. Has the magazine complained about your ink densities? Is this the problem? I'd have thought it was something for them to sort out, personally. |
Posted on 26/02/08 10:39:53 PM |
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tank172
ThreeDee Thriller Posts: 692 Reply |
Re: Prepress Tech - Ink Density.... ?
yep, the magazine wants me to adjust the ink density...I get the feeling they're just protecting themselves if the images don't print properly. My concern is that they do not have any Color Management profiles to send me. I'm afraid if I fiddle with the colors using a standard profile, I'll just be shooting in the dark with no sense of consistency. I agree, this shouldn't be my problem.  Especially since i have no profiles to work with and no way of proofing with their stock!
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