Training

We provide training on a one to one basis, or for small groups, in general Colour Management including use of profiles and rendering intents, Scanning, the concept of Image Integrity, Image Optimization for CMYK Print and on the necessary software to help you get all this right.

Tailored per client, training normally covers monitor calibration and profiling and use of ICC profiles for input and output devices (eg a scanner and / or a printer). We will help you learn when and why to choose each of the different Rendering Intents on offer for colour conversions, since this is a vitally important part of understanding of conversion via ICC profiles for printing, and also at the time of bringing files into Photoshop. Image optimisation, pre output converion is especially important for pre-press as CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow and Black ink on paper) often has a quite restricted gamut (range of colour and tone) and thus needs careful attention. It is also useful to cover Photoshop SoftProofing, which, when used with good profiles and accurate Display systems, allows a very good on-screen simulation of of printed results.

We can train your staff to keep your working procedures and devices in good order too. It is not our policy to leave you with heavy books to read and without a full understanding of the way your new procedures work.

Please click to read "Your Equipment" and "Your Environment" (opens on a new page), before booking an on site visit (unless it's a survey). If you have problems, we can help with good hardware support and advice on working environment requirements if needed. It is pointless to pay us to try debug a crashing system.

We can train you and staff in scanning procedures for the production of high quality images, digital capture protocols, optimisation for various printing processes.

We will explain image optimization for specific output and how to maintain image integrity throughout your workflow. Many images are compromised as soon as they are opened in Photoshop.

Our programme is fully personalised to suit each client's needs and aspirations. Present knowledge, what you would like to achieve, time, and (importantly) budget available, as well as our experience of industry requirements are all taken into account so that training is fully relevant.

We have extensive experience in Colour Management, training and the introduction of workflows for - photographers, colour labs, libraries, designers, repro departments, printmaking artists and others, right through to the printing press. 20 years in high end advertising photography means that the needs of the industry are familiar and well understood.

We've concocted a couple of example modules which seem fairly universally popular, especially with photographers - just to give an idea of what's available:

Session 1:
Setting up and calibrating / profiling your monitor screen and, perhaps, a scanner too or, maybe, working with you on how to import captured files into Photoshop and keep the colour the way you want it.
Training in screen calibration and profiling SW so you and your staff can do the important job of keeping screens in order. Process Control and it's implications explained.
Help with setting up Photoshop properly for the implementation of a Colour Managed Workflow that suits your working methods. Introduction to basic Color Management principles including "device colourspaces" and "device independent workingspaces". An approach for archiveable work to ensure repurposability for future printing methods.
Given the time, this first session can include some basic tuition in Photoshop techniques and scanning / capture protocols with a view image integrity and basic optimization.
It seems often useful to discuss the important matter of continuity in appearance during file exchange between image provider and client and provide advice / solutions.

** In-house RGB based printers are ideally profiled in advance of a visit, since, for technical reasons, it's actually impossible to do it accurately on-site.

Session 2:
Scanning and capture methods explained, most especially with a view to image integrity, this is very important as it is really frustrating to have to rescan a back catalogue because of a mis-interpretation of manuals and conflicting advice on the internet.
Taking image optimization the next step. More Photoshop techniques including use of adjustment layers and, especially, curves adjustments, can include some work with masks too.
Detailed explanation of how to handle the "loaded gun" of rendering intent choice as it apples to both RGB > RGB and RGB > CMYK transformations, both during input and output of files - with examples.
Introduction to advanced layer techniques, including a permanently adjustable dodge and burn trick and a method of elegantly smoothing skin without obvious soft focus effect, also help for Moire problems.
More "in depth" training in Color management and pointers for "pre CMYK" optimization as well as ideal resizing methods for output which help retain detail and sharpness. A proper run through UnSharpMasking methods aswell as a permanently re-adjustable USM technique using layers.
Soft proofing on screen in Photoshop. Making a CMYK cross rendered proof on your low cost desktop RGB based printer.
The colour managed workflow from start to finish including archiving recommendations and the creation of a master image.

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