Colour reproduction is a very complex process, there are many different colour reproduction industries, utilising different media from one to another, although within some industries there may well be multiple media used...

In the 1993, the International Color Consortium was formed eight industry vendors in order to create a universal color management system that would function transparently across all operating systems and software packages : the ICC Profiles.

ICC Profiles intent is to provide a mechanism for defining the colour of image data in a way that makes it possible to exchange images between systems, while retaining any colour requirements imposed on the image. An ICC profile provides a number of colour transformations that define the colour expected from the encoded data of the digital image, in an open format.

More information on ICC can found here: International Color Consortium

Manufacturers ICC

Manufacturers often supply ICC profiles with driver software CDs or on their websites. Opinions vary about their merits (but it's better than nothing)...

• - Ilford Paper
• - Lyson Paper
• - MOAB Paper
• - Red River Paper
• - Tetenal Paper
• - Crane Paper
• - Generic Epson R1800

Commercial profiles

The chief advantage of commercial profiles is that they are created using highly accurate spectrophotometers and sophisticated software. But the cost can add up if you need many profiles. You may need to print their custom target and send it to them. The following suppliers of profiles are worth considering

• - Chromix
• - Christophe Metairie (the best for my opinion)

After downloading the correct profile, you need to save it in a location that depends on what operating system you are using. Depending on your operating system, these locations are:

- Mac OS X: /Library/ColorSync/
- Mac OS 9.x: System Folder:ColorSync Profiles
- Windows XP: \Windows\system32\spool\drivers\color
- Windows NT/2000: \Winnt\system32\spool\drivers\color
- Windows 98/ME: \Windows\System\Color

The following Adobe PhotoShop CS (is quite the same for Adobe PhotoShop CS2) work flow is a guide to using your profiles and getting the best quality prints.

- Select 'Print with Preview' from the 'File' menu.
- Select 'Page Setup' and choose the appropriate printer, paper size, orientation, and uncheck color management by printer (depending on printer you use). After confirming the settings, click 'OK' and return to the 'Print Preview' dialog.
- Select the 'Show More Options' (1) check box on the lower left corner of the 'Print Preview' dialog box and choose 'Color Management' (2) from the drop down menu.
- Set the 'Source Space' to 'Document' (3).
- Set the 'Profile' (4) which matches your printer / ink / paper combination. Set the 'Intent' as described in the profile settings file. Generally our profiles are created for the Saturation or Perceptual intents. This will vary based on personal preference and/or individual profiles. Refer to the Profile Settings for each profile for recommended intents.

Take care of art papers and clean before use

Many "Art" finish papers need careful use in inkjet printers. The quality control on art papers can leave something to be desired on occasions. It is sometimes the case that these thicker papers get dust and particles left on their surface when manufactured, this needs to be carefully brushed or blown off to prevent nozzle blockages or paper feed problems.

Nozzle check after period of non use

If you haven't used your printer for some while, maybe because you've been on holiday or away shooting, do a nozzle check on some cheap paper before a printing session. It's always better to find there's a blocked jet without wasting expensive photo paper.

Cover printer when not in use to prevent dust

Sounds obvious, but the design of most inkjet printers allows dust to settle into the paper path of the printer when not in use. A cover over the printer will prevent dust blocking nozzles or getting into the paper path and causing feed problems.

Don't use cheap ink

Using "compatible" ink cartridges is the most frequent cause of problems when inkjet printing. The quality control of these inks is almost always far poorer than the manufacturer's own ink cartridges. Not only can this result in poor quality and unpredictable colour output, it can also cause head clogs and, in rare cases, complete failure of the print head