Generally printers do not print in rgb, even if it might seem that way from feeding the printer an rgb file. The only exception is a LightJet, Chromira, Durst, or some other laser or LED type of chemical RA-4 machine that outputs only photographic prints, but these are a very different realm than commercial printing and publishing outputs.
If I could explain better, many current photographers stick to rgb only in workflows. When they send out rgb files, someone down the line converts that to cmyk. So to be absolutely clear, there is no rgb commercial printing. The issue is that conversion from rgb to cmyk is rarely done with any sort of care, and this is what causes the most problems. Due to time constraints, or a lack of truly skilled workers, most rgb to cmyk conversion in the commercial printing and publication world is: open the file in PhotoShop, select convert to cmyk, and let whatever default setting there is take care of the conversion. In other words, it is a total crap-shoot on whether or not your image retains any character or brilliance. You are at the mercy of the person doing the conversion when you stick to rgb, which is why I keep pushing photographers to learn cmyk.
Remember that when the image finally comes out in print, and the client/customer sees the final item, they will first think of you (the photographer) when they see that image. If it looks great, then good for you. If the conversion from rgb to cmyk was rushed, or done badly, then it still reflects upon the photographer, and in this case badly. Consider that most clients and end viewers do not know/care/understand about rgb to cmyk conversion, so it would be rare for the in-between person actually doing that conversion to get any blame. So if you want to be more certain of your images looking better in final print form, I highly recommend learning more about commercial printing and to consider doing your own cmyk.
Ciao!
Gordon Moat Photography
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Gordon Moat
Bookmarks