a continuation on the CURVES subject ok we have scanned something.. and it looks ok.. but is it? just look at the colour of our higlight and shaddow, there is less green light in the white area. and more blue light in the shadow area.. lets fix it.

(A) now 0 is black as black gets but i didn't go that extreme, for a few reasons.. the black'est - black maynot be where I sampled, it' a mere guide ok - unless you concentrate on the dark area's you don't notice that much detail in them, anyway so I used 22 in this example and 255 is as white as white gets , but i didn't go that extreme, either, I used 240 (to compensate for the sharp lights (lensflare looking things) that reflect from the car, to the camera) one other rason is so you can use the next step.. (b) the way I moved the curves, is slightly different. because I move the end points so that the curves, don't curve. (i thought i'd give a tricky way a go) unike last time you can't just type numbers in to match the out-put you have to keep an eye on the info.

if you must, use for '0' the black, and '250' for white (be real carefull with your sample points) (some printers can't print a 4% dot) this will be good if you want to go straight to your CMYK profile with out further curves. I'm the type of person who says to them selves.. if your corecting for CMYK, use the CMYK method, "show me your curves" if your corecting for RBG use the RGB method " 36, 26, 26, the right figures " BUT I'd advise you not to do both, or do either twice

a) if you are lucky enough have a third sample point ( for a grey in the photo like a solid mid-grey cloud, or a grey jumper or something ) add and adjust that middle point , so that the read out in the info is equal, (it may not be a perfect mid-grey but it helps) b) if you don't , don't click OK, just yet, see the drop down menu, for curves, go to the RGB option... and (if you feel the need) lighten he mid-tone . like I did in the example,

here's a half n half, pic no poser renders this time *carp* and it was supposed to be 36 - 26 - 36 .. nevermind

Message edited on: 06/29/2004 11:14

the power of with one sample point , to get a white looking paper from a scan ,

Great information!! i wish we had the option to make certain threads "sticky", cause this is one i'd hate to see get lost and buried!

Thanks again Matt, it's when members share info like this that makes the forum worth coming to.

:)
scott