The first step in creating a high quality giclée reproduction is photographing the artwork. A high resolution digital capture of your art is made in my studio. I use a standard lighting set up to ensure even illumination across the work. A colour reference card is included to enable accurate colour to be achieved in the next step. The photograph is taken in RAW mode to allow the greatest control over the final image.
Step two is to take the image from the camera and import it into the computer. It is then processed from RAW format into a TIFF file that can be edited in Photoshop. Colour balancing and exposure adjustments are made using the colour card in the image. A this stage cropping, capture sharpening and preliminary sizing is also done. All this is completed with direct reference to the original artwork.
This is the “out of the camera” file before colour correction has been done.
This is the colour corrected file.
The third step involves making a proof print on paper from the file created in the previous step. You come and inspect the proof print. To ensure consistency, the proof is viewed in a standard daylight environment. You then indicate and mark any needed corrections. These may include local adjustments of colour, removal of blemishes and any creative changes you may want. When complete (usually with a second proof) you okay the proof and it is then ready for gicée printing.
The final step is making your giclée prints. When all corrections have been done and you have approved, the file is stored as “print ready” on my system. A backup copy is always made for safety. Finally, the image is sized to the dimensions required and sharpened for printing. Giclée prints are then made on the specified paper or canvas.