Proofs!
Need a Recipe to Fall in love? Photograph Elephants!
It’s decision time in my book project. Last week I uploaded 20 test pages to the printer in Calgary AB. I was thrilled to open the front door a couple of days later and find a package on my doorstep. This project is no longer living on my computer – it has entered the next dimension of publishing reality.
Inside the package was a stack of proofs on three different papers, a test print of the dust jacket laminated paper and samples of material that could be used for the hardcover.
I opened the package and carefully organized a stack of each double page spread, mindful to keep the different papers in the same order as I arranged them.
We have a pool table in our family room that I commandeer for my work on a regular basis. It’s the perfect size for spreading out a project. My husband reminds me my habit also limits the number of times a game of pool gets played in our house. :-)
It was exciting to see the double spread images lined up across the table. I rubbed the pages between my fingers like a silk merchant trying to decide which weight felt best. Paper weight refers to how much 500 sheets (or a ream) of paper weighs in its basic unit uncut size. The thicker the paper the higher the weight and consequently the cost. The samples had different coatings too, giving each sheet a unique texture.
The dust jacket was a laminated 100 lb. coated gloss text. The paper is a good choice because it is resistant to tearing. The above image is a test, not the cover image. I should have sent a file of the cover shot to see how the text would look. I’ve now uploaded it and will get a new sample this week.
Printing is an art unto itself. Getting the colour to match what you see on your screen versus what shows up on paper can be a challenge. Even what you are seeing now on your device will look different from my view. Different screens have different colour calibrations. Every step in this process has been a steep learning curve for me. Typically, I format my images in RGB for blog posts and online sharing. The printer in Calgary required the files in CMYK.
RGB color mode is used for designing digital communication such as websites and television. CMYK color mode is used for designing print communication such as business cards and posters.
Ami Vitale, who has mentored me throughout this project, recommended I hire a photo editor from Washington DC who edits photos for her and other National Geographic photographers. I needed to have a consistent colour palette for the book and convert all my files to CMYK.
Below is my image from Nature’s Best Mkapa Awards. You can see how different it looks compared to the print on the pool table. Some of this is due to the difference between an iPhone and my camera. Some is due to the paper. Some is due to the light on the pool table …. Choosing what looks best and is also feasible on the selected paper is my next assignment.
I expressed concern about the colour tone of the proofs in a call to the printer. “You should come out here so we can calibrate the printer as you like it,” said the sales rep. The cost of printing the book already has me shaking in my boots. I can’t imagine adding flight and hotel costs too. A few more samples via UPS seems like a more reasonable option.
It took a year and a half to get to this stage. I can’t believe I’ve entered the final step in the process. My goal is to publish an art book and raise money for elephant conservation. I’m planning to launch the pre order sale for the First Edition on Earth Day, April 22nd. Stay tuned!
