Prepress techniques: image processing of images of people of different ages
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We frequently produce high-end printed materials such as photo books, art portfolios, and custom albums. Printing human skin tones requires advanced techniques and a deep understanding of color management. Based on our experience, we have compiled the following insights to help fellow printers achieve more natural and visually appealing results.
Each printed manuscript has unique characteristics, and the final appearance depends on the original artwork. During pre-press preparation, it's essential to tailor the settings according to the specific requirements of the image. For skin tones, the goal is usually to achieve a realistic, soft, and natural look, especially for portraits.
When printing children's portraits, the skin should appear delicate and smooth. To achieve this, the magenta and yellow components should be kept above 30% (covering more than two-thirds of the skin area), while their dot percentages should remain consistent. The green component should be limited to below 10% to avoid an unnatural tone. Ideally, the black plate should be avoided altogether, except in areas like shadows or dark hair, so that the skin appears pinkish and healthy.
For young adults, the skin tone tends to be slightly more vibrant. In this case, the magenta and yellow percentages can go up to around 45% (still covering more than two-thirds of the skin), while green should stay under 15%. The black plate should only appear in the darker areas, and it’s best to minimize its presence in mid-tones and highlights.
For older individuals, the skin is often rougher and has a more complex tone. Therefore, the dot percentages in each color plate tend to increase, especially in green and black. However, the green component should ideally not exceed 30%, and the black plate should be used sparingly, mainly in the mid and dark tones. Avoiding excessive black ensures the skin looks natural and not overly saturated.
By carefully adjusting these color components based on age and skin type, printers can significantly enhance the visual quality of their work, making it more lifelike and appealing to the viewer.