Getting the Most Accurate Colors When Printing Your Photos

Printing photos with accurate color representation can be a complex topic. I'll break it down for you in a quick, easy-to-read format.

I always shoot in RGB mode because it offers a wider color range compared to sRGB. If your camera is set to capture images in sRGB, it's important to know that you cannot convert them back to RGB after the photo is taken.

What is sRGB?
sRGB (Standard Red Green Blue) is the color space used by most digital screens, including computer monitors, TVs, and smartphones. While it’s the standard for most devices, it has a more limited color range.

What is RGB?
RGB (Red Green Blue) has a broader color spectrum. When printed with a high-end printer, the RGB color space allows for richer, more vibrant photos with a wider range of colors.

Cameras are capable of shooting in sRGB or RGB modes.  Postprocessing in Adobe Lightroom for example can up a RGB file to ProPhoto RGB.

Can Standard Photo Labs Print in RGB?
The short answer is no. Most consumer labs—like Walgreens, Walmart, or Shutterfly—print in sRGB. One of my assistants worked at a Walgreens photo lab, and I can confirm they use the same printers that I use when printing over 4K 8x10 prints for the Golden State Warriors Basketball Camps each summer. These printers are dye-sublimation models that print quickly and produce dry photographs straight out of the machine. However, they have a limited color gamut compared to professional printers.

Professional Printing in RGB
For the highest color accuracy, prints need to be processed by professional printers that can handle RGB. The printers I offer for client photo galleries are connected to print houses equipped with high-end machines capable of reproducing a wider color gamut from RGB files.

The Calibration Challenge
When you print photos in RGB mode, one challenge you’ll face is color consistency. If you view your image on a typical computer monitor and then order prints, they may not match what you see on-screen. This is because most consumer monitors aren’t designed for color accuracy and can’t display the full range of colors in an image. To ensure accurate color representation, photographers should use professional-grade monitors capable of displaying at least 97% of the RGB color space, my 27” $900 monitor shows 100% of sRGB and 99% of RGB colors. In comparison your average monitor for your non photographer usually has a sRGB range in the low 70% range and even lower for the RGB color range. (Pro Tip: It you want your social media posted images to have better color results and your editing your images on a computer, switch your monitor to sRGB if you have the option.)

However, just having an expensive monitor isn’t enough. It also needs to be calibrated to ensure that the colors you see on-screen match those in the physical print. Calibration helps align the monitor's color output with industry standards for accurate photo editing. If you are interested in monitor calibration, Google “SpyderX Pro” for a great calibration device.

Are sRGB Prints Still Good Quality?
Yes, sRGB prints are still high quality, and they'll look great. The difference becomes apparent when you compare an sRGB print side by side with one printed from an RGB file. You’ll notice a subtle difference in color richness and vibrancy.

Choosing the Right Lab
Whether you use a local photo lab or a high-end professional service, avoid mixing prints from sRGB and RGB files. If color accuracy and vibrancy are a priority, opt for a lab that supports RGB printing.

I hope this helps you make informed decisions when printing your photos. Whether you use my the print option within the galleries I send or print independently, make sure you choose the right printer for the best color results.