Stroud Camera Club hosted Fotospeed Technical Manager, Tim Jones, at this week’s meeting for an evening packed with practical advice on colour management and printing.

Tim is widely recognised for making the technical side of photography accessible. He began with colour management, explaining why images can look different in print compared to on-screen. His clear guidance on monitor calibration and the use of ICC profiles helped demystify a subject that often frustrates photographers.

The talk then moved to papers – Fotospeed’s speciality. Members were able to handle a wide selection, from glossy finishes to textured fine art stocks. Tim explained how paper choice can completely alter the mood of an image, whether it’s boosting contrast in black and white work or bringing out delicate tones in landscapes. To demonstrate the point, he printed one image on the night, showing how careful preparation ensures consistent results.

Tim also highlighted common pitfalls: working in the wrong colour space, skipping profiles, or judging prints under poor lighting. His message was practical and reassuring – small adjustments make a big difference, and excellent results are achievable without a professional setup.

A lively Q&A followed, with members quizzing him on everything from home printing basics to archival standards. Tim’s open and straightforward answers reflected his depth of knowledge and his everyday experience supporting photographers.

Deputising for the Club Chair, who was receiving his first place award at the Cobalt awards ceremony, Secretary Trish, thanked Tim for a thoroughly engaging evening. Members left with a clearer understanding of how to take control of their own printing, and with a renewed confidence to experiment with their images on paper.