just letting everyone about this site:

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/

they have a wealth of knowledge, and i highly recommend reading their site. (i have no affiliation)

i found the ICC profiles very helpful.

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/index.html

my prints look great (also soft proof on monitor), because they provide //current// ICC profiles form //my// photo lab.

the amount/accuracy of information they provide is awesome.

'hope it helps someone.

M