1. A digital watermark embedding method comprising: using a configured processor, analyzing a digital image relative to an expected workflow process, the workflow process comprising optical capture of a printed version of the digital image, the digital image comprising data representing process colors Cyan (C), Magenta (M) and Yellow (Y); based on the analysis, applying tone correction to the digital image, said applying yielding an altered digital image; using a configured processor, transforming the altered digital image with digital watermarking, the digital watermarking conveying a plural-bit message; and providing the transformed, altered digital image.