It may seem maddening, but all the above recommendations are good one. The recommended brightness and color temperature settings are based on 1) the ambient light in your workspace 2) your need to perform screen to print matching. Generally, the dimmer your ambient light (the lower the brightness on your monitor) and the more yellow your white point (lower Kelvin setting). The 5000-5800K range is ideal for photographers preparing images for reproduction on magazine or similar paper, which is quite yellow <em>and</em> are matching the screen to a hard copy print viewed in a 5000K viewing booth. <br>
For photographers who are preparing images for inkjet reproduction and are working in a less controlled light environment, a higher brightness is in order. You're on the right track decreasing the brightness of your monitor to match your printed piece, particularly if you are viewing your prints under a solux, or similar light source. From there, make minor adjustments to your white point setting until you feel you have the best screen to print match. <br>
One final cautionary tale, with many inexpensive to mid-range monitors decreasing the white point of the monitor pushes it farther from its native color temperature and can create banding or unevenness in gradients. Once you've found a color temperature that works for you visually, view a simple black to white gradient. Is it smooth? Are there bands of color throughout? You may have some trial and error to get to the exact settings that work for you.</p>
LCD Monitor Calibration
in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing
Posted
<p>Ajit, <br>
It may seem maddening, but all the above recommendations are good one. The recommended brightness and color temperature settings are based on 1) the ambient light in your workspace 2) your need to perform screen to print matching. Generally, the dimmer your ambient light (the lower the brightness on your monitor) and the more yellow your white point (lower Kelvin setting). The 5000-5800K range is ideal for photographers preparing images for reproduction on magazine or similar paper, which is quite yellow <em>and</em> are matching the screen to a hard copy print viewed in a 5000K viewing booth. <br>
For photographers who are preparing images for inkjet reproduction and are working in a less controlled light environment, a higher brightness is in order. You're on the right track decreasing the brightness of your monitor to match your printed piece, particularly if you are viewing your prints under a solux, or similar light source. From there, make minor adjustments to your white point setting until you feel you have the best screen to print match. <br>
One final cautionary tale, with many inexpensive to mid-range monitors decreasing the white point of the monitor pushes it farther from its native color temperature and can create banding or unevenness in gradients. Once you've found a color temperature that works for you visually, view a simple black to white gradient. Is it smooth? Are there bands of color throughout? You may have some trial and error to get to the exact settings that work for you.</p>
<p>Best regards,</p>
<p>Jay</p>