Monitor aspect ratio/photography workstation set up

I am planning my first photography work station.I am considering single or dual monitor configurations and wondering how aspect ratio will effect the image view on the monitor? Feel free to post photos of your monitor screen if that would help myself or others see how this works.

Feel free to post photos of your set up and explain why you like it. Monitor size, monitor orientation, software programs,where you like your palets, computer, etc that helps you with your photography workflow.

Thank You!

What is the current HW/SW system you use? What needs to carry forward into the new system and what can be left behind? What is the budget?

Before we can leap to solutions, we all need to know more about the requirements. It is always easier to hit a visible target.

I am looking to purchase a new system with around a $3000.00 limit.I am totally new to this so am starting with a clean slate with new hardware.

I just purchased lightroom 5 and elements 12. I have been considering a mac mini and a separate monitor or potentially dual monitors in the 24"-30" range.

Thank You!

silvermesa1 wrote in post #16492359
I am planning my first photography work station.I am considering single or dual monitor configurations and wondering how aspect ratio will effect the image view on the monitor? Feel free to post photos of your monitor screen if that would help myself or others see how this works.

Feel free to post photos of your set up and explain why you like it. Monitor size, monitor orientation, software programs,where you like your palets, computer, etc that helps you with your photography workflow.

Thank You!

I use three 24 inch monitors, though I find that's more useful with Bridge than Photoshop, and less useful now that Bridge CC no longer has synchronized windows, and that two monitors is all I really need for this kind of work. The primary job of this machine is as a DAW, on which I fill three screens easily.

I use a Mac, and I also use Spaces (or Mission Control, as I think it's now called) to only have Bridge or PS on the screens - use Cntl/Arrow keys to switch. With two monitors I used to find having my working monitor in Landscape and the other monitor in Portrait with palettes and tools only on it was very nice. This also keeps you from having to drive yourself crazy trying to keep two monitors calibrated so they are the same.

Also, try to get 1920 x 1200 screens instead of 1920 x 1080. Those 120 extra pixels are really useful.

Well, You've already purchased the software so It look like you're going with a MAC right?

I Haven't used the Maverick OS yet so I can't really comment on that but A LOT of folks are real happy with the iMacs - especially if you're starting from scratch.

Just my thoughts:

Wacom Intuos Pro (small): $240. If you don't have one, you need one.

Nec MultiSync Monitor $550. A high quality, graphic/imaging specific monitor should be a priority. These monitors are quite good and the prices have come down considerably (I paid $1k for mine 3 years ago).

Figure in about $50 for a nice wireless keyboard and mouse combo and that leaves you with a cool 2k to build a serious, high end PC from scratch. Two Samsung 840 Pro SSDs (one for C and one for scratch/temp etc), 6 core i7 processor, video/graphics card, power supply, case, cooler, motherboard, built in Card reader, operating system, etc. Done right you should still have enough for an external RAID drive for your images, a display calibrator, and a UPS (Universal Power Supply/battery backup).

Just for gits and shiggles, I went to NewEgg and was able to put together a pretty powerful machine that literally just fills out your budget.

I use a single 22" Dell IPS LED monitor UU2212HM, calibrated with a Spyder 3. I prefer my monitor a reasonable size so I don't have to move my neck or sit two meters back. I have access to two large monitors at work, I tend to only use one, and at home if I wanted two 30" monitors I'd just buy them - but I don't want them.

Just food for thought - more and bigger isn't always better.

Also, if you can avoid the silly wide screens, do. The closer to square the monitor is, the better, IMHO. And buy two the same, it makes calibration easier.

I doubt many people will agree with me, but remember this is a personal taste thing.

Apshiso wrote in post #16505180
Well, You've already purchased the software so It look like you're going with a MAC right?

Yes, I have worked with a 2008 unibody 13" macbook for the last several years so I am now familiar with the mac platform.

I thought I would update my system with a newer computer with better specs and purchase a separate monitor or dual monitors.

I have read that 24" or 30" monitors and their 16:10 aspect ratio may be better for viewing photos or text? I did see, a 27" I-Mac screen when viewing a photo in portrait mode the left and right sides had a black band.I assume the 27" I-Mac screen is 16:9 aspect ratio.