Titus213 wrote in post #13680733
Well, the first go at printing was interesting. First off, the images contained lots of black and contrast. Perhaps I should find something much more normal to start with. The prints from Costco, using their profile, no auto correction, initially looked quite dark. When lots of light is applied to the print they look really good. Is this the normal approach? Or should the prints look bright and colorful in 'normal' light, whatever that might be? I'm thinking the very bright viewing light is technically correct. Is this brightness just an eye thing that has to be determined by the individual?
More info - the monitor is calibrated at Gamma 2.2, D65, 80 cd/m2. The Spyder originally selected 180 cd/m2 and it nearly gave me a sun tan - much too bright.
Yeah, the only way to view prints to compare the "brightness" is in good light -- I like daylight but a good lamp will work, although "consumer" lamps will "color" the print. So if you use a lamp, ignore the color cast by it!
Anyway, look at it this way: when you view an image on the monitor, you are viewing light being projected by the monitor, whereas with a print, you are viewing reflected light, which can only reflect the light that is available, and so it can be quite normal for a monitor with the projected light to show a brighter image if you are viewing the print at a lower light level.
Like I said, I like good daylight for viewing prints, and then a dimmer light for the monitor display. But having a nice good "neutral" light on hand is a good "workspace" option!
