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Article DetailsCommercial Photography: Calibrating and Profiling Your Monitor. |
| Date Added: April 30, 2010 03:10:34 PM |
| Author: Andy Nickerson |
| Category: Equipment and accessories |
| So you've come to the conclusion that your product range is just too striking to be promoted with dull amateurish photography, and you've called in a commercial photographer to capture your products at their best and help develop your brand image.The photographs are back and look spectacular, with a little 'enhancement' in Adobes Photoshop they'll be ready for the printer and you're new product brochure will be landing on your desk before you know it.Your brochure arrives back from the print house but all is not well! The photographs are way too bright and contrasty, all those soft tones are lost and there appears to be a awful colour caste?Why has this occurred? You've spent thousands investing in top of the range computer equipment and software licensing, you even read a few design publications? Well in truth it could be any number of reasons however is most likely to one of or a mixture of the following troubles:1. Heavy Handed Photoshop Methods. A very widespread concern often caused when people are either new to professional image editing or simply don't possess the necessary ability with the software suite. Beginners will often damage much of the delicate tonal info that is contained within the picture file, for instance by ramping up the contrast too much or over saturating the shot.2. Conversion to CYMK. The image files your photographer supplies you with are commonly in a RGB colour space and will require conversion to a applicable CYMK colour profile prior to printing. The image files will require mindful colour conversion and ideally proofing if exact colour accuracy is desired.3. A Absence of or Inadequate Monitor Calibration and Profiling. This is the major issue and the one that I feel creates the most disappointment and problems. If your monitor isn't effectively calibrated or rather you simply use the suppliers canned factory configurations, there is a good likelihood that your monitor is misleading you!Monitor Calibration is the method of altering your monitors controls to achieve the most neutral display possible, including modifying its luminance (brightness), white point (colour temperature) and gamma settings. If you don't work with imagery on a regular basis or you hire a design professional (who understands the meaning of tight colour management) to do your pre-press work then you may well choose to simply alter your monitors controls manually, though remember not to adjust the image files as what you view on your screen will be different to what your designer and printer sees! In any case I strongly suggest you invest in some basic monitor calibration equipment that will come bundled with compatible profile software. It need not cost a fortune and will indeed cost a fraction of what a ruined print run will!The calibrator will effectively measure your monitors imperfections and in combination with the software will work out a profile that is unique to your screen. Think of this profile as a 'filter' or 'mask' that once administered to your screen will remove any imperfections and will give you a absolutely neutral view.In conclusion when working with professional images on a frequent basis then I strongly recommend you invest in some basic monitor calibration gear. Why spend good money on getting your photos shot professionally only to later wreck them by editing on an crudely calibrated monitor?Andy Nickerson is the owner of Brampton Valley Photography, Commercial Photographers Northampton. |
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Pictures of Spain
Photography from Spain, daily updated photo collection where you will find royalty free images of Spain, for instant download without watermarks
Photography from Spain, daily updated photo collection where you will find royalty free images of Spain, for instant download without watermarks