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Category: Photo Editing Software

Photography Question 

Tara R. Swartzendruber
 

Help! Monitor Calibration Question


OK, I just calibrated my monitor for the first time (using Spyder3Pro), and it's so dark I feel like I'm going to get real eye strain! Is this normal? It's driving me crazy!


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November 11, 2009

 
- Carlton Ward

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  Hi Tara,
The first thing to consider is that when you calibrate, make sure the lighting in the room is the same as any other time you are using the computer. If I open a window or change the ambient lighting in my room, I re-calibrate my monitor.
Follow the Spyder3 guide to adjust your monitor settings as recommended. Brightness levels may need adjusting as well.
I keep my room pretty dark, and it stays this way as it is easier for me to see the monitor.
Hope this helps!


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November 11, 2009

 

Tara R. Swartzendruber
  yeah, spyder actually didn't like the room lighting too well. I have a big window beside me that I tried to hang a neutral colored sheet over, but I'll have to get some blinds for it. I guess I'm used to things being a lot brighter so I feel like I'm straining. Maybe I need to get my eyes checked.... it just feels so dark!


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November 11, 2009

 

Mick Burkey
  I agree with you, Tara, that things look darker after calibrating than before. But, two things about this:

1. Most monitor makers set the monitor to be bright because the average person likes it that way.

2. But for photographers the best test of your calibration is to compaire it against a good quality print job. That's really what we are all trying to get to anyway. When I first calibrated my monitor I was amazed how off my uncalibrated monitor was to a good print. Now all matches.


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November 19, 2009

 

Carolyn M. DAlessandro
  I found that for me calibrating my monitor works best when I do it in the evening without ambient light.Calibrating in darkness gives the best reading . Then run a test print and see if that works.I hope this helps.


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November 20, 2009

 
wildlifetrailphotography.com - Donald R. Curry

BetterPhoto Member
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  You can have several calibration settings by calibrating at different times and use the applicable setting based on the light. I have settings for night, cloudy day and bright day. Although, I prefer working on photos at night, the light is more consistent.


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November 24, 2009

 

Tara R. Swartzendruber
  Thanks. This helps. I'm getting used to a darker screen and will continue to learn about the calibration....


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November 24, 2009

 
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