How do I calibrate my monitor?
There are several ways to calibrate your monitor, but the most reliable method is by using a dedicated measuring device. This device measures the colours and brightness of your screen and creates a colour profile based on those measurements. Well known calibration tools include the Datacolor Spyder Pro and the Calibrite Display Pro HL.
By calibrating your monitor with one of these tools, you ensure accurate and consistent colour reproduction.
Kamera Express offers a wide range of colour management equipment. View all products here.
There are three key factors that influence the evaluation of your digital images:
- The working environment
- Monitor calibration
- Software settings for colour display
The working environment and colour reproduction
You have probably heard of monitor calibration, but did you know that the working environment also affects how you perceive your images? Neutral colours in the workspace, preferably grey, help prevent your eyes from being influenced by coloured reflections. In addition, it is important to work under standardised lighting, as this ensures a consistent and reliable representation of your images.
The NIDF standard provides guidelines for the ideal working environment for photographers and image editors. This standard can be downloaded from their website. » Download the NIDF standard
Monitor calibration: the key to accurate image editing
To properly assess the colours, contrast and brightness of your photos, it is important to regularly calibrate your monitor for photo editing. A calibrated display shows true-to-life colours and helps prevent unwanted surprises when printing or sharing your images. Popular calibration devices include the xRite Eye-One Display2 / Eye One Photo and the Pantone / Colorvision Monitor Spyder.
Other ways to improve your display
Although hardware calibration delivers the best results, there are other ways to improve your display. A cheaper but less reliable method is to have a test file printed by the professional photo lab Profotonet and compare it with the image shown on your screen. This can give you an indication of possible colour deviations.
In addition, we offer a test file that allows you to check whether your lab applies colour management correctly. If the tick is printed in green, everything is set up properly. If it appears in red, the colour profile is not being supported.
Get the best results with a calibrated monitor
Regularly calibrating your monitor is essential for anyone working with photo editing. By using a Spyder calibration device or a similar system, and by following the guidelines of the NIDF standard, you ensure that your images are always displayed correctly. Want to be sure your colours are accurate? Start calibrating today and get the most out of your photo editing!
Or read our in-depth blog My print is too dark for more tips.