Best light source for inkjet print evaluation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter John A. Stovall
  • Start date Start date
J

John A. Stovall

I've calibrated my monitor, got custom printer profiles, worked it up
in Photoshop and printed it. Now what kind of light should I be using
to evaluate it with? I've a couple of color management books which
suggest the Ottlite but other articles suggest Solux. What do you all
use for indoor print evaluations?

*********************************************************

"I have been a witness, and these pictures are
my testimony. The events I have recorded should
not be forgotten and must not be repeated."

-James Nachtwey-
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
 
John A. Stovall said:
I've calibrated my monitor, got custom printer profiles, worked it up
in Photoshop and printed it. Now what kind of light should I be using
to evaluate it with? I've a couple of color management books which
suggest the Ottlite but other articles suggest Solux. What do you all
use for indoor print evaluations?

*********************************************************

"I have been a witness, and these pictures are
my testimony. The events I have recorded should
not be forgotten and must not be repeated."

-James Nachtwey-
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
Click to expand...

Set up lighting equivalent to where the print will be displayed?
 
Set up lighting equivalent to where the print will be displayed?
Click to expand...

Not a good answer as you never know here a print will end up. My aim
is to have the best possible color management of the print until it
leaves my hands.


*********************************************************

"I have been a witness, and these pictures are
my testimony. The events I have recorded should
not be forgotten and must not be repeated."

-James Nachtwey-
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
 
Personally, I use the Ott-Lite for indoor display.
Outdoors? Sheesh, a no brainer. Natural sunlight.

Oh, I see, you didn't ask about outdoors.

Then the answer is ... Ott-Lite.
 
I've calibrated my monitor, got custom printer profiles, worked it up
in Photoshop and printed it. Now what kind of light should I be using
to evaluate it with? I've a couple of color management books which
suggest the Ottlite but other articles suggest Solux. What do you all
use for indoor print evaluations?
Click to expand...

Open a window.
 
Open a window.
Click to expand...

That doesn't maintain a constancy to a base standard through the
process from RAW to final print. At least by doing that one has
followed a standard. The light through that window will not be the
same on different days and different times.


********************************************************

"The condition of civil affairs in Texas is anomalous,
singular, and unsatisfactory."

Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sherdan
to
Bvt. Maj. Gen. John A. Rawlins
November 14, 1866
 
Well, first of all, it would depend upon where your prints are most
likely to end up being viewed. That is the lighting you want to
evaluate your prints under.

If you want critical daylight evaluation consider using a 5500 to 6000
degree K bulb (like a fluorescent, with a CRI (color Rendering Index) in
the mid to high 90's. Also keep in mind that where that light reflects
from will alter the light color, so if you have bright colors on your
desk, walls, drapes, etc, hat can alter the lighting hitting your prints.

Art
 
I guess where they keep you, the windows are all painted over.

Most of us live and work in places with transparent windows.

Art
 
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