Step 2: Color Management
11
Digital Photo Print Guide
Monitor calibration
In order to display image data with the correct colors as well as contrast and brightness on your monitor,
color calibration of the monitor is necessary. The method is explained below.
1. Arrange the ambient light
Set up the monitor where it will not be affected by external light. In particular, avoid windows that are
affected by daytime sunlight. In locations where light is reflected or there are background reflections, the
colors of data on the same monitor will appear different according to the light source, and you will not
be able to observe stable colors.
In order to stabilize the light situation, we recommend that you set up an environment using the
following tools.
Use high color rendering fluorescent lamps
Unlike general fluorescent lamps, high color rendering fluorescent lamps have no spectral bias which
makes them suitable for observing color. You can buy them at home appliance stores. Use the Color
Rendering AAA type.
If the High Color Rendering AAA Cool White fluorescent lamp is not available, use the 3-Wavelength
Cool White Type (5000K) or a natural fluorescent lamp.
Cover the monitor with a hood
If you are unable to locate your monitor where the impact of external light can be avoided, or where
inside lighting does not cause background reflections, cover the top and sides of the monitor with a
commercially available light-shielding hood. You can make your own hood using black cardboard or
PVC sheets. PVC sheets should be a dark non-reflective color.
2. Calibrate the monitor
In order to display image data with the correct colors on your monitor, calibrate (adjust) the monitor.
There are two methods for calibrating a monitor;
❏
Using the Adobe Gamma (visual calibration)
❏
Using a colorimeter
If you need high precision calibration, we recommend that you buy a monitor that comes bundled with
adjustment software that uses a colorimeter.
Adjustment of the color temperature of the monitor
Adjusting the color temperature of the monitor before you start makes calibration easier.
You can adjust the color temperature of the monitor so that the white of the paper and the white shown
on the screen match. Furthermore, you can use a colorimeter to measure the color temperature of the
surrounding light and adjust the temperature of the monitor accordingly.
