Check out your monitor - See if it needs calibrating!

[road_runner]

Here is a nice link to check out your monitor's settings. I was surprised to see that my monitor is right on at the default setting. At least I can see the gray scale bars with no problem - even at the extremes. I have a ViewSonic VX715.

Here is the link to help you calibrate your monitor manually. I'm sur e that the Spider Pro 2 would make some difference, but this will hold me over.

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/viewing.html

Good luck guys and gals!

[photos_by_marc]

Tried it.... Mine seems ok as well. Thanks for the link!

[ukexpat]

If you want to calibrate properly there really is no substitute for a colorimeter and accompanying software. I use Colorvision's Spyder, but there are several other similar tools available.

[road_runner]

For those trying to achieve the ultimate print, I agree that a colorimiter is the best way to go. It reminds me of the darkroom days. I went by the book - "Zone 6 Workshop" by Fred Picker and "The Print" by Ansel Adams. Of course back then I was selling my work. And for the more serious photographers, colorimeters are the way to go. I will no doubt get Colorvision's Spider 2 in a month or so. I just bought the Bride a new TV = 42" Dony HDTV (LCD Projection).

The article I referenced in another thread cleared a couple of things up for me. Once the monitor is calibrated the people who do my printing will probably gain the little extra punch.

BTW - check out http://www.CafePress.com they can make up nice calendars that will show off 12 of your favorites. You supply another for the cover.