Prints Come Back too Dark
Jul 15, 2019 08:59:04 #
I am often disappointed when I get my prints back from Adorama or Shutterfly. They seem too dark and really don’t look at all like what I see on my computer screen. Should I over expose b/f I send them off? If so how much? What is a good finish to order to make the shots brighter? I have a really nice shot of the Florence Duomo at twilight that just came back from the printer too dark ( but looks great on a computer screen) and I’d really like to display it on a wall so I need to have it redone and I am looking for suggestions as to how to get the printed shot closer to the screen image. Suggestions welcome and appreciated!
Jul 15, 2019 09:02:57 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Prints will always be a little darker because of the different light source. Since you’re using a commercial service, start by getting your monitor properly calibrated with something like Color Monkey.
Jul 15, 2019 09:03:31 #
A quick fix is to adjust your screens brightness to match the dark prints. The the next time you get processing done they should match up with what you see on the screen.
Jul 15, 2019 09:05:50 #
Jul 15, 2019 09:08:45 #
Your monitor is too bright. A previous poster indicated a quick fix, to adjust your screen brightness to match the prints you are getting. The poster before that indicated you need to calibrate your monitor. I would start with the quick fix and finish with a calibration.
Jul 15, 2019 09:10:14 #
From AdoramaPix, you can order some 4x6 / 3x5 test proof prints at much cheaper than a large-scale initial test. Assuming you make an adjust and achieve 'perfection', you can review the difference in the exposure changes as well as looking at the histogram in your editor. If nothing else, you should be able to determine how 'too bright' your monitor is set vs a print of the same image and determine the 'standard' adjust needed between your local display and a physical print.
Another option at more time and expense is purchasing a monitor calibration tool and executing it on your equipment.
You might post an example and / or view a few problematic images on another display screen, again to emphasize the issue is your monitor set-up and to determine the course of your corrective actions.
Another option at more time and expense is purchasing a monitor calibration tool and executing it on your equipment.
You might post an example and / or view a few problematic images on another display screen, again to emphasize the issue is your monitor set-up and to determine the course of your corrective actions.
Jul 15, 2019 09:11:41 #
The first time I bought a laptop, I was warned that "computer screens are typically very bright." It's so that things are easier to see on them. Unfortunately for photographers that's not a good thing. The good thing is that screen brightness is easy to adjust. If it were me, I'd take the prints I got back and adjust my screen until it looked like the prints. Then adjust the images to how you want them to look, and try printing again.
Jul 15, 2019 10:14:42 #
waynemac3 wrote:
I am often disappointed when I get my prints back ... (show quote)
You'll need to adjust your display - it's too bright. You can play around with the controls and eventually find a setting that will work, your you can purchase a display profiling tool that will let you assign a specific brightness level - by the numbers - which will be more precise. It will also correct any color issues.
A good starting point for white clipping point is 80 cda/m² (candelas per square meter). Your display could be as high as 120 or more. If setting it to 80 is still resulting in darker prints, then use a lower number.
Jul 15, 2019 10:16:38 #
waynemac3 wrote:
I am often disappointed when I get my prints back ... (show quote)
Calibrate your monitor, as others have said. But, also, process a file for printing that is lighter than the one you see on your screen and see if that improves things for printing. And, obtain the ICC profile for whatever printer you are going to use. Another option is to have a 4 x 6 proof printed first.
Jul 15, 2019 10:16:53 #
Your problem is a common one, and the answer is to calibrate the monitor using a Spyder or ColorMunki calibration system. You'll ultimately save the cost of the cal system (~$150 new) over constant trial and error because it will get BOTH the color and brightness correct and you can regularly recalibrate as your monitor ages and the brightness and color changes.
Once you calibrate, download the ICC profile from the printing service you are using and soft proof the image before sending out for printing. Performing those steps will insure you gat exactly what you expect when you print with no waste.
Once you calibrate, download the ICC profile from the printing service you are using and soft proof the image before sending out for printing. Performing those steps will insure you gat exactly what you expect when you print with no waste.
Jul 15, 2019 12:03:24 #
waynemac3 wrote:
I am often disappointed when I get my prints back ... (show quote)
Wayne, I use COSTCO. They give you a site to go to to calibrate your monitor. Problem solved and quality silver halide prints.
Jul 15, 2019 13:07:27 #
Thanks for all of the replies. I didn’t think about monitor brightness. Obviously, that makes sense. Dumb me.
Jul 15, 2019 13:09:27 #
Bushpilot wrote:
A quick fix is to adjust your screens brightness to match the dark prints. The the next time you get processing done they should match up with what you see on the screen.
This is even better than calibrating! At home I adjust my display to match what come off my printer.
Jul 15, 2019 13:30:29 #
Another thing you can do without having to make any brightness adjustments on your end is to select the option that Shutterfly has to enhance the quality of your prints (I assume Adorama has the same option). I turn that off when I have Shutterfly print anything because I know that what I send them will be what I get back and if I forget and leave that option turned on, prints are often too light.
Jul 15, 2019 15:39:13 #
etaoin
Loc: Wichita, KS
via the lens wrote:
Calibrate your monitor, as others have said. .... And, obtain the ICC profile for whatever printer you are going to use.
Ding, Ding, Ding! We have a winner! Two very important points if you're super-serious about your prints.
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