This is a very important step for any digital photographer. When it comes to post processing, this is step no. 1. Have you ever opened a picture on two different computers and seen a vast difference in color tone and contrast? This is because the displays are calibrated differently. It is essential that you calibrate your display before you start editing your pictures. There is nothing worse than editing a batch, sending them for approval and then receiving rejection notices saying that “perhaps your monitor is not calibrated correctly”. If your images are accepted and you have not calibrated your monitor, then there is a high chance of the color being incorrect.

I have had to learn about monitor calibration the hard way. I previously worked on a laptop with separate lcd display which was not calibrated.  I then upgraded to a new iMac and calibrated my display and then quickly realized that my previous work did not look good at all. I had to go through and re-edit a large number of images. See the difference. I suggest that you save yourself this catastrophe and calibrate correctly.

I have researched a little into calibrating your monitor and have learned some helpful information. Firstly your should calibrate in Adobe RGB, this gives you more color variations and allows you to work closer to true color. Secondly you should recalibrate your display fairly often. If you recently changed your operating area, if you recently repainted the walls, if you are in an environment with changing ambient light like near big windows (here should recalibrate throughout the day).

There are various methods of calibrating your display. You can do it using online guides that talk you through step by step like this one.  Your computer system should have a display calibration application that will also guide you through a calibration. On a Mac this can be found in System Preferences, Displays, Color. The last type of calibration is by using an external device, this is recommended for professional digital photographers that can’t compromise on color accuracy. Two that I have found have good reviews are the Spyder3 pro and the Huey Pro. Another great calibration method is Supercal, shown to me recently by one of my readers.

Forgive me if I did not manage to explain the technical side of this subject properly, I am still learning myself. If you are looking for a more in-depth view on display calibration and color, here are links to a couple of external articles.

Monitor Calibration explained

Adobe RGB vs sRGB