PRINTS LOVE LIGHT!

The colour and density of a print is determined by the colour and quality of light falling on it. Viewing prints in a poorly lit room will not demonstrate the true colour and quality of a print. Streets Imaging recommend viewing photographs with a standard colour viewing light source available at professional graphic arts suppliers or professional photographic retailers. At the very least Streets Imaging recommend viewing with a compact fluorescent natural white. Incandescent (tungsten) bulbs are too yellow for critical viewing and standard fluorescent tubes have a gap in the red end of the spectrum giving a characteristic green cast to objects lit by them. As simple exercise take mental note and compare a print in dimly lit room to outside in full sun, what do you think about the exposure in that print? In a well lit room hold your print against a colourful wall or object, how do you feel about your skin tones now?

Walls, furniture even brightly coloured clothing can all impact the colour of an image. Avoid these or other outside objects that could bounce colour onto your screen or prints. Beware windows that allow daylight to enter the room, this will cause problems as the colour of the daylight will changes depending on the time of day and the weather.