The Simple Step to Better Photo Consistency

Ensuring your images look the way you intend on any screen is a challenge you may not often think about, but it’s critical for presenting your work accurately. While you may put considerable effort into editing, adjusting colors, and fine-tuning contrast, the truth is, if your screen isn’t calibrated, your images may look entirely different to someone else.

Coming to you from e6 | Craig Roberts, this insightful video discusses a common but often overlooked issue: screen calibration and its impact on how your images appear. Roberts explains how the brightness and color settings on your screen might cause a stark difference in how your carefully edited photos are seen by others. For example, if your screen is set too bright, you might unknowingly underexpose your edits, leading to dull results when viewed elsewhere. In a world where many of us rely on digital platforms for sharing, these variations can be problematic, especially if you’re submitting photos for publication or professional use.

Roberts also discusses his own approach, using a color calibrator to ensure his monitor displays accurate brightness, contrast, and colors. He shares that although he films his videos in 4K, he uploads them in HD to control the output quality and file size, keeping things consistent. Without proper calibration, screens can display distorted colors or exaggerated contrasts, a reality many overlook when evaluating their work across different devices. You might find yourself frustrated if your images appear too sharp or colors look off when viewed on a smartphone or tablet. Roberts emphasizes that using calibrated equipment is crucial for achieving consistency in what you see and what others see.

To calibrate his own setup, Roberts uses a color calibrator by X-Rite, a straightforward tool that automatically adjusts screen settings for accurate color display. He demonstrates the ease of using this device by placing it on the screen and allowing it to set up brightness and color profiles while he grabs a coffee. This simple step saves time in the long run by ensuring his editing work translates consistently across devices.

If you’re editing primarily on a phone or laptop, Roberts advises you to at least control screen brightness and consider viewing angles. Additionally, he mentions that for social media, you can’t control how others see your work, as their devices may have varying settings. However, he suggests using mid-level brightness on your screen as a good starting point to achieve a balanced look. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.