I recently submitted a post looking for critiques on a few photographs that I have shot. While I was making that post, it struck me that sometimes, my photos when seen by clients on their phones/computers/tablets have looked very different and in some cases, rather horrible in terms of color tones. For example, an image I would have processed to look a little cool might still look rather warm on their screens.
While I know that apple is known for their color reproduction and color accuracy, my question is how do all of you photographers know how much to post process in terms of color and tones in order to ensure that the image is reproduced like the way you had intended?
Much thanks for any suggestions and also, A Happy New Year! :)
The same problem exists for music producers - they're arranging sound based on how they hear it from their speakers, but how do they know what speakers/headphones the eventual listener will be using?
The solution for photography is to calibrate your monitor using a device that hangs over your screen and reads the color, contrast, brightness, etc of the pixels. If everyone calibrates, then everyone should see very similar images on their screens. I use the following device, which comes with the software needed to run it, and I run it about once a month on both my desktop and laptop (they're constantly falling out of sync, and need to be nudged back to the standard calibrated look).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/798928-REG/X_Rite_CMUNDIS_ColorMun...
It's also crucial to have a color-neutral editing environment. If I'm editing with a bright window next to me, fluorescent lights overhead, and a warm incandescent lamp on my desk, then all of those light sources are also hitting my screen and my eyes, affecting how I'm seeing color beyond what the screen is literally showing.
This Lynda course would be a great introduction to all of this from a professional if you're interested in learning more.
http://www.lynda.com/Photoshop-tutorials/Advanced-Color-Workflows-Photog...
Also, finally, Apple screens are generally quite high quality. However, they are sold with a calibration profile (settings that control how the display looks) that is high in both contrast and saturation. This is because high contrast and very colorful screens look great at first glance - punchy, vibrant, dramatic for showing off the product in the showroom.
I'm sure I've missed some key points, but those are the basics as I understand them :)
+1 on monitor calibration. Saves lots of headaches, specially when printing. You'll still see a difference from device to device but at least you'll match your Reference (and whomever is calibrated to that same reference). I use Spyder Pro 4 and calibrate regularly two of my monitors used for photo editing. BTW, mobiles are the worst for portraits, saturating reds like crazy...it's something you just have to live with (as long as you are calibrated, you are doing all that you can).