Do I need to calibrate my monitor? Prints coming out too dark

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Hoping somebody here will be able to,help. I’ve recently decided to start printing a few of the photos I’ve stored in my evergrowing library. With the intention at some point of hanging a couple on the wall. I’ve been given a Canon TS8150 to use. Had a first attempt yesterday and photo came out way too dark and not like it looked on screen. i’ve Since altered my screen brightness which has helped a little but colours still look dark and flat. I’ve altered the exposure in LR to see if this would help and hasn’t. I am rather assuming that It would be a good idea to buy a monitor calibrator? I’ve ensured I’ve set paper profile correctly
Is there anything else I could try before I spend money?
Had a quick look to see what is available and came up with colour munki or Data Spyder. What are others using ? Currently I am thinking Data Spyder 5 pro . I think that was the name of the model. Would this suffice to get good colour replication? I do,not want anything overkill as it will only confuse me.

I use a Apple computer 2011 version
Use LR and Photoshop CC


Thanks in advance folks.
 
Before you buy a calibrator try this...

1. Find the ICC profile for the paper you are using. Install it.
2. In the Lightroom Print Module, Under "Print Job" and "Colour Management" - untick "managed by printer" and select your paper profile.
3. In your Canon printer driver settings, turn colour management off.

What this does is tell Lightroom to manage the printer colours which it will do using the profile you have installed (step 2). Then the printer will print what Lightroom tells it to, without adding its own interpretation (step 3).
 
Last edited:
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Typical problem coming from the different viewing conditions.
The screen is back lit and the print is reflective. The print will
require more light to reflect as well as the screen displays.

The solution is to create a publish version to be printed with
an appropriate "+" compensation.
 
Harlequin565 said:
Before you buy a calibrator try this...

1. Find the ICC profile for the paper you are using. Install it.
2. In the Lightroom Print Module, Under "Print Job" and "Colour Management" - untick "managed by printer" and select your paper profile.
3. In your Canon printer driver settings, turn colour management off.

What this does is tell Lightroom to manage the printer colours which it will do using the profile you have installed (step 2). Then the printer will print what Lightroom tells it to, without adding its own interpretation (step 3).
Click to expand...

Thankyou for a swift response. When I am back on computer one night after work this next week I will give this a try. I know I’ve read stuff on here about similar problems but when you want to remember or find something you can’t.
 
Kodiak Qc said:
•


Typical problem coming from the different viewing conditions.
The screen is back lit and the print is reflective. The print will
require more light to reflect as well as the screen displays.

The solution is to create a publish version to be printed with
an appropriate "+" compensation.
Click to expand...
Thankyou for response. I will try after i’ve Tried Ian’s suggestion. I think I know what you mean. I may be back later in the week if I don’t work it out. I am now on my IPad cooking tea.
 
Getting accurate prints is always going to be problematic, profiles etc and the correct settings are guaranteed to confuse.

You have realised one problem which is monitor luminance (brightness) by default most monitors are far too bright and it is a matter of setting the brightness to match as close as possible a print when viewed under the lighting conditions where it will be viewed. You will never get it exactly right for the reasons stated by Kodiak.

I am going to disagree s little with Ian and suggest that with that printer you select printer manages colour in the print module and use Canon Papers to start and not to worry too much about profiles etc. As long as you choose the correct paper in the diver etc then you should get a reasonable result.

Download a test image from the internet, Keith Cooper kindly has some here;
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/printer-test-images/
Do not alter the test image in any way whatsoever...
 
PhilH04 said:
I am going to disagree s little with Ian and suggest that with that printer you select printer manages colour in the print module
Click to expand...

Try both and see how you get on. It's about the end result and if you find a way that works - stick with it.

One thing not to do though is have LR manage the colour, and also have the printer manage it. That's universally agreed to be a Bad Idea.
Good luck!
 
If your editing photos to suit your own screen, and you've adjusted it from default, then it would be sensible to take steps to ensure that its displaying colours accurately. I've found most computers default to a too-blue tint. The Data Spyder system is easy to use as its automatic.
 
Harlequin565 said:
Try both and see how you get on. It's about the end result and if you find a way that works - stick with it.

One thing not to do though is have LR manage the colour, and also have the printer manage it. That's universally agreed to be a Bad Idea.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Absolutely :agree:
 
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