Monitor Calibration
Most people browsing the internet are either blissfully unaware that what they are seeing is not what it should be, or just accept the fact that the colours are not right. I guess is doesn't really matter which category you fall into as for most people this isn't really important anyway.
Where is does become important is when you get some photos printed either commercially, or at home and the result is not what you are expecting. This is particularly evident when trying to get skin tones right.
You can either muck around with the numerous different methods posted on the internet and try to calibrate your monitor visually. From my experience this won't prove to be very successful or you can start to look at a hardware device to do the calibration for you.
As a keen photographer I knew that my monitor was not right, but used a process of trial and error to get the printed results that I was after (in most cases things where right on the first attempt, as I mentioned earlier skin tones are a different story). This process was becoming rather tedious so I needed to do something about it.
I was initially after an entry level product and didn't want to spend a small fortune for something that is only used a few times a year. After evaluating the available products based on price and functionality I decided on the Huey by Pantone. I managed to get one that had been returned (don't know why) in as new condition still in the original package and at $40 off the normal retail price thanks to the team at www.colourmanagement.co.nz.
It took me longer to unpack the box and install the software than for the calibration. Very quick and easy to use. The only thing to remember is to make sure that your monitor is turned on for at least half an hour before doing the calibration.
Once the calibration had completed I found it difficult to deal with the result. Surely my new settings were not correct. Everything appeared to have a pink caste to it. When I switched back to the uncorrected view everything now appeared to have a green tinge. Which one was right?
After ready other reviews I have seen other people saying the same thing. So, here I am a day later and things now look natural with the calibrated monitor. It's amazing how your eyes can deceive you!