Editing gear and monitor calibration
All of the images here are done on a mac pro with two 30" dell monitors, also viewed on three other 24" monitors (also dell) as well as two laptops (macs—one macbook pro, one macbook). I currently use an iDisplay2 for calibration on the main system. An older spyder2pro on an older mac pro and the laptops are done with pro and non-pro hueys.
I work to get the images looking the way I envisioned; whether "the way it was" or the way "i saw it could be". Now, bear in mind, that no calibration system is perfect—images look different depending on other factors involved with the ultimate output device. Is it a light emitting device like a monitor, is that device calibrated (at all); if the output doesn't emit light, then, how much does it reflect (e.g. a print.)
I am not advocating that everyone run out and buy an expensive device to calibrate their monitor(s). The Huey at around $99(USD) is not a bad deal and provides very satisfactory results for viewing. Though, I prefer more control over the calibration process on the editing side of the equation. For rudimentary calibration of a monitor, there are alternatives that only require a bit of time fiddling with the controls available on the monitor itself and, maybe, within the operating system. For instance, Zonezero has a page with some instructions on how to calibrate a monitor without any measurement device. An even more simplified process is available at PhotoSourceFolio.
Fundamentally, photos are like wine—if you like it, it is good!
