Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Step 19:
In earlier versions of Lightroom, we would
intentionally bump up the Brightness slider
(back when there was a Brightness slider)
right before we would make a print, so
when it came out, it would actually look
as bright as it did on our monitor (I had
to bump up mine by around 20% for my
Epson printer). The problem with this was
it actually made an adjustment to the
image, so if you wanted to use the image
somewhere else (like in a web gallery, or in
a magazine), then you'd have to re-tweak
the image every time. Now, if we need
a little adjustment to the brightness or
contrast at the printing stage, we can leave
our image alone (in most cases) and use
the new Print Adjustment sliders to have
it just print brighter or with more contrast
without actually changing our file.
Step 20:
Let's start with the Brightness. How do you
know how much to increase it? (I've never
had to decrease it. Not once.) You do a test
print. In fact, you kind of have to do a test
print, since the changes you make with the
Brightness and Contrast sliders aren't seen
onscreen (they're only applied as the image
is printed). Now, the good news is your test
print doesn't have to be output on a big
expensive 16x20" sheet of paper—it can be
a small 4x6" print. Once you have your test
print in hand, compare the brightness to
what you see on your screen. If the image
is too dark (my guess is that it will be),
then try bumping up the Brightness slider
to maybe 20 and do another test print,
then see where you're at.
Continued
