Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
striking the surface of the display is critical. If you are working with a
light box to view prints, try to find a unit with a dimmer. A light box
with a dimmer costs more since this isn't your standard dimmer—the
light has to remain fixed at D50. The cost is worthwhile since most light
boxes appear far too bright compared to most displays. Set up a soft proof
in Photoshop in full screen mode, then place the print in the light box
and dim until the intensity of the light box and the perception of the
image matches. The GTI light box seen in Fig. 3-9 has a digital dimmer,
which is useful when more than one unit is utilized in one area.
It is critical that the light box not spill light onto the display (see Fig.
3-10). The display and the light box should not both be within your filed
of view. When comparing images look at the monitor, then look at the
light box. Some users are so anal about the environmental conditions in
which they view their images, they paint the walls a neutral gray using
special paints. Some ensure they wrap themselves in a black smock so
the color of their apparel doesn't pollute the color on the screen. I can't
argue with any of this, but understand that there are limits to what we
can do in our environment. You'll find a PDF that discusses some of these
specification on the CD that came with this topic, and was supplied by
GTI technologies, a company that makes very nice light boxes and sup-
plies the special gray paint just mentioned.
Fig. 3-9
The GTI Soft View
line of light boxes has a
digital dimmer making it
easy and precise to dial up
or down the intensity of
the light to better match
the intensity of the display.
