Proofing woes...

[DeLeon]

I have been doing online proofing using the EOS Template with Jalbum for the last year or so. It has worked great for me, but I just keep thinking that there has got to be a better way. On my calibrated monitor, images look great. In fact, I think that I'm finally getting my color where I want it to be consistently. Not long ago, a client asked me to come to her house to help her choose final prints of her daughter. They all looked pink and over saturated on her monitor. I ended up having some 4x6's made at Mpix for her. She was excited about the images now, where before she kind of had an attitude like " I guess this is what I have to pick from".

Any suggestions on other proofing methods? I don't really feel comfortable having clients over to the house, I may just go back to paper proofs...blah.

[boldimagery]

Paper proofs is the most accurate. However, not the most cost effective or time savings. The unfortunate reality is you can't calibrate others monitors either, however you make a little mention on it while on the phone with someone.

I usually say, "Like a TV every computer monitor displays color differently. However, every image has been professionaly retouched, and what you see on your monitor may be incorrect. The only way to insure color accuracy is by having you monitor professionally calibrated regularly."

Then offer to do it the calibration for $10,000.... LOL! Just kidding about this last part, but I found the above helps.

[toverman]

Maybe take your own, large-screen (calibrated) laptop. Seems to me like the best way to do it electronically in somebody else's home, where you don't know if you'll have room for a projection screen and projector (another option).

[HotHolly]

You can do a proofing party. Have everyone that wants to order prints go to the client's home on a set date/ time. You bring a projector and your computer. Its a really fast easy way to do proofing and the group dynamics helps you sell more without leaving people to their own yucky computer screens. We talk about this in one of our classes. Its a gold mine.