Digital BW, The Print

> >...does WYSIWYG with a reasonable monitor get you close 
> > enough to the final print?

> ... perfect WYSIWYG isn't possible because of the 
> difference between illumination and reflected light, 
> but it's good enough that I can do most of the work 
> on screen before making the first print. ...

I agree with the others.  Calibration and a "color managed" workflow 
really help.  For QTR the use of Roy's ICCs in soft proofing usually 
get me very close also.  On the other hand, I think a perfectionist 
probably still can do better with a custom dot gain curver, but I'm 
not sure many bother with that.

Another factor is the lighting levels in the lightroom as well as 
final display setting.  I notice the latest monitor calibration units 
appear to be measuring ambient light.  That should help that end, if 
the light is constant.

I have a light in my office that has the exact same illumination 
level as the gallery where I display most often.  This really helps, 
particularly with getting the deep shadows where I want them.  I also 
have to remember that the glazing takes its toll, so viewing the test 
prints behind some acrylic (or in a clear bag) gets me closer in the 
print shadows.

Paul    
www.PaulRoark.com