How important is a GOOD monitor ?

mrpenguin · Feb 20, 2012

I am a new wedding photographer, this year I will do + 20 weddings. I have a nice fast computer for photo editing but useing a 24" ViewSonic HD LED screen that cost me $200.
The photos look decent on the screen but I am wondering how important it is for me to go and buy a $1200 plus IPS panel. I do not do any printing at home.
Is this one of those "no brainers" and I should just go and buy a proper monitor ???

greybeard · Feb 20, 2012

I would think that if you are going to do this professionally you would want the best monitor you could afford.

MReid · Feb 20, 2012

Correct color is everything. Some people can achieve that with less than the most expensive monitor.
I bought the best monitor I could afford.
This is not an area for scrimping.

Bossy · Feb 20, 2012

It depends, do you know how to edit using your RGB #'s? Have you had issues with your prints not coming out how you thought they would?

bhop · Feb 20, 2012

Basically you want your screen to match your prints. If your current monitor isn't doing that, then you might want to upgrade.

cgipson1 · Feb 20, 2012

Gods.. not another one! :grumpy:

as a PRO.. not only should you have a decent monitor.. but you should calibrate too.. that is C A L I B R A T E.. just in case you need help with the spelling! Somehow, I am just positive that you are familiar with Craigslist... so you can probably find a monitor there! :0

2WheelPhoto · Feb 20, 2012

as a pro wedding shooter you should already know what equipment is needed, and advising the rest of us on this forum.

Bossy · Feb 20, 2012

I read the OP as they'll be a second shooter or something with one of those "rent a photographer" companies. Hence why the monitor ? didn't really bug.

cgipson1 · Feb 20, 2012

Exactly what 2Wheel said!! Hey, that is a good idea!!

MrPenguin: Maybe you can help me with a problem I have.. I am shooting a wedding next week! I need to know what to do .. the bride is a very fair (almost albino) lady.. and the groom is African American, and very very DARK! He will be wearing a white tux.. and she is wearing a black wedding dress. I don't know how to expose for this situation... The engagment shots were terrible..

can you advise me, please?

cgipson1 · Feb 20, 2012

Bossy said:
I read the OP as they'll be a second shooter or something with one of those "rent a photographer" companies. Hence why the monitor ? didn't really bug.

Since when does a 2nd shooter do their own PP.. usually they hand the shots over to the primary?????

mrpenguin · Feb 20, 2012

I do calibrate my current monitor using a Spider 3 pro ......... the prints I have made does look good to me. I know getting the best monitor is probably a good idea, I have never worked on a Professional ips panel before so I am just kinda worried that the difference in my eyes wont be worth the extra $1000

mrpenguin · Feb 20, 2012

So you guys are telling me ALL of you posting here all own an IPS monitor costing you around $1500 and up ??????????????????

Bossy · Feb 20, 2012

cgipson1 said:
Bossy said:

I read the OP as they'll be a second shooter or something with one of those "rent a photographer" companies. Hence why the monitor ? didn't really bug.

Click to expand...

Since when does a 2nd shooter do their own PP.. usually they hand the shots over to the primary?????

I think it depends on the arrangement you have. Who knows.

Bossy · Feb 20, 2012

mrpenguin said:
So you guys are telling me ALL of you posting here all own an IPS monitor costing you around $1500 and up ??????????????????

Not all of us here are pros. I use a macbook. I will probably always use a macbook. I think they just don't know why if you're a pro with every 2 shoots a month booked, you don't know if you need a better monitor. I'm on the side of, if its not broke, don't fix it.