Greetings esteemed photographers
Let’s delve into an aspect of the craft that has become increasingly significant in this mobile-dominated world: the intricate challenge of ensuring colour consistency in images shared on mobile phones. 🌈
I performed a small test and shared an image with 4 of our team here at Studio22. I then took a snapshot of the 4 phones to share with you. Which one if correct? Likely None! There are simply too many factors at play.
In a world where our work is often experienced on screens of varying sizes, brands, and models, here’s a truth we must acknowledge: Images shared on devices cannot be expected to look the way they print, and seldom even the same from one device to the next. 📲✨
Why is this not a colour-secure process, you might wonder?
- Diverse Displays: Mobile devices come in all shapes and sizes, each with its unique display technology, colour accuracy, and calibration. What looks exquisite on one may not appear the same on another, yet none may be truly accurate.
- Software Variations: Different operating systems and image-rendering software can impact the way colours are interpreted and displayed, leading to variations in the perceived image quality.
- Compression and Sharing Platforms: When meticulously edited photos are shared through various social media platforms, they undergo compression and alterations that can affect colour accuracy.
- Device Age and Quality: The age and quality of the mobile device matter too. An older phone may not render colours as accurately as a top-of-the-line model.
So, what does this mean for professionals?
👉 Realism is Key: Embrace the reality of the mobile world. Instead of expecting precise colour consistency across all devices, focus on the realism and emotions your images convey.
👉 Print your work: The only way you can truly control your output is to print your images. Photo labs like Studio22 focus on printing to a global standard. Printing is processed by set principles and colour profiles. Printers are calibrated daily and even multiple times a day. Studio22 prints on 4 different printers, this gives us an excellent visual comparison and universal measurement in an instant. We also view images under a consistent light source.
👉 Educate Your Clients: If you’re providing images for clients, educate them about the potential variations in colour when viewed on various devices. Managing expectations is key.
👉 Consistent Editing: While you can’t control how every device displays your work, ensure that your editing process is consistent. This way, the images will retain their intended look as closely as possible.
Remember, it’s not about perfection in every pixel; it’s about the impact your art makes and the emotions it stirs. Continue creating stunning visual stories that resonate with your audience.
PS I am an Apple user and confess, the image on my iPhone and iPad did not match either.
Kurt Sunkel
National Diploma in Professional Photography
With 30 years of imaging and printing experience