Damien Symonds

Hi Erin, could you do this for me?

Yeah, in most cases the "Standard" or "Normal" mode is the best. You definitely want one that's not too contrasty.

I'm so glad you posted. Imagine your embarrassment if you'd sent that tiny file to your client, and they'd printed it!!!!!!!!

Then you are not preparing this file for print, you're preparing it for client. In which case, you need to crop to 11:15 with no resolution. Exactly as the article said.

Wait, wait, wait. Are YOU printing this photo?

Ok, great. Now we're getting somewhere. Which lab do you use?

No, I mean, for what output purpose? Print? Web? Client?

No, 15 pixels per centimetre is the problem. For what purpose were you cropping?

Yes, absolutely. However, now that you've calibrated this new monitor, it might be time to get new test prints.

15 pixels per centimetre.

Right, that's what I was thinking too. Can you show me a screenshot of the settings you used?

It was so tiny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check its pixel dimensions in the Image Size dialog.

Ok, I can see that somewhere between the raw stage, and the Photoshop screenshot you showed me earlier, you cropped. This is REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY BAD. You must NEVER crop during editing. I don't care how much black the flash caused. https://www.damiensymonds.net/2011/09/cropping-tutorial.html This is the cause of your problem, for sure.

Thanks. It sure is awfully dark, isn't it? Overall, though, you're satisfied with the brightness?

Sorry, I meant the same photo as before.

This is really REALLY bad. Can you open the raw file in ACR, then show me a screenshot of the whole screen?

Ok, great. Could you post the baby photo you mentioned?

It might be, yes. It'll depend if there's any detail to work with once you've processed the raw file. Have you taken a look to see? A quick tweak of Exposure will tell you.

Hi Julie, which Spyder do you have?

No, that's not it. The problem is that your file is so tiny. Why is it so tiny?

Oh, yay! Download the PSD

Maybe this?

May I have a screenshot?

Oh, this is a great question!!!!! Yes, generally it's possible - and in fact quite easy - to change a white fabric to a light colour eg light tan. If you have a photo with your white blanket in it, please post it so I can show you how to make the change. A few caveats: Make sure the white blanket isn't overexposed. There needs to be visible detail in it. Otherwise yes, the change will look fake. You must only expect to change from white to a very light colour. Pale pastel type colours, you know? If you attempt to move further, to dark or vivid colours, the fakeness sets in. Remember that this change will involve masking. So be very very careful not to make the masking too complex. Make sure it's a blanket with straight edges, not frilly edges; and make sure anything on top of the blanket (eg other blankets, or clothing) are also not frilly.

https://www.damiensymonds.net/2014/06/the-wide-gamut-myth.html As long as you shoot raw (and you definitely should be shooting raw) the in-camera colour space is irrelevant. But keep it on sRGB to be safe. https://www.damiensymonds.net/art_tscs000.html