All images on my pages are JPEG compressed and contain a full 24 bits of color information (millions of colors). To view these pictures, you'll need a helper program for your browser that can expand the JPEG format. These are widely available.
If you are viewing on a computer limited to 256 colors, be aware that your software will play a big part in determining how these images appear and may make them appear grainy or generate sharp edges between similar colors. This is because it must select which limited set of colors to use in the display. Those of you using the AOL built-in browser will probably get a very poor representation of these pictures. There is an option in your menu that will improve their look, but you will be able to see more of the image without scrolling by using Netscape or one of the other browsers.
By default, most software will mix color dots (dither) in an attempt to reproduce the actual color, but this will produce a grainy appearance. Most images will look better with dithering turned off, but you may then get some sharply delineated regions of color. If possible, let your software choose a 'best' set of colors rather than using a standard 'system' set. Thousands or millions of colors will bring out the full quality of the images.
The images were scanned directly from slides or negatives using a Polaroid Sprintscanner and tuned in Photoshop, all on a Macintosh. The images are color corrected for Macintosh screens (gamma=1.8).
If these pictures look too light or too dark, you might want to check the gamma setting of your monitor (where that document suggests standing back 6 feet, I'd recommend something closer to 12 feet). On the newer Macs you'll find some choices by clicking on the options button in the Monitors control panel. For older Macs you might be able to locate a control panel from Knoll called "Gamma" that's packaged with Photoshop that allows you to make the necessary adjustment. Something similar may be available for other computers, but I remain blissfully ignorant. There's some discussion of the problem on the web: Fixing Gamma, Proper Gamma, and Gamma Correction.
For general information on photography, digitizing photographs, and lots of other interesting stuff I recommend you stop by photo.net. and Philip Greenspun's pages.
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