Why do my photos appear differently color-wise on the computer?

So I have a point-and-shoot Sony cybershot. I used to take photos with natural daylight but I recently bought a lighting kit so that I can have consistent lighting- complete with stands, umbrellas, reflectors, and special daylight bulbs. I take photos of apparel clothing on my mannequin and when I upload to my computer, the colors are quite off - it's either too dark or the pastel green blouse appears to be a lawn green color. I have changed settings around in my camera, moved the stands around including changing the angle but still the color doesn't quite match the clothes I'm photographing. I've had better luck with color matching when I opened the curtains and let in the sun!



I've used halogen bulbs and they are far too strong (and still not the same color). Nor do I use a flash because that is also too strong. Photoshopping every photo doesn't help either b/c it still doesn't quite match. Just how do I get the color of my clothes to match the colors on the screen after the photos have been taken? Is it my lighting? Is it the settings on the camera?Why do my photos appear differently color-wise on the computer?First you have to be sure that your cameras white balance is set for the kind of lighting you are using on your subject.



Second, you have to be sure your computers monitor is calibrated properly. Some LCD monitors are not good for matching colours or contrast. Look for a monitor that has an sRGB mode listed and then use a calibration tool like the EyeOne or Spyder to further fine tune the monitor.



You also need to know that some dyes in clothing respond totally different in sun light, incandescent, fluorescent and other types of lighting.



I have found that adjusting the white balance using the Kelvin mode, produces closer colour accuracy than a specific light source choice.



Some cameras like the Nikon D300 or higher allow you to make further white balance along a magenta - green axis or blue - amber axis within each basic lighting choice (direct sunlight, overcast, shade, flash, incandescent or fluorescent)



It may just be that you do not have the right tools to do what you want to do. The project you seem to be attempting really requires some more advanced tools as well as a advanced photo skills
Why do my photos appear differently color-wise on the computer?
Have you ever noticed at a display of color televisions in an appliance store or where televisions are sold in a department store? An entire wall of brand new televisions and NONE of the pictures, are exactly the same, even though they are showing the same image.



That's because the color tints, intensity and contrast controls are all adjustable. Same is true for your computer monitor. All monitors will display colors differently.



Don't adjust your lighting for the shoots. Adjust your monitor's color controls.
Why do my photos appear differently color-wise on the computer?
The short answer.... Monitor calibration.



Watch the flash video demonstration at the top of the page..



http://www.datacolor.eu/



The longer answer involves monitor calibration and white balance.. You are setting the white balance aren't you?.



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