Dave,
I like to evaluate my prints using the lighting they will most likely be viewed under. In my experience most galleries and other display areas use tungsten/halogen bulbs. Their color temperature is typically 2800 Kelvin, and so that is what I use in my studio. I find bulbs closer to 5000K to be
much too blue. Over 30 years of having exhibitions in various places, I have never been disappointed with how my prints looked when I evaluated them under light of approximately 2800K.
With the advent of Leds, though, this may change, and I would expect to see temperatures of around 3400K becoming more common.
In my studio, I have a long shelf with track lights every 18 inches to evenly illuminate different size prints. This shelf is one of THE most important things in making good prints! Having a long shelf allows me to put up prints, and then live with them for awhile. As I said in the video, I need time to properly evaluate my prints. Seeing them over multiple days is even better.
I switched to Leds a few years ago. I’m delighted with the Vivid series made by
www.soraa.com. I use the 7.5 watt, 2700K, 36 degree bulbs (36 degrees is their widest, allowing for even illumination). They have a Color Rendering Index of 95, with an excellent white. From the height of a typical ceiling (8 feet), these 7.5 watt bulbs match what a 50 watt tungsten/halogen gave me, and provides a good level of light. The bulbs I’m using are Soraa # 00943.
Thanks to all for the kind words.