dark prints, calibrated monitor

[jorf]

I've sent 2 sets of images to be printed (by mpix if it matters) and both have come out dark. The second time I actually lightened them to the point that I didn't like them (in LR3) and they were still dark.

I'm using Spyder3Elite, keep the ambient light sensor going as I work. I'm pretty new to this and am guessing I'm missing something basic about the calibration process. I read mixed things about setting the brightness to a level you're comfortable with and then calibrate, but then the Spyder sometimes wants me to set the brightness really low and it's to a point that I find it difficult to use.

I sent a question to mpix (they seem to be really responsive to this newbie's questions) but am wondering if others have suggestions/experiences with this in general.

Thanks.

[ravncat]

Could also be color space, are you embedding an srgb profile with your images?

[sk66]

Someone else had a similar issue with Mpix and it turned out to be the color space....

[jorf]

sRGB (too short)