It can be difficult to get the colors in your pictures right. You may have taken pictures of an amazing red dress only to discover that it appears orange on the screen. A beautiful sky can appear grayed-out and washed out. A color checker is the simple answer to this problem. The guide below will teach you everything you need about using a color checker to achieve the perfect colors every time.
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What Is a Color Checker? Why Would You Need It?
Color checkers for photography are small cards or targets with scientifically-prepared color samples. Each square is assigned a known, specific color. This tool creates a point of reference for how the colors should look in a scene . You can correct color casts due to lighting and sensor differences during the post-processing.
A color checker isn’t only for professional photographers. Accurate color is essential for producing quality images, whether you are shooting products, landscapes or portraits. This saves time when editing, and makes sure that the image you see with your own eyes matches what is in the final product.
What is a color checker?
It is easy to use a color checking tool for photography. The exact steps may vary depending on the software you use, but the overall workflow remains the same.
The first step is to place the color checker on your scene
The color checker tool should be placed near the subject. It should be lit with the same light that illuminates your subject. If you’re doing landscape photography for example, make sure the sun hits the card. In a studio make sure that the key light falls on it. Test the shot with the color-checker. This image does not have to be perfectly composed; it is only for reference.
Step 2: Get Your photos
After you have taken your reference photo, remove the color card from your photography and proceed with your shoot as usual. You can correct the photos in the session using the reference photo as long as lighting conditions do not change. Take a reference photo with the color-checker if you change locations or if the lighting conditions are different.
Step 3: Create your Custom Profile
Open the photo with the color checker in your editing program, such as Adobe Lightroom, Capture One or Adobe Photoshop. Using specialized color check software, you can generate a custom color profile. The profile compares your checker colors to known values and automatically fixes any differences. Other tools can help you with the white balance by using a neutral grey patch from the white balance photography checker card.
The Profile will be applied to your images.
You can then apply the new profile to all the other photos taken during your photo session. The color is synchronized across the images. This gives you an accurate and consistent color base from which to begin your creative editing. The simple workflow transforms and improves the quality your work.
The Best Color Checker For Photography
How can you choose the right color checking software for your digital photography when there are so many options available? Your budget and type of photography will often determine your choice.
Professional Studio
A comprehensive kit of photography color testers is often purchased by professionals. They may contain multiple targets such as a large-sized photography color chart for studio use and a mini- or micro-sized version of the tool to be used on location. For commercial photography, where accuracy of color is a must, a robust color-checking tool is incredibly important.
The Traveler and the Enthusiast
A portable, durable tool is the best option for a travel or hobbyist photographer. A compact tool that can be easily tucked into a bag is ideal for photography enthusiasts. A smaller color checker is easier to carry. It is important to choose a color checker that can be easily set up anywhere.
Easy DIY and Budget Friendly Options
If you have a limited budget, what can you do? There are a number of affordable options for photography color checking software. Budget-friendly color checking software can produce excellent results with little investment.
Many photographers experiment with DIY color-checker cards. Although a DIY photography color-checker project is interesting, the accuracy of commercially made targets cannot be matched. If accuracy in color is important to you, it’s best to invest in professionally produced cards. Even the most detailed DIY instructions on making a color-checker for photography cannot match the quality of a professionally made product.
The Top Color Checkers
The following are some of the most popular options today that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.
- XRite Passport Photo: Probably the most widely used color checking tool for digital photography. This versatile tool is a pocket-sized device that combines four targets including a traditional color checker and a creative enhancement target. This is a popular tool among serious hobbyists and professionals.
- Datacolor SpyderCHECKER 24, The Spyder CHECKER provides a portable target that is large and has 24 colors. It also offers 24 grayscale values. The SpyderCHECKER 24 is a great photography color-checker because it integrates with all major editing programs and has a durable, slim design.
- The Calibrite Classic ColorChecker Mini is the perfect choice for those looking for a more compact target. The same classic 24-patches target is available in a smaller, more portable form. This compact version of the classic target is perfect for those who want to take macro photos or are looking for a lightweight camera. This is a no-fuss, simple color checker tool for photography.
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Last Thoughts about Color Accuracy
What is the best colour checker card to use for photography? You decide. Take into account your workflow, your type of photography, and your budget. This tool can be incorporated into any process, whether you opt for a complete kit or an affordable, simple photography color tester.
Spend less time in post production guessing and focus more on your creative side. Establishing a color baseline will ensure that your images come out vibrant, realistic, and professionally. This small investment will pay huge dividends on the consistency and quality of your work.
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