Colour correction tips

[p_anotherguy]

When adjusting the colours in a photo you’ve shot, what do you focus on? What are the things to consider?

A friend of mine asked me these questions, and I gave her a couple of tips. I thought about asking you as well... maybe you add more?

 

[p_anotherguy]

I’m not the most experienced photographer, so I thought you could definitely help more.

 

[Gato Amarillo]

One very basic tip: When correcting color go too far, then come back to it.

That goes back to my film days working in a color print lab, but if anything it works even better in digital where you can see the changes as you move the slider. As my old boss said, Don't try to sneak up on it - go too far and come back.

Determine what color is in excess, then move the appropriate slider away from it.

Also, if you're using Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom learn to use the Color Grading panel.

Gato

 

[p_anotherguy]

One very basic tip: When correcting color go too far, then come back to it.

That goes back to my film days working in a color print lab, but if anything it works even better in digital where you can see the changes as you move the slider. As my old boss said, Don't try to sneak up on it - go too far and come back.

Determine what color is in excess, then move the appropriate slider away from it.

Also, if you're using Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom learn to use the Color Grading panel.

Gato

Thanks for your help, Gato. She uses Lightroom!

 

[A Marcus]

First look at the image, is it too dark or too light, small, medium, or large? Is the image off color. There are six possibilities – too red, too green, too blue, too cyan, too magenta, too yellow. Think small, medium, large. Adjust density first then attack the hue error one hue at a time. Again, work in increments of small, medium, large.

 

[ThrillaMozilla]

Since you asked, I assume you are a beginner at this.

1. Pay attention to color balance. I suggest not relying on auto color balance, because it is inconsistent, and often not even correct. I suggest setting color balance as well as you can when you make the exposure.

2. Learn color calibration and profiling of your monitor and printer-paper combination. Other than that, don't mess with it. That much is hard enough.

2. Beware of global color adjustments. It's too hard to get it right and too easy to get it wrong. Usually the camera can do it better than you can. If you have to make major adjustments, it could be difficult to get it right.

 

[jthomas39]

Since you asked, I assume you are a beginner at this.

1. Pay attention to color balance. I suggest not relying on auto color balance, because it is inconsistent, and often not even correct. I suggest setting color balance as well as you can when you make the exposure.

Editing raw files allows for changing the color balance after the photo is taken. And it's a lot easier for me to get the correct colors and contrast with raw edits -- it just way more flexible than editing jpgs.

I've used "gray" or "white" areas on the photo to adjust the color balance in the editor, using the pinpoint selection tool. There often aren't good areas to pick, though.

I usually change the white balance a little, to get the effect I want. Forest in shade, for example, is very blue-green with the light filtering through the trees. I want it warmer, closer to olive green, to match what my eye sees.

2. Learn color calibration and profiling of your monitor and printer-paper combination. Other than that, don't mess with it. That much is hard enough.

Do you use a calibration device? How else can you calibrate the monitor?

This one is less expensive than some of the devices, but it's still $120. Calibrite Display 123

I got a similar device some years ago, and it's effective. I did see that my 4K monitor only needed minor adjustments from it's factory settings. I suppose some monitors can need more significant adjustments.

2. Beware of global color adjustments. It's too hard to get it right and too easy to get it wrong. Usually the camera can do it better than you can. If you have to make major adjustments, it could be difficult to get it right.

I'm not sure what this is referring to. Do you have an example?

 

[Roozeblij]

Yeah calibrate monitor is really important! I use the spider X pro.

You might be surprised how far off the monitor is. Most of mine were way too bright and blue before calib.

 

[ThrillaMozilla]

Since you asked, I assume you are a beginner at this.

1. Pay attention to color balance. I suggest not relying on auto color balance, because it is inconsistent, and often not even correct. I suggest setting color balance as well as you can when you make the exposure.

Editing raw files allows for changing the color balance after the photo is taken. And it's a lot easier for me to get the correct colors and contrast with raw edits -- it just way more flexible than editing jpgs.

I've used "gray" or "white" areas on the photo to adjust the color balance in the editor, using the pinpoint selection tool. There often aren't good areas to pick, though.

I usually change the white balance a little, to get the effect I want. Forest in shade, for example, is very blue-green with the light filtering through the trees. I want it warmer, closer to olive green, to match what my eye sees.

2. Learn color calibration and profiling of your monitor and printer-paper combination. Other than that, don't mess with it. That much is hard enough.

Do you use a calibration device? How else can you calibrate the monitor?

This one is less expensive than some of the devices, but it's still $120. Calibrite Display 123

I got a similar device some years ago, and it's effective. I did see that my 4K monitor only needed minor adjustments from it's factory settings. I suppose some monitors can need more significant adjustments.

2. Beware of global color adjustments. It's too hard to get it right and too easy to get it wrong. Usually the camera can do it better than you can. If you have to make major adjustments, it could be difficult to get it right.

I'm not sure what this is referring to. Do you have an example?

DPR is full of examples where people have screwed around with the color. Small changes while editing probably good, but large changes are likely to be time-consuming and disastrous, especially if done by beginners. Better just to take pictures.

As you point out, the color balance of a RAW file can be changed during editing. You can do that, but I still suggest trying to get it approximately right before taking the picture. There are practical benefits for doing that.

 

[MrBrightSide]

Do it quickly and rely on your first impression. As soon as you open the photo your brain will start unconsciously correcting the colors in your mind's eye to the point where after a few minutes you won't be able to decide whether you're making the photo better or worse.

In other words, when. you first open a photo you might say "looks a little too green to me" but after a few minutes your brain will strip out the green. Being aware of this tendency will allow you to color correct with more confidence. It takes practice but you can get it.

When adjusting the colours in a photo you’ve shot, what do you focus on? What are the things to consider?

A friend of mine asked me these questions, and I gave her a couple of tips. I thought about asking you as well... maybe you add more?

 

[NicholasD]

One thought in response to replies - when I work an image extensively, arriving at something that I feel is more representative of actual conditions, I often compare that with the original as-shot image. More than once have I realized I went too far in my edits. For a lot of images it may not matter, but if you're working on something where accuracy is important, sometimes it helps to impose a reality check. Note that I lean towards producing an image that is pleasing to my eyes and not necessarily "factually accurate".

Nick

 

[Gato Amarillo]

Do it quickly and rely on your first impression. As soon as you open the photo your brain will start unconsciously correcting the colors in your mind's eye to the point where after a few minutes you won't be able to decide whether you're making the photo better or worse.

In other words, when. you first open a photo you might say "looks a little too green to me" but after a few minutes your brain will strip out the green. Being aware of this tendency will allow you to color correct with more confidence. It takes practice but you can get it.

When adjusting the colours in a photo you’ve shot, what do you focus on? What are the things to consider?

A friend of mine asked me these questions, and I gave her a couple of tips. I thought about asking you as well... maybe you add more?

When you think a photo is done put it aside for at least a few minutes. Ideally get away from the screen for a while to let your eyes and brain sort of reset. Then come back to the photo and see if your correction still looks good.

If time permits I like to wait overnight, then check the photo again the next morning.

If you're doing a number of photos from a set put them up on screen side by side to be sure they match.

Gato

 

[MrBrightSide]

The one other thing I learned from watching experts is to keep your corrections small. Their changes are almost always just a few points one way or the other, not big swings.

 

[p_anotherguy]

One thought in response to replies - when I work an image extensively, arriving at something that I feel is more representative of actual conditions, I often compare that with the original as-shot image. More than once have I realized I went too far in my edits. For a lot of images it may not matter, but if you're working on something where accuracy is important, sometimes it helps to impose a reality check. Note that I lean towards producing an image that is pleasing to my eyes and not necessarily "factually accurate".

Nick

Yes, that's exactly what I noticed in my friend's work and she agreed with me. However, since I'm not that expert myself, I couldn't tell her more.

Can someone share examples of GOOD colour corrections in your opinion?

That'd help both of us with our work

 

[shannonr]

I’ve found that small adjustments usually make a bigger difference than huge changes. I like to balance exposure and contrast first before tweaking individual colors—it just feels more natural that way. Lately, I’ve been using https://www.evoto.ai/features/ai-color-match , and it’s been a game-changer for keeping tones consistent across a series of photos. Paying attention to the mood of the scene really helps decide which colors to push or pull. Sometimes lowering saturation in one spot while boosting it elsewhere adds depth without making it look fake. Learning to read histograms and get a feel for color temperature also helps a lot. With practice, all these little steps start to feel intuitive, and my edits have definitely improved over time.

 

[Zeee]

One very basic tip: When correcting color go too far, then come back to it.

That goes back to my film days working in a color print lab, but if anything it works even better in digital where you can see the changes as you move the slider. As my old boss said, Don't try to sneak up on it - go too far and come back.

Determine what color is in excess, then move the appropriate slider away from it.

Also, if you're using Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom learn to use the Color Grading panel.

Gato

Thanks for your help, Gato. She uses Lightroom!

Colour is an interesting subject. Unless you have specific requirements just go with pleasing colour. The day I went with that I stopped banging my me head against the wall seeking accurate colour it made the hobby much more fun. Calibrating for accuracy between the camera, screen and print is important if that is a need. I mostly do web work so I choose a profile I like. Calibrate my monitor using Calibrite but there are less expensive ways.

There are Adobe and Camera marching matching profiles to work with. Has she tried Adobe's new Adaptive Color profile which is AI? A good starting point.

White Balance is very helpful. Drop down menu like as shot, daylight, etc. Or the eye dropper. There are various Lightroom videos about using it.

Quick way to correct colour casts.

Color Grading. I've never gotten into this but she may be interested.

.

 

[Zeee]

Some masking tips

 

[Gato Amarillo]

...

Colour is an interesting subject. Unless you have specific requirements just go with pleasing colour. The day I went with that I stopped banging my me head against the wall seeking accurate colour it made the hobby much more fun. Calibrating for accuracy between the camera, screen and print is important if that is a need. I mostly do web work so I choose a profile I like. Calibrate my monitor using Calibrite but there are less expensive ways.

"Pleasing color" is often more important than strictly accurate color. If you're doing commercial or fashion photography for print accurate can be very important, but it has to follow through all the way to the final product -- to the magazine on the newsstand or the final print piece. If we're selling prints, either as a family photographer or selling prints as art or decor, we have to follow though the printing process to the final output.

But most of us are working for web use. We cannot control what the viewer sees -- whether they're on a calibrated monitor, their home TV, or a smartphone. All we can do is hope for something that looks at least decent to all of them.

In that case we can "stop banging our heads against the wall," and just be realistic and hope for the best.

There are Adobe and Camera marching matching profiles to work with. Has she tried Adobe's new Adaptive Color profile which is AI? A good starting point.

White Balance is very helpful. Drop down menu like as shot, daylight, etc. Or the eye dropper. There are various Lightroom videos about using it.

Quick way to correct colour casts.

Color Grading. I've never gotten into this but she may be interested.

.

 

[Zeee]

...

Colour is an interesting subject. Unless you have specific requirements just go with pleasing colour. The day I went with that I stopped banging my me head against the wall seeking accurate colour it made the hobby much more fun. Calibrating for accuracy between the camera, screen and print is important if that is a need. I mostly do web work so I choose a profile I like. Calibrate my monitor using Calibrite but there are less expensive ways.

"Pleasing color" is often more important than strictly accurate color. If you're doing commercial or fashion photography for print accurate can be very important, but it has to follow through all the way to the final product -- to the magazine on the newsstand or the final print piece. If we're selling prints, either as a family photographer or selling prints as art or decor, we have to follow though the printing process to the final output.

That is very true. I should have added professional (or non) requirements where you have to use something like ColorChecker Passport. I have it but I don't like it. It produces excellent skin tones but I'm not a portrait photographer. I don't like how it over-saturates blues, etc.

But most of us are working for web use. We cannot control what the viewer sees -- whether they're on a calibrated monitor, their home TV, or a smartphone. All we can do is hope for something that looks at least decent to all of them.

This is also a good point. You also can only hope they have their devices at the correct brightness. So my rule is "pleasing to me" and as close to what I think it looked like out in the field, which is subjective.

In that case we can "stop banging our heads against the wall," and just be realistic and hope for the best.

Well said. On my journey to pleasing colour I asked myself. There is Canon, Sony, Nikon X-Rite, Fuji, DXO, Adobe, ON1, etc. C1Pro has make the claim to be the kings of colour and even they added the ability to use ColorChecker Passport. They are all different. Who is right and why do they think they are?

As stated others. Keep it as natural looking as you can. Don't oversaturate unless that is what you are looking for. It's your art. If you like, it's good enough. Post some shots for critique so you get a sense of what your work looks like to others. I think WB and/or correcting color casts would be key first steps.

There are Adobe and Camera marching matching profiles to work with. Has she tried Adobe's new Adaptive Color profile which is AI? A good starting point.

White Balance is very helpful. Drop down menu like as shot, daylight, etc. Or the eye dropper. There are various Lightroom videos about using it.

Quick way to correct colour casts.

Color Grading. I've never gotten into this but she may be interested.

.

 

[Zeee]

There also Point Color

Julieanne Kost

Mark Denny