Use this free Color Checker to get better photos!
I am not one to buy something just because it may work. But I was thinking of using a color checker for a while.
Then today I was watching a video I saw the presenter was using one I thought that I would make my own color checker and see if it works.
What is a color checker?
So what is it? It is a color checker for helping you to adjust the colors in your digital file. It will help you compensate for any problems with the white balance. So far I have to say it works GREAT!! I do a lot of color sensitive shooting. Like real estate and artwork reproductions where color is important. I wanted to get something that would help me to tweak the colors to as close as possible, and this does that.
How does a color checker work?
That is a good question and I am glad that you asked 🙂
You take your pictures then using the same settings you take a image of the scene that you are shooting with the color checker in the image.
When you are done shooting you open the sample image in Photoshop. Then using curves you click on the white, grey and black. The curves will take the color of your image to what it should be.
Then you apply this correction (adjustment layer) and apply it to the rest of the images.
Please understand this is only one way to use it. There are a number of ways, or similar items, to use but I was looking for something inexpensive and quick and this does it.
Using the color checker
The image of the objects on the shelf shows just what can be done with a quick color adjustment. I took the image then in Photoshop used Curves to adjust. It took less than ONE MINUTE.
I clicked on the black, grey and white and it was done. The left side that is not corrected would have passed. Unfortunately the wall is a slight light blue and you can see the right side is 100% accurate.
TEST 2 – The bird cage is in a room that not only suffers from the color of the light but from the colors on the wall. It is a little harder to notice but if you look on the wall or the picture above the cage you will see a difference.
Learn more about how to use a color checker on my YouTube channel
If you want to print your own copy for personal use only, click here for a 5×7 JPEG version
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Why Paterson Photography Ltd. / First Choice Photo for all your photo printing?
Paterson Photography Ltd. / First Choice Photo in Lethbridge Alberta is designed to be exactly the opposite of all the other photo labs that you will come across. We are not a large discount store that sells diapers, toilet paper and medication. We don’t sell clothes nor do we sell cell phones. Our job is to do one thing and one thing only. Make you the best photo print that’s possible. Whether that be from printing digital files from your camera or cell phone. Printing your old negatives and slides or restoring your old photos.
Our job is simple
To give you the best possible image that you can get no matter the source.
Additionally we believe in something else that the other places don’t believe
We believe you deserve to be treated with respect and to have your questions answered by a master photographer. NOT a part time person from stock that wanted more hours. We also do not push you off to a self serve machine to fend for yourself. We help you every step of the way.
When you want quality printing along with quality service WE ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICE!!! Always ready to help to give you the best!