Achieving accurate color in your photos can be a challenge, especially when lighting and other variables keep changing. Getting consistent results across different shoots requires using the right tools to match what you see in person with what shows up in your images. That’s where a Color Checker Passport comes in.
Coming to you from Mark Wallace, this informative video breaks down how to use the Color Checker Passport to set your white balance, check exposure, and create color profiles for your camera. Wallace explains that using a Color Checker is about more than just setting white balance. It ensures that every color in your image is rendered correctly from capture to post-production. By doing so, you avoid common issues like color casts or inaccurate skin tones, which are particularly crucial if you’re working on commercial projects.
The video demonstrates a step-by-step process of using the Color Checker Passport during a photo shoot and later in Lightroom Classic. Wallace shows how he has the model hold the Color Checker next to her face to make sure the reference colors are close to the subject. This placement is critical because even slight changes in distance can affect the color and exposure accuracy. He also points out that you should handle the Color Checker carefully, avoiding direct contact with the colored squares, as oils from your skin can distort the colors over time.
Using the Color Checker Passport doesn’t stop at white balance. Wallace dives into more advanced features, like creating a custom camera profile. This process involves taking a reference shot of the Color Checker and using software like Calibrite’s Camera Calibration to create a profile that’s tailored to your camera and lighting setup. This ensures that every shade and tone is rendered as accurately as possible, especially for products where exact color matching is critical. Wallace walks you through exporting a DNG file from Lightroom, generating the custom profile, and applying it to your images.
Wallace also covers the importance of adjusting the color temperature using the Color Checker’s warm and cool patches. He shows how you can fine-tune your white balance to add warmth or coolness depending on the mood you want to convey. This flexibility allows you to control the look of your images while maintaining a technically correct baseline. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Wallace.
