I've heard of colour checker "is an essential tool in photography and videography" by a ton of youtubers and this is the first time I understand what it actually does. Thanks!
I bought the color checker years back and use it a lot. This video gets to the point with no beating around the bush on explaining how to use it. I use the Expodisc to get my custom white balance first then use the color checker afterwards.
Thanks, it's quick and straight to the point. Would be cool to know how exactly that plugin processes the image and creates the profile. Also whether I can do something this automated in C1. Most of color mismatch happens when I'm shooting outdoors with constantly changing environment and light is always different, so it would be real gimmick to profile each location/background/sun position and reflected light.
I always use my color checker, it has been super helpful since day 1! I also use an I1 Display Pro to color calibrate my monitor, and I use printing services that use calibrated printer profiles, in order to have the whole color calibration workflow in place. I noticed something, even with all my careful calibrations I have slight color differences from one frame to the next, it's almost miniscule but it's there. Could it be due to my speedlights color variation from one shot to the next? Thank you for your super helpful videos!
Everybody says Just take a picture of the color checker... but nobody is explaining the process. Do you have to set a custom WB before hand or it doesn`t really matter if you`re in AWB or whatever? After importing in Lightroom, do you set the white balance first or after?
Hi Felix, any time you use the Color Checker Passport you need to also fix the white balance of your images. You can doing it by clicking on the second patch close to the white one. It's better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you.
@@SantoniMarianna Thank's, but my doubt is related to the order of these actions and if it matters if you take first a custom WB shot and after that a shot of the Color Checker. :)
SO this also mean you should manual or controlled way. Other than that you would get different settings and thus cant check the ref image with the card. Right?
Hello .. do you use a WB card first before all of this ? Do photographers always use both? The WB card is actually grey? (someone recommended grey) Thnx!
Hi Ello, you don't need a WB card because you can do it using a Color Checker Passport. Once you have created the Profile following Jeff explanation you have to also fix the white balance by clicking with the White Balance Selector Tool on the second patch (close to the white one). Remember it is better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you.
No matter how I try I account fine the camera calibration with a list like yours .I have no idea what I am doing wrong but at the time of commenting this will be returned .what am I doing wrong?LRC shows as installed and running but where is it ?
Nice and neat tutorial. One point is slightly inaccurate though. The color checker must not be held in front of the subject in every case. It must be positioned so that it is LIT EVENLY BY THE KEYLIGHT (i.e. the light giving the main exposure and color to your subject). The most common case being the one illustrated in the video where the keylight comes from above center, to be lit by the keylight, the CC is held in front of the face. But in cases where one would use side lighting for example, you would need to angle the CC towards the light. Or shoot your test shot from another position if you want to have the CC flat on the picture. If lights are gridded, pay attention too that the CC must be evenly lit (no shadow area). This is illustrated very well in Shane Hurlbut's fantastic tutorial The Illumination Experience. Moreover, if using a gelled keylight and still want to use the CC (which might be relevant or not in some cases), the test shot needs to be taken without the gel on the keylight (otherwise it would neutralise it altogether which is not what you want).
Hi Jeff, it was great meeting you in NYC last year at the PhotoPlus Expo. Question so I'm clear... While doing a shoot, should I shoot the color checker each time I change lenses of the same manufacturer? Say Nikon 24-70 and I switch to Nikon 70-200? If I'm using the same lights but in different setups (position), is that important as well? Or do you mean if I'm using flash vs. studio strobes or if I'm using Paul C. Buff lights vs. Bowen?
Absolutely! RAW is the most powerful image format available for adjusting things like white balance and exposure. :) You don't have that same range with JPG.
Great question! It works on ALL colors in the image. Remember that what you're seeing from other people's photos is what you're interpreting as "Good Color," not accurate color. For instance, Vogue has BEAUTIFUL tones... but 99% of those images are not color "Accurate." That simply means reds are really red. Blues aren't really blue... etc. Don't forget that you also need to calibrate your computer screen. It's a two step process. :)
How much of a lighting variation would you say is enough to justify a new profile? Doing this every time would lead to an ungodly amount of color profiles.
Great question! I'd recommend using a color checker when you're switching modifiers, direction or power. If you're a portrait photographer, that's not always do difficult as most portrait photographers stay relatively stationary... But if you're on location... It can get a bit tedious.
Oh ok. I was more so looking for the difference shown with two photos side by side of the model without the checker in front of her face, showing the overall difference that the color checking creates.
Hi Ravi, it's a long time you posted this question and I think maybe my reply will not be useful but I try anyway. When you create a camera profile from DNG or in Lightroom the result is exactly the same. You may notice some differences only depending on the Color space you are using for the two files and the settings you set on Photoshop.
I have the Spyder Colour Checker, it’s made a phenomenal difference to my food photography. To get the best out of them though you need a calibrated monitor.
Hi Moni, I think Jeff forgot to talk about the white balance. Any time you use the Color Checker Passport you need to also fix the white balance of your images. You can doing it by clicking with the White Balance Selector Tool on the second patch (close to the white one). Remember it is better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you even if it arrives in late from the date of your message.
Alexander Woldeab The colours is different from passport to passport, and is of course different if you are using S-RGB RGB ore Pro RGB for the make of the profile. And if you use the RGB values that X-Rite has on they’re home page, it doesn’t add up at all. You have to by the 5 time pricier Color Checker SG that is calibrated for each Color palette. Sorry for the bad grammar, English is not my language..
Precise, and direct to the point, no BS talk! This is how tutorials should be done ! Thank you
I love how quick and to the point this tutorial was. Well done.
Thank you!
Thanks! Straightforward tutorials are hard to find these days
I've heard of colour checker "is an essential tool in photography and videography" by a ton of youtubers and this is the first time I understand what it actually does. Thanks!
I bought the color checker years back and use it a lot. This video gets to the point with no beating around the bush on explaining how to use it. I use the Expodisc to get my custom white balance first then use the color checker afterwards.
Great video thank you, so I ordered a color card online but it never came with any software so there's no way for me to export it any ideas thank you
Is a colorchecker only useful in a controlled studio lit situation or can it be used outside in natural lighting too???
So helpful tutorial as always! Short and up to the point! Thank you!
I'm not a photographer, but I was curious about how a Color Checker works. Really good explanation! :)
Thanks, it's quick and straight to the point.
Would be cool to know how exactly that plugin processes the image and creates the profile. Also whether I can do something this automated in C1.
Most of color mismatch happens when I'm shooting outdoors with constantly changing environment and light is always different, so it would be real gimmick to profile each location/background/sun position and reflected light.
Perfect explanation, quick and easy with no bla bla bla, thank you.
Just found this video and want to say thank you. I did not know about the export function of non DNG file, saves time.
Very well explained without too much introduction. Thanks!
Great 2-minute video for anyone looking to correctly use a Color Checker / improve their colors across photos!
Very helpful. Do you need to retake a picture of the model with the color checker if say the lighting changes throughout the day?
Yes! Any slight changes that impact lighting color would need a new reading. :)
Quick video with tons of useful information. Great work!
Thank you and thanks for watching! :)
Short and sweet! Nice video!
PS does this only apply to skin tones or can you use this on every subject?
Excellent, quick and to the point.
would i need to do this for every shoot or would be fine once it's saved with camera and lens?
I always use my color checker, it has been super helpful since day 1!
I also use an I1 Display Pro to color calibrate my monitor, and I use printing services that use calibrated printer profiles, in order to have the whole color calibration workflow in place.
I noticed something, even with all my careful calibrations I have slight color differences from one frame to the next, it's almost miniscule but it's there. Could it be due to my speedlights color variation from one shot to the next?
Thank you for your super helpful videos!
Everybody says Just take a picture of the color checker... but nobody is explaining the process. Do you have to set a custom WB before hand or it doesn`t really matter if you`re in AWB or whatever? After importing in Lightroom, do you set the white balance first or after?
Hi Felix, any time you use the Color Checker Passport you need to also fix the white balance of your images. You can doing it by clicking on the second patch close to the white one. It's better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you.
@@SantoniMarianna Thank's, but my doubt is related to the order of these actions and if it matters if you take first a custom WB shot and after that a shot of the Color Checker. :)
What is the camera’s white balance set to when taking the pictures of the color checker? Thanks
It's set to whatever scenario you're shooting in. :)
Hey Jeff, how about if on dresses, should I shot the checker near the dress?
Does this process apply for the 24 Standard Color Calibration Chart card from Pixel Perfect?
Thank you for this! I know this is so simple but I'm new to photography and this is super helpful!
Anytime! Glad you found it useful! I know plenty of professional photographers who still have trouble with this! :)
You must be talking about that Miguel Keyless (sp?), he doesn't even use a good monitor to edit with, I hear!
*hides before Mr. Quiles sees this*
+Amish Crusader lol Mr. keyless-entry is currently borrowing my CG318-4K. :P
+Jeff Rojas (SAJORFFEJ) I know - that's why I mentioned it :)
Does exposure affect the result at all? Can I correct exposure later in Lightroom without affecting the color profile created using the colorchecker?
simple, useful, straight to the point. really informative video. thnx for sharing!
Thank you! Thanks for watching. :)
you have to do the white balance as well, not just the color profile
Can this be exported and used in other software like Final Cut Pro X?
SO this also mean you should manual or controlled way. Other than that you would get different settings and thus cant check the ref image with the card. Right?
What is the colour checker software that I have to download:? Thank you!
Quick and to the point! Thank You
Hello .. do you use a WB card first before all of this ? Do photographers always use both? The WB card is actually grey? (someone recommended grey)
Thnx!
Hi Ello, you don't need a WB card because you can do it using a Color Checker Passport. Once you have created the Profile following Jeff explanation you have to also fix the white balance by clicking with the White Balance Selector Tool on the second patch (close to the white one). Remember it is better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you.
Does this work with video as well as photographs?
So this software is free to download. If I can get a JPG / RAW of the passport, Can I still apply the colors in my photos?
Can i import the setting into Camera Raw instead of Lightroom?
Jeff, can you use this with capture 1 of course I sure I might have to do some extra work but is it possible? thank you for your time.
will it be the same if I just use it in black&white photos?
straight to the point ! thanks brotha!
No matter how I try I account fine the camera calibration with a list like yours .I have no idea what I am doing wrong but at the time of commenting this will be returned .what am I doing wrong?LRC shows as installed and running but where is it ?
Do i also need to calibrate my monitor using a calibration device?
When i change the light i have to change the color profile ?
Nice and neat tutorial. One point is slightly inaccurate though.
The color checker must not be held in front of the subject in every case. It must be positioned so that it is LIT EVENLY BY THE KEYLIGHT (i.e. the light giving the main exposure and color to your subject).
The most common case being the one illustrated in the video where the keylight comes from above center, to be lit by the keylight, the CC is held in front of the face. But in cases where one would use side lighting for example, you would need to angle the CC towards the light. Or shoot your test shot from another position if you want to have the CC flat on the picture. If lights are gridded, pay attention too that the CC must be evenly lit (no shadow area). This is illustrated very well in Shane Hurlbut's fantastic tutorial The Illumination Experience.
Moreover, if using a gelled keylight and still want to use the CC (which might be relevant or not in some cases), the test shot needs to be taken without the gel on the keylight (otherwise it would neutralise it altogether which is not what you want).
Hi Ronfya, I agree with your post. Could you give me the link of the video you refers to? It seems to be not so easy to find at this time. Thank you!
Nicely done video. Wish this technique worked with Capture One Pro.
Thank you! :) Me too! :)
Thanks! well explained. I subscribed! and yes buying a Color Checker
How to do this in capture one
so if I took a picture outside and used the color checker and then came inside and took a picture I have to set up 2 profiles?
Yes. :)
Hi Jeff, it was great meeting you in NYC last year at the PhotoPlus Expo. Question so I'm clear... While doing a shoot, should I shoot the color checker each time I change lenses of the same manufacturer? Say Nikon 24-70 and I switch to Nikon 70-200? If I'm using the same lights but in different setups (position), is that important as well? Or do you mean if I'm using flash vs. studio strobes or if I'm using Paul C. Buff lights vs. Bowen?
The difference of the position of light can also influence our perception of color... so, absolutely use it! :)
So after taking a picture of the color checker in raw format, I have to do the whole shoot in RAW setting as well?
Absolutely! RAW is the most powerful image format available for adjusting things like white balance and exposure. :) You don't have that same range with JPG.
Jeff Rojas Thanks for the knowledge Jeff ☺️
Anytime! Thanks for watching. :)
awesome. concise. this is what I needed.
so i NEED software to even be able to use this at all??? cant be done with light room alone?
Does this just effect skin tone? The tones in my images come out really muted and unlike what i have seen in other peoples photos (Nikon D810)
Great question! It works on ALL colors in the image. Remember that what you're seeing from other people's photos is what you're interpreting as "Good Color," not accurate color. For instance, Vogue has BEAUTIFUL tones... but 99% of those images are not color "Accurate." That simply means reds are really red. Blues aren't really blue... etc. Don't forget that you also need to calibrate your computer screen. It's a two step process. :)
Hey Jeff, Great video as always. One question, where can i find the portable background that you use in this video ?
Great Question! It's sold by Savage Backgrounds. :)
Thanks for the kind words btw! :D
How much of a lighting variation would you say is enough to justify a new profile?
Doing this every time would lead to an ungodly amount of color profiles.
Great question! I'd recommend using a color checker when you're switching modifiers, direction or power. If you're a portrait photographer, that's not always do difficult as most portrait photographers stay relatively stationary... But if you're on location... It can get a bit tedious.
Jeff Rojas do you know if there is a way to delete profiles? I would just label it for a shoot and then delete it if thats possible
How would I use the Color Checker in Capture One? Happy Thanksgiving
Really helpful. Thanks very much.
Straight to the point 🔥
Would love if you showed the difference: an image with and without the color checker profile applied.
Definitely included at 1:59. There's a difference in color.
Oh ok. I was more so looking for the difference shown with two photos side by side of the model without the checker in front of her face, showing the overall difference that the color checking creates.
Which is better? Creating a camera profile from DNG or creating it in Lightroom? (I feel the DNG based profiles are more accurate)
Hi Ravi, it's a long time you posted this question and I think maybe my reply will not be useful but I try anyway. When you create a camera profile from DNG or in Lightroom the result is exactly the same. You may notice some differences only depending on the Color space you are using for the two files and the settings you set on Photoshop.
So how does this work exactly? Does the software analyze the image and recognize the color checker, and correct the colors based on that?
You'd have to ask the software engineers at X-Rite. :) ;)
I have excat the same question Fra, i have bought the color checker but i don't understand it
Jeff , what a stupid answer . Does the software analyze is or not ????????
I have the Spyder Colour Checker, it’s made a phenomenal difference to my food photography. To get the best out of them though you need a calibrated monitor.
thanks a lot ! really helped
I love your watch❤️
Perfect tutorial, Tnx
As a complete noob here, you cannot use this to set a custom white balance for video presumably?
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! :)
Thank you !!!
Doesn't explain how to use Color Checker for jpegs & video.
thanks to make it quick
They say choose custom white balance
Thank you :)
I always use my xritephoto color checker passport card in every shoot... 👍
you go to fast, what about the XRITE software. And the WB ??????
to bad he does not answer
Hi Moni, I think Jeff forgot to talk about the white balance.
Any time you use the Color Checker Passport you need to also fix the white balance of your images. You can doing it by clicking with the White Balance Selector Tool on the second patch (close to the white one). Remember it is better to syncronize both the Profile and the White Balance. I hope my reply was helpful for you even if it arrives in late from the date of your message.
This is a “hobby” product!
The colour is not ACCURATE, but it is a starting point.
Why do say that? Can you explain a little more?
Alexander Woldeab The colours is different from passport to passport, and is of course different if you are using S-RGB RGB ore Pro RGB for the make of the profile.
And if you use the RGB values that X-Rite has on they’re home page, it doesn’t add up at all.
You have to by the 5 time pricier Color Checker SG that is calibrated for each Color palette.
Sorry for the bad grammar, English is not my language..
@@trondhelgehie6771 No problem! Thanks for the response.