How can you improve your photography with a color checker?

1 What is a color checker?

A color checker is a device that consists of a series of color patches that represent different hues, tones, and shades of colors. It can be a card, a chart, or a passport-sized case that you can easily carry with you. The purpose of a color checker is to provide a reference for how colors should look under a specific light source, and to help you adjust your camera settings and editing software accordingly.

2 How to use a color checker?

Using a color checker is simple and straightforward. You just need to place it in the same lighting condition as your subject, and take a photo of it. Make sure that the color checker fills the frame, and that it is flat and perpendicular to the camera. You can either use manual or automatic exposure, but avoid using flash or filters. Then, you can use the photo of the color checker as a guide to adjust your white balance, exposure, contrast, and saturation in your camera or in your editing software.

3 Why use a color checker?

Using a color checker can have many benefits for your photography, such as achieving accurate and consistent colors across different photos, saving time and hassle in post-processing, enhancing creative expression, and improving color management. With a color checker you can easily apply the same adjustments to all your photos based on the color checker photo. Additionally, you can use the color checker to create custom color profiles, presets, or styles that suit your vision and mood. And finally, you can use it to calibrate your monitor, printer, and scanner to ensure that your colors are displayed and printed correctly.

4 What are the types of color checkers?

Different types of color checkers are available in the market, each with its own features and functions. The simplest and cheapest type is the gray card, which is a single gray patch that reflects 18% of the light. It is mainly used to set the correct exposure and white balance in your camera. A more advanced type of color checker is the color balance card, which consists of three patches - white, gray, and black - for setting the exposure, white balance, and contrast in your camera or editing software. The most comprehensive type of color checker is the color chart, which has multiple patches to adjust color balance, saturation, tonality in editing software, and to create custom profiles and presets.

5 How to choose a color checker?

When selecting a color checker, you should consider your needs, preferences, and budget. The size of the color checker is important; a smaller one is more portable but may not cover the entire color range, while a larger one is more accurate and versatile but may be bulky. Additionally, the quality of the color checker affects its durability and consistency; a higher quality one is more resistant to fading and scratches, while a lower quality one may have inaccurate or inconsistent colors. Lastly, the price of the color checker reflects its features and brand; more expensive ones usually offer more benefits and functions, while cheaper ones may have fewer advantages or lower standards.

6 How to practice with a color checker?

Using a color checker can be an enjoyable and rewarding way to develop your photography skills and creativity. Experiment with different lighting conditions, such as natural, artificial, or mixed, and observe how they affect the colors in your photos. Compare the colors in your photos with the colors in the color checker to see how they differ or match. Additionally, adjust your camera settings and editing software to match the colors in your photos with the colors in the color checker, which can change the mood and impact of your photos. Furthermore, create your own color profiles, presets, or styles based on the color checker that you can apply to different photos for a consistent and unique look. Finally, share your photos with other photographers and ask for feedback on your color choices and adjustments.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?