How To Achieve Color Accuracy in Your Photos

Color accuracy is important in the photography process. If your colors are not accurate, your photos will have an unnatural look that’s undesirable to most. So how can you shoot to ensure your images are looking their best? Here are a few tips. 

Photograph in RAW

RAW is ideal because it allows for optimal editing. When you edit in RAW, all the original images data is preserved. Edits are made in a non-destructive format so you can always revert to the original at a later time. As opposed to JPEGs, they offer a greater range of information making for better dynamics. 

Because RAW is good for editing, it allows you to achieve the perfect color tones in processing. 

Use the Kelvin WB Mode

RAW is typically the way to go, but, because it uses a lot of space, it may not be a viable option for some photographers. If you are unable to shot in RAW, try using Kelvin WB instead. This setting will substitute for Auto White Balance. It lets you adjust the white balance in the camera instead of in post. 

Your camera manual will show you the Kelvin values you should be using for various lighting setups. You may have to tweak these values depending on your style and how you want the images to look. 

Use a Good Display/ Screen Monitor

The better your screen, the more colors will be displayed. It’s best to get a camera with a 99% sRGB screen or a 100% Adobe RGB capable screen. These will ensure good color accuracy and distribution. 

Calibrate Your Monitor

You will need to use special software to calibrate your monitor, but it will make a big difference in how your images come out. It automatically installs a color profile to ensure high accuracy. 

Edit in a Color Neutral Workspace

Your computer screen is going to pick up the colors of your surroundings. So, if you edit in a space with there’s lots of sunlight, you may edit cooler to compensate for the warmth. Cool indoor lighting will have the opposite effect and is not ideal either. 

So what’s the best editing environment? A completely dark room. This will keep you from polluting the colors. If you must edit in a room where there’s a light source, do the color calibration in that room to accommodate for the ambient light. 

Check Color with Multiple Devices

If you are not sure whether your colors are accurate, double check them with another device. iPhones tend to be well calibrated and it’s likely that a good percentage of people viewing your photos will be looking at them through an iPhone. So if you are editing your photos on a computer and want to check color accuracy, send them over to your phone to get an idea of how they will look across platforms. 

Color accuracy plays a huge role in how your photos come out. Now that you know how to ensure they are looking their best, you are ready to get some terrific pictures. What techniques do you use for maintaining color? 

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