This basic Photoshop tutorial instructs on color correction using Adobe Photoshop's hue/saturation and curves to correct color casts that are created from improper white-balance setting in the camera, or unusual lighting conditions which overwhelm the natural color of a scene.
Color Correction to Remove Unwanted Color Casts
Two of the most effective tools for accomplishing color correction on photographs with unwanted color casts, are the "Curves" tool (Command>M), and the "Color Balance" tool (Command>B). Both of these tools are capable of globally altering the photograph's hue, without destroying pixel information. The 'Hue & Saturation' tool should be avoided because when you change the hue to fix the green color (say to add yellow to the green), your reds will shift in the opposite direction, throwing them out of balance. The idea is to only effect the unwanted color, and leave any correct colors as they are.
With Curves, you can alter color in each of the RGB or CMYK channels, by dragging the diagonal line's anchor point. Using Color Balance, you will drag the slider bar to affect color tint (hue) in the shadows, midtones, and highlights of the photograph.
Technical Note: Always check your monitor calibration before making adjustments to your photgraph. If your monitor is not properly calibrated, you may be making adjustments that are actually hurting the photo's color balance.
Color Correction Basics
Step 1: Always save a backup copy of your photo before you begin any color adjustments. When you are ready to begin, copy and paste the background layer into a couple of new layers, and only make your color adjustments to the new duplicate layers.
Step 2: Although I would never rely on automatic color adjustment functions such as "Auto Levels," "Auto Contrast," or "Auto Color," (found in the top menu-bar under Image>Adjustments), it is always a good idea to try these to see what the Photoshop program comes up with. It can serve as more of an FYI than anything else, and it gives you a starting point.
Step 3: Always limit your color adjustments to a single step on each of the unadulterated layers. You can label each layer with the step that was taken, and soften each individual effect using the layer's "Opacity" setting.
Keep in mind that you are shooting for realistic overall color, and any adjustments should look natural and convincing. Keep a separate copy of the original photograph open on your desktop, so that you can compare the adjusted copy to it. There should be no obvious coloration to the adjusted copy. Do not attempt to solve darkness or brightness issues by adjusting color. We will cover Brightness and Contrast issues in a separate tutorial.
On To:
Photoshop Curves Tutorial
Photoshop Color Balance Tutorial
Setting Correct White Point of Photo with Curves
