Editing in Camera Raw With Adobe Photoshop CS3 - Correcting Color

After opening an image in the Camera Raw mode from Bridge (right click on the image and select "Open in Camera Raw"), look at the top of the window and there you will see a series of horizontal icons of editing tools. As you run your cursor over each icon, its function will be displayed. Select the White Balance Tool (third from left) by clicking on it. Locate an area in the photo that would be neutral gray to almost white ( i.e. a bride's gown,) and click that area with the tool.

You should notice that the color of the image has changed and will usually be corrected to the proper color temperature and correct tint. Additionally, on the right side of the image you will see that the Temperature and or Tint values will have changed. If you are not satisfied with the color changes that resulted with the White Balance Tool, just adjust the values of temperature and tint in the sliders until you are happy with the results. Be advised though that if your monitor is not corrected to the proper values, your prints will not be correctly balanced.

If you are planning to shoot a good number of images in the same lighting conditions and you have access to a 80% gray scale card, I suggest you take a photo of the gray scale card. I use a Lastolite Professional model. When editing the photo series shot in the same lighting conditions, correct this image of the gray scale with the White Balance Tool. Record the Temperature and Tint value changes. These values should be correct or nearly correct for every image in the series that was shot in the same lighting conditions. Note: While the White Balance Tool is selected and is placed on the gray scale, the values for "R", "G", and "B" (located just below the histogram) should be the same within 1 or 2 units. If your exposure is correct, each should read 200 plus or minus one.

In future articles I will explore the functions of some of the other menu items. Meanwhile, have a go at the other menu tools yourself. Remember, if you get stuck and can't figure out what to do, just use the Cancel button in the bottom right of the Camera Raw Window.

Source : Ezinearticles