My last blog post discussed the faliblilty of TTL metering and the need for spot on exposure to avoid working your files in photoshop. Thus saving money and time which should result in a more profitable business.
Rule #2 - If you don't have proper white balance, you don't have correct color.
This seems like a real "DUH!" statement, but it is astonishing how many pro's
still don't grasp the importance of this.
Are you using auto white balance? Auto WB only works if you have absolute
neutrals in your image, and even then it can be fooled by
bright or near neutral
tones in your subjects. If you are not getting consistent skin tones from
sitting to sitting, or indoor to outdoor, or even from one angle to another - it's time
to adopt custom WB in your capture work-flow. And you wouldn't dream of passing these
auto white balance inconsistencies on to your final client prints - right?
The brief amount of time it takes to get an accurate custom white balance by
using an accurate target can, and likely will, save your studio hours of Photoshop time.
And I shouldn't have to tell you that in a pro studio:
Hours = (Profit - Dollars + extra time you could be getting more business).
And if you are paying staff to deal with exposure and white balance issues,
don't forget to add in payroll taxes and benefits to that equation.
With accurate white balance control, you will NOT need to adjust the color of
your files. Assuming of course that your camera is in a good state of repair.
It is rare that the preset white balances on your camera will be accurate enough
for professional standards.
To get an accurate WB, you need an accurate target. If you are
using a Kodak Grey card or one of those black/white/gray targets or a plastic
dome, I would invite you to upgrade. If quality and/or profit margin are
your #1 concerns; above all else get the most accurate WB target
available. The Balance Smarter from the smart folks at BalanceSmarter.com.
Your color is only as good as the WB target you use. If you skimp here, you'll pay
the price later in additional work or reprints. It's just not worth the risk.
I also invite you to try a little experiment. Every time you have the thought " I'll
just fix it in photoshop later", instead, say to yourself:
" I'll just spend the time and money to fix it in photoshop later"
After-all, the latter is REALLY what you would be doing.
Next week:
Rule #3 - Using the right colorspace = great prints!
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