Color Correction in Photoshop

1. Prepare the Workspace

1. Open the Image:
   Go to File > Open and load the product image.
2. Duplicate the Background Layer:
   Right-click the Background layer in the Layers panel and choose Duplicate Layer. This allows you to work non-destructively.

2. Adjusting Basic Color and Exposure

1. Open the Camera Raw Filter:
   Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter.
   Use the following sliders to make initial corrections:
   • White Balance: Adjust to correct warm or cool tones.
   • Exposure: Ensure the image is neither too dark nor overexposed.
   • Contrast: Improve product clarity by boosting contrast slightly.

Click OK to apply the changes.

3. Use Levels or Curves for Precision

1. Apply a Levels Adjustment:
   • Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels (or use a Levels adjustment layer for non-destructive editing).
   • Move the black, gray, and white sliders under the histogram to balance shadows, midtones, and highlights.
2. Curves Adjustment:
   • Go to Image > Adjustments > Curves.
   • Adjust the curve to fine-tune specific tonal ranges by clicking points along the line and dragging them.

4. Target Specific Colors with Hue/Saturation

1. Add a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer:
   • Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation.
2. Select a Specific Color:
   • In the Hue/Saturation panel, click the dropdown labeled “Master” and select the specific color (e.g., Reds, Yellows, Blues).
   • Adjust the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to correct the targeted color.

5. Use the Color Balance Tool for Subtle Corrections

1. Go to Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.
   This tool lets you tweak the color tones across:
   • Shadows
   • Midtones
   • Highlights

Adjust the Cyan-Red, Magenta-Green, and Yellow-Blue sliders for subtle corrections.

6. Match Product Colors with a Color Reference

1. Add a Solid Color Layer:
   • Use the Eyedropper Tool (I) to pick the correct color from a reference image or sample.
   • Create a Solid Color Fill Layer based on the sampled color.
2. Set the Blending Mode to “Color”:
   This applies the sampled color over the product without affecting texture and highlights.
3. Mask the Solid Color Layer:
   Use a layer mask to limit the correction to specific areas of the product (e.g., clothing, packaging). Paint with black or white on the mask to refine.

7. Remove Color Casts with Selective Color

1. Go to Image > Adjustments > Selective Color.
   This tool lets you fine-tune the percentage of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) within specific colors (like neutrals, reds, or blues).
2. Adjust Neutrals:
   Use the Neutrals or Whites setting to eliminate unwanted color casts.

8. Correct Lighting with Dodge and Burn Tools

1. Dodge Tool (O):
   • Lighten areas of the product image to bring out details.
2. Burn Tool (O):
   • Darken specific areas to add depth and definition.

Tip: Use low exposure (5-10%) for subtle corrections to avoid making the product look unnatural.

9. Use Blending Modes to Enhance Color

• Overlay or Soft Light: Use these blending modes to add vibrancy and contrast.
• Multiply: Helps darken the image for richer tones.
• Screen: Lightens the image and brings out highlights.

10. Final Touches and Output

1. Sharpen the Image:
   • Go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen to make the product details crisp.
2. Resize for Output:
   • Go to Image > Image Size to adjust the dimensions as needed for web or print.
3. Save the Final Image:
   • For the web: File > Export > Save for Web (choose PNG or JPEG).
   • For print: File > Save As and select TIFF or high-quality JPEG.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a Color Calibrated Monitor: Ensure that your screen displays accurate colors.
• Shoot in RAW Format: If you are working with your product photos, RAW files offer more editing flexibility.
• Create Adjustment Layers: Always use adjustment layers to avoid destructive editing.
• Check on Multiple Devices: Test your product images on various screens to ensure consistency.