4 Color tools you SHOULD be using in Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom

[@bala1000mina]

Wholeheartedly I appreciate you Blake for all the precious knowledge I've learnt from you! I wish you all the best man! God bless you and all your dear ones!

[@f64Academy]

I appreciate that! Same to you!

[@bala1000mina]

@@f64Academy Thank you so much Blake!

[@NakedInSeattle]

So glad you brought out the importance of the Calibration section. Many of your peers are so impressed with the new Color Grading and have ignored the Calibration. Thanks again.

[@f64Academy]

For sure! Color grading is a refinement tool, calibration sets the whole stage for that color 😁

[@danlightened]

​​​@@f64AcademyThe new colour grading is probably the only one you didn't mention, probably because it wasn't a part of LR at the time of creating the video. But thanks a ton for this video. I had only used temp and tint and bit of the HSL. But with this new colour grading and split toning, tonal curve with colour channels, and the camera calibration, now there are 7 ways to change colour. I've planned to re edit my photos with much more attention and checking out tutorials, but the myriad colour of manipulating colour has really left me overwhelmed. I have been looking for which one to use first (and so on) and what to use when, but I hadn't found a single video like that so far. And like you said, changing things in HSL really messes up the image quality with JPEG artefacts. And actually, that was one of the things that got me thinking to look for a video such as the one you created. (Also, there seem to be some tools which improve the look when viewing normally, but they seem to really mess things us we zoom in.) Can you also mention where the colour grading tool would fit in your workflow and what to use it for? (Because, it seems like a very powerful tool.)

[@f64Academy]

@@danlightened I actually don't use that tool much because color grading is something I do at the end of the workflow and typically do in Photoshop. I don't really like the way lr color grades. When I color grade I treat my highlights midtones and shadows differently just like lr, but I typically use different adjustment layers with various different blend modes, opacities and fills. Lr's color grading panel is just too generic for me. It doesn't have enough specific power like adj layers and blend modes in PS.

[@danlightened]

@@f64Academy I see. My comment wasn't a critique of the video. I hope you can provide some guidance on the rest of my comment. Like, I'm really confused which tools are best for making specific changes. Because it seems like a lot of tools have some things overlapping. Especially, the ones related to colours.

[@PaulMoorePhotography]

One of the best guides on the calibration tool that I have seen to date. Simply explained and demonstrated. I have a feeling my workflow is about to change ... 😉👍💚

[@f64Academy]

Heck yeah it is ;) Thanks for watching!

[@davevowles8093]

I have been following you for quite some time now and I just love your delivery and enthusiasm. Keep them coming.

[@f64Academy]

Thank you Dave!

[@Ronin760]

Great video and example. I have used the calibration sliders to give pop, but I struggled because of the order I was using it. This all makes sense to me now. Thank you!

[@f64Academy]

For sure! The order is critical!

[@glennmitchell6696]

The transformation of your RAW image is superb, Blake. Great job!

[@f64Academy]

Thank you 😁

[@danlightened]

Thanks a ton for this video. I had only used temp and tint and bit of the HSL. But with colour grading, selective colour adjustment, split toning, tonal curve with colour channels, and the camera calibration, now there are 7 ways to change colour. I've planned to re edit my photos with much more attention and therefore checking out tutorials, but the myriad colour of manipulating colour has really left me overwhelmed. I have been looking for which one to use first (and so on) and what to use when, but I hadn't found a single video like that so far. And like you said, changing things in HSL really messes up the image quality with JPEG artefacts. And actually, that was one of the things that got me thinking to look for a video such as the one you created. (Also, there seem to be some tools which improve the look when viewing normally, but they seem to really mess things us we zoom in.) Can you also mention where the colour grading tool would fit in your workflow and what to use it for? (Because, it seems like a very powerful tool.)

[@berkletheclownsvideos2461]

Wow,! That was perfect. I have been struggling with a workflow and this REALLY helps.

[@sutv6754]

Wow wow wow... Triple Wow for this video. It's a game changer in proper understanding. I was subscribed to your channel but never did much until tonight. I'm a big fan or your teaching style. What can say but THANK YOU.

[@f64Academy]

So awesome! Thanks so much for the incredible feedback 😁

[@mamadhormatipour1933]

Your tutorials are amazing. Thank you!

[@f64Academy]

😁 thanks so much!

[@brucekraft744]

Your explanation for Calibration and Color Mixer differences is SUPER helpful for me! Great tutorial! Bookmarked for a repeat viewing. Thanks!

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@pbziegler]

Your enthusiasm and passion are infectious. No mask needed. :-).

[@f64Academy]

😁 awesome! I turned it up on this one, I just can't help it!

[@pbziegler]

@@f64Academy You are a wild man. My life would be much less interesting were you not in it. Stay safe my friend.

[@f64Academy]

😁 my pleasure! Safe is good, we are good 😁

[@SinaFarhat]

The calibration section is a key to my images looking so much better! Keep up the good work!

[@f64Academy]

Will do, thanks!

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

Mine too!

[@thelmakelly3628]

Thanks for the video Blake! I sort of knew about the calibration section but not to the level that you explained it. I also appreciate you explaining what order to proceed with, I had no idea!

[@f64Academy]

Sweet! Glad I could help!

[@ottersphotography304]

It was sometime back when I learned about the calibration section from you. It really helped bring my images closer to what I wanted them to be. This particular workflow makes even more sense than what I have been doing. As always, thank you for the content you produce Blake.

[@f64Academy]

Thanks Otter! It is my pleasure!

[@Snowcatnz2]

Another awesome video. Your enthusiasm nows no bounds and has no filter 😝. Great info and addition to the workflow. Thanks heaps. Oh yeah, looking forward to PE 3 update😉😉

[@f64Academy]

Thanks Tim with an awesome last name 😁 PE III is gonna be awesome!

[@josephstanski5180]

Great vedio Blake - most of these adjustments are done globally - what/where/how (program/s do you use to be more specific with your adjustment? Can you share?

[@f64Academy]

Photoshop. You can use ACR as a Filter and masks in Photoshop

[@josephstanski5180]

@@f64Academy I'm surprised - now luminousity masks? Can you show this in an upcoming video?

[@JaRuggierojr]

Thanks for the heads up on calibration. I’m on my third review of the blend course. 👌

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! Wow, glad to know it has some rewatch value 😁

[@Prince_Charming_1]

Awesome tutorial! I will try the calibration because never really spending much time in that menu.

[@f64Academy]

Sweet! It's a great place to tweak color 😁

[@JohnHight3270]

Blake, Thank you for always coming up with original and thoughtful tips on using ACR and Photoshop. Your tips have influanced my work and an artist!

[@f64Academy]

That's so great to hear! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@andreak4280]

Love this!! thanks so much Blake 🙏🏼

[@berniejii3739]

I thought the purpose of the calibration section of ACR was a one time setting to compensate for any color bias in your camera. To be set once, if needed, and ever after ignored and not for each image. Anyone else have that impression? Thanks for opening my eyes to this Blake.

[@f64Academy]

That is more than likely then intention of it from past versions. But now, it gives us some incredible artistic possibilities.

[@danlightened]

That's always what I thought too, until I watched a video last week of a photographer in youtube use it the way, the OP here has done.

[@kenmorris2858]

Amazing tutorial.....I can hardly wait to try this in Lightroom....cheers from Nova Scotia...

[@davidreichel3394]

I've been hesitant to adjust the calibration tool -- not any more! Great workflow to follow.

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! It's a great tool

[@1young-geezer]

Great tutorial Blake! Thanks. Really liked your take on Calibration, I've never gone into that.

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@ctenos45069]

Really nice video Blake. I have been having fun learning the new ACR, and your videos are the 1st I have seen that show the benefits of the calibration sliders. Just now learning ZS6 and PE2. What a great 123 combo ... ACR-ZS-PE.

[@f64Academy]

Boom! For sure! Just wait for PE III 😁 it's sick!

[@richsylvester5606]

This was an awesome tip. ThANK YOU.Turning the so so into awesome.

[@f64Academy]

Woohoo!

[@sosacaresano]

Excelente tutorial genio. Te sigo desde Argentina

[@jvalenta47]

Great tutorial Blake! Thanks.

[@f64Academy]

Thank you!

[@rsingh4668]

Awesome. Good pace and well explained.

[@josephcole3187]

Well done Blake i also like to do 2 separate layers to cool my shadows with a mask and warm the highlights with a mask I’ll definitely see how this technique can improve my colors without producing flaws or banding from multiple layers of color change

[@f64Academy]

Nice touch on your process as well! Try this combined with that technique! Boom! Onto something great :)

[@josephcole3187]

f64 Academy 🤙🏻

[@angusmcnaughton]

I did the cool shadows/ warm highlights thing in ACR today using the split toning section, very quick & easy

[@barrypack4599]

Awesome video. Until watching this video, I have always just skipped over the calibration slider. I thought it had something to do with my camera setting. Thanks for the information.

[@matthewderoche3645]

Great video Blake! I found your channel from the few times you and Gavin Hardcastle did some editing lessons absolutely priceless. thank you for these four tips I'm defiantly going to be using these steps from now on. thank you again I am now subscribed with bell notifications on and will be watching your other video's for more educational tips

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! Thanks 😁

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank you!

[@BNIC2413]

Great tips and thanks. I do not see "Color Mixer" on my menu of options?

[@f64Academy]

What version of acr are you using? Older versions will be called HSL

[@lennartbrorssonlens-artpho731]

Thanx for a a new thinking for me

[@stephenwoodburn2970]

Great tutorial, Blake. While I am looking forward to using these techniques, I just can't wait to use the "I don't like to be shoulded on" comeback at work the next time someone says I should do something. Hope you and your family are doing well.

[@f64Academy]

Bahaha! I got that from the Christian singer Juliana Zobrist 😁 "Don't Should On Me"

[@storiesbyad]

Super helpful.... thanks so much

[@f64Academy]

You are so welcome!

[@ScenicSouthNZ]

Really loving your work mate! Thank you.

[@f64Academy]

My pleasure and thank you!

[@rubas6]

Amazing tutorial

[@f64Academy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@markevenden2386]

Thank you this made alot of sense.

[@JMSteger]

Great tips on the workflow order for processing colors in Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom. I like the added tip of moving the saturation up to 100% to see the impact of an individual Calibration or HSL adjustment. I have been experimenting with Calibration for several months since Adobe changed it. Calibration provides great results for some of my photos, but in others it's not as impactful. I have gone back to using HSL adjustments more since the latest ACR and LR update and your ACR 12.3 videos. How does your new color workflow in ACR impact the extent of adjustments you make using the Color Zones in the Zone System Express 6.0?

[@f64Academy]

Great thoughts. It doesn't impact my workflow in many ways. It just gives me better data to manipulate in Photoshop 😁 I like that I get more at the raw level so I can take it further without trying as hard in Photoshop. This image, I still had 15 layers on it in PS from the ZSE and PE!

[@KeysPete1]

I've been using ACR after my edit in Photoshop for global colour grades for sometime now. Don't know where I would be without the calibration section. Great video!

[@DavidQuillman]

THANK YOU. I'd never used ACR Calibration. I assumed it was for calibrating my monitor. I'd used WB and hue and saturation and vibrance but never calibration. I've been editing all day because of your video. Thank you.

[@f64Academy]

Yes! That's incredible! So glad to hear you found a new tool.

[@danlightened]

As far as I understand, each brand's camera sees and processes colour differently, which may not be what our eyes see. But this tool is to make it more neutral or what our eyes see.

[@wouterj.vanduin8706]

This is a very good technique for setting the base colors for further adjusting in Photoshop. Yet I would suggest to experiment and do one thing completely different since I don't think it to be the best start for adjusting tones before the color work. You brought in the image with your set adjustments before in the basic panel for tone. But I do not like the initial start of highlights at -100 and shadows at +100. That I think is not the best or suggested approach to take here. Instead leave all sliders (also for whites and blacks) at their 0 point or level. Now instead start with exposure back to -5 and gradually working up to -2 or -3 and see for best result. Next adjust the whites by sliding from 0 till the first highlights appear. Only then adjust blacks, highlights and shadows till the tones seem right and no clipping occurs anywhere. The base may seem rather flat after these adjustments but that is perfectly fine. Doing it this way shows that there is no need ever to crank up the shadows and crank down the highlights to their respective highs and lows. This is not a technique I discovered myself but I have found it to work wonders for further dodging and burning in Photoshop with or without the help of luminosity selections or mask to guide the dodging and burning. The technique can be found in the KZbin videos by Alistair Benn and others. I think the essential point in it is is not to set the shadows and highlights to their respectives max up and down. Also after all is done in both base work at tone and color in ACR and PS it is also good practice to pay a visit to the Calibration panel in ACR or LR once again, to then further adjust the saturation of the blues to see what it can do for the overall tone and luminance of the image at that point.

[@f64Academy]

The intent of this 12 minute video was too talk about color. I go into much more tone detail when it is necessary. This was about color.

[@gooseneckful]

Great video ! thanks !

[@f64Academy]

My pleasure!

[@mamaadura9831]

Wow, I am grateful for coming across your channel. Thank you. I have a question though, I agree with everything you've said, but what can I do about this? Whenever I edit on my laptop (it looks great on the laptop screen) but when I put them on my phone, it becomes very saturated and not exactly like the one on the laptop. What can I do?

[@f64Academy]

Different displays will display differently. There's also the ambient light variables around you. And so many other things that can't really be typed in a comment because it would take me all day 🤣 My recommendation, which changed everything for me, is to get a true Adobe RGB monitor as your main editing display. It will show you a whole lot more color than your laptop monitor and will look better than it does on your phone, but you'll get true color accuracy. An sRGB monitor is far less color accurate than an Adobe RGB monitor.

[@danlightened]

You gotta research colour management. It's quite a vast and complex topic. You most likely don't have an Adobe RBG display. Make sure you're exporting as sRBG. Also, your display may pretty off. And you need an external screen calibrator like Spyder. But they're like $200+. Try renting out one if you can, or at least, use the in-built calibration of Windows.

[@mamaadura9831]

@@danlightened yeah I have an Hp folio 9470m and to be honest it’s pretty low end and it’s sRGB I am trying to at least get a better laptop or a monitor screen, but Jeeez in this country things are really just expensive

[@danlightened]

@@mamaadura9831 Hmm, I still think it has something to do with your settings, Drivers, colour management or export settings. The vast difference you talk about shouldn't be happening otherwise.

[@mamaadura9831]

@@danlightened is there a way I can get your settings to see?

[@ArefAlragehi]

Thanks this is a very good tutorial I have one question, how do these steps fall in your workflow with tonal adjustments? I mean would you do your tonal adjustments after the white balance before you move to the other 3 color steps? I know to each their own i just want to know your process because adjusting whites and blacks (contrast) does have an impact on color saturation

[@f64Academy]

I usually start with tone first, then color. I need the tones to be balanced to see the colors.

[@jackbrainassociates8806]

I love your energy for post processing. I always come away with something new to try on my images. I had to laugh when you talked about “the purest photographers” the f:64 club was all that back in the day. Lol.

[@f64Academy]

Lol, they were but for a specific reason. They were all about making straight photography a legitimate artform while the east coast Stieglitz crowd was pushing soft focus and experimental processes. but Ansel did a lot of "post production" which is what today's purists shy away from.

[@jackbrainassociates8806]

You are right I’ve always thought Ansel would have loved Photoshop. What we did in the darkroom with chemicals and techniques is just the analog Photoshop.

[@gatsby498]

While i tend not to push to the extremes shown in this particular edit, calibration is one of my go-to tools for color. You can use it to make subtle adjustments that really have an impact (or not so subtle if that’s your preference)

[@f64Academy]

Very true. Some things are best to extremes then in PS I tone them down. Best to go into PS with more information than less.

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias.

[@josefjagerstedt5955]

Great stuff, thank you!

[@f64Academy]

My pleasure!

[@brianbochicchio7729]

Drat's missed the premier :/ This is a great video. I still hadn't mess with it because the word "Calibration " is used. Mental stumbling block I guess. Seeing the relationship of it to the HSL changed how I thought about it. I'll be checking it out later for sure! Thanks!

[@f64Academy]

Agreed! I always avoided it for that reason too. Man it's so precious! Thanks for checking it out!

[@bjstefaniuk]

Blake, this was an A-HA / Life Changing / OMG moment!!!! Now I've got to re-edit 10 years worth of edits!!!

[@nilofido411]

Interesting... I use the calibration in conjunction with Xrite, one click and I have perfect “real” colours... On a different note, is this the return of the HDR era? Definitely it seams like it from social media platforms.

[@StevenBrener]

This is great. Tried it in LRCC and love the power of the Calibration panel, which I barely touched before. Then went to LR (cloud based) and noticed that that version doesn't have it. Was disappointed!

[@f64Academy]

Interesting. I need don't use LR so I'm not entirely sure why it's not there.

[@ngodinhhoang]

Thank you very much !❤💚💙

[@MrRuelP]

Awesome. Useful. Subscribed.

[@f64Academy]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ngodinhhoang]

Thank you very much!

[@angusmcnaughton]

Great tutorial thanks, I'm still a bit confused about why the RGB sliders in the camera calibration pane affect the complete opposite colours just as much. I'd add curves and split toning as bonus options. I also wish there was a channel mixer like in photoshop for colour swaps (e.g. faux infrared look).

[@azad3741]

you are awesome ,thank you

[@f64Academy]

😁 my pleasure!

[@kansascityrc]

Awesome video Blake, the calibration panel is definitely a hidden color gem in ACR. I get excited just like you when I get to that point. 🤣

[@f64Academy]

Yes!!! It's not just me!

[@ignaciopin5054]

Great tutorial, thanks!!! Just one doubt. You don't mention the split toning slider for color adjustments. Why?

[@f64Academy]

That's only for selective cases when I want to get creative and I prefer to do that kind of color grading in Photoshop. I very rarely use split toning in ACR

[@ignaciopin5054]

@@f64Academy Ok, thanksss!!!!

[@willitellus]

Two thumbs up!

[@f64Academy]

Woohoo!

[@yoshirochen112]

Hi, thanks for this awesome video. Just a quick question, I see that when we import multiple images into ACR, it has a star rating for each of them, but how do we actually filter them after giving them a rate? Thanks!

[@f64Academy]

That would be done in Bridge or Lightroom. ACR can't filter photos like cataloging software can.

[@yoshirochen112]

@@f64Academy Thanks! Just feel it is weird how they included rating but can't actually make use of it. XD

[@f64Academy]

You can still see what the xmp data is, I think that's the point, to know what you already starred or to increase or decrease the star rating as you edit as it can be seen over all programs.

[@TheReal_TC]

Awesome video man. Thank you so much for all your tutorials. On a funny note... what was that very last sentence you said??? Just giving you crap! Let’s create some experiences.

[@patkars]

Thank you

[@capricorn1ne]

I'm confused and not seeing the need for Lightroom now..? I didn't realise you could do so much straight off the bat with ACR. Awesome techniques

[@f64Academy]

ACR and Lightroom have a nearly identical processing engine. Everything you see here you can do in the develop module of Lightroom.

[@wazzedon]

Lightroom is file management, editor, output all in one place. I use Adobe camera raw for edits not Lightroom because for work we use a program called photomechanic to ingest, file organise, rename and attach metadata. Lightroom just helps you stay in one place rather than having to use both bridge and camera raw and photoshop...

[@danlightened]

​@@f64AcademyWhich begs the question, what's the need for both?

[@f64Academy]

@@danlightened workflow and workflow only. I don't use lightroom because I seldom process large events and prefer the speed of use with ACR and PS. Those that have high volume would be better suited for lightroom.

[@danlightened]

@@f64Academy Ah! Because of the cataloguing capabilities of LR.

[@fabiodonofrio2988]

I wonder what is going to happen to the overall gamut at the end of this process, it will be still printable?

[@f64Academy]

I print a lot of my images and they look great, so I'd say, yeah you're good to go.

[@christophebroult3214]

Merci.

[@eefms]

I just watched your "4 Color tools you SHOULD be using in Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom." Incredibly valuable info. Which of your videos would you suggest as a follow-on? P.S. Saw you with Matt Thursday. Also great help.

[@f64Academy]

Anything in my color theory playlist really. I don't really make these videos to build on one another so anything really 😁

[@tonys3112]

Something I noticed is that you do not change the camera color profile at the top. In my case I always make mine to landscape which makes image "pop" does this somehow relate to the calibration tool?

[@f64Academy]

That I'm not sure. It's Adobe proprietary, I think it uses a look table to create the effect so it's a bit different than calibration.

[@TC_Conner]

Why do I not see a grad filter in ACR on my M2 MacBook Air?

[@f64Academy]

It's in the masking section now, this is an older video before the masking update.

[@TC_Conner]

@@f64Academy Thanks, I usually look to see when videos are posted but didn’t in this instance. 😛

[@JayDowney]

May have to revisit my Milky Way shots with this ;)

[@JayDowney]

Just fiddled with Calibration on a photo of the Comet NEOWISE I shot last week in a highly light polluted area and it helped dial in the "black" that Space is supposed to be.

[@f64Academy]

Nice!

[@NetTubeUser]

0:50 -- Holy crap! Jason Levine from Adobe has changed drastically but also became a villain! ...

[@f64Academy]

Haha, that's who that is? I found it on Adobe Stock

[@NetTubeUser]

@@f64Academy Haha! But is that a coincidence OR ... a conspiracy theory? We never know because Jason Levine can be unpredictable now. Stay on your guard! ;-D

[@f64Academy]

@@NetTubeUser haha, well, it's on Adobe Stock, it's fair game 🤣😁🤣

[@NetTubeUser]

@@f64Academy Hahaha! 🤣

[@SunilGupte]

Where can I get colour mixer ??

[@f64Academy]

They changed the name in the new ACR for Ps CC so you'd have to update to Ps 2020 and ACR 12.3

[@Retset]

I've never used Calibration much so time for me to break out the squeaky voice :D. Thanks Blake - great foundation with much less of the unreal look that it's all too easy to "achieve".

[@f64Academy]

It can be tricky and the settings are wildly different from photo to photo, it's hard to make a generalized adjustment with it for sure.

[@davebryer6133]

I have always tried calibration last and 99% of the time was disappointed, so now I will try it second.

[@f64Academy]

Give it a new go!

[@MusicJunky3]

You like this huh ?! Aw c'mon on you are safe here and you inspire people ! What more would you want ? Cold beer coming up ! (It's raining here, guess what I am going to do with the weekend ,it's going to be another sleep-under-the-desk-one ! Cheers !

[@f64Academy]

Awesome! Lol, glad I could give you something to do 😁

[@fotowalo]

thx a lot :-)

[@f64Academy]

My pleasure!

[@TC_Conner]

“Shoulded on.” 😂😂😂

[@f64Academy]

It's a good one 🤣

[@stevebryson5464]

I'm a little surprised that you don't start off talking about selecting an appropriate color profile. Seems to me that should be step one. I use X-rite profiles created for my cameras' sensors as the starting point.

[@f64Academy]

You can do that, but a profile isn't always necessary.

[@Bassemphotos]

Calibration most important thing in camera raw

[@f64Academy]

Pretty darn good!

[@raimundgebhardt3204]

Very good content, presentation is a little overexited.

[@f64Academy]

I'll make it boring next time, lol. This is how present, it's just who I am when I get excited about what I love to do. I hate to be blunt, but I won't apologize or change. This is me just loving what I do for a living.

[@geraldbraun6267]

Good advice, but to me it looks somewhat over saturated.

[@f64Academy]

Just like the movies, some things are over done for effect 😁 however, this is not a finished image. I would take this onto Photoshop and refine it further as I did with the portfolio pieces I put together. It's better to go into PS with more raw color information than less.

[@imagingArts]

You have the color profile set to "Adobe Color". That isn't a setting from your camera. Why do you use that profile? I've always shot with Camera Neutral so that the camera logic has as little effect on color as possible. BTW, I watched your video about AI and think that the situation is about the same as using Raw over JPG. That is, why let the tech engineers decide how a picture should look.

[@f64Academy]

Adobe Color can give a great base to start from when manipulating color.

[@besspalmer2544]

Can’t believe you are having this ad. So disappointing. My image of you has degraded. 😝

[@f64Academy]

I don't choose my ads, KZbin does...

[@ipanaya]

Thanks a bunch

[@Sasquatchbones]

Thank you!