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Anyone involved in photography recognizes the ColorChecker (Originally Gretag-Macbeth, now X-Rite/Pantone). That 24 solid sqaures of color target photographed millions of times to verify color rendition, and adjust software and monitors to show colors as seen originally by the photographer (or camera!) Read more here.
It is an important tool in any camera bag, and a requirement in studio photography for accuracy. A Color Checker varies in price from about $65-$120 (depending on country, store, etc.)
I already own a Gretag-Macbeth Color Checker (A4) size, but unless going on a serious shoot, I avoid taking with me, because of size, and you really don't want it to get dirty. So I figured I'd get a small (wallet sized) one (X-Rite or Passport) to carry in my camera case.
Whaaaaaa.... it costs as much (or more with calibration software) as the full sized one.
I am cheap. Plus I own a full sized one. Plus I have a Pantone Color Specifier book (Used in pre-press and graphics work). And I am cheap.
So I set out to make my own!! DIY and all ........
NOTE: A color checker is an array of 24 scientifically prepared natural, chromatic, primary and gray scale colored squares in a wide range of colors. Many of the squares represent natural objects, such as human skin, foliage and blue sky. Since they exemplify the color of their counterparts and reflect light the same way in all parts of the visible spectrum, the squares will match the colors of representative sample natural objects under any illumination, and with any color reproduction process. ColorChecker Classic can also be used to create a white balance with your digital camera to guarantee precise, uniform, neutral white under any lighting condition. (Quoted from X-Rite)
Disclaimer: This 'ible is no way intended to replace or substitute the real thing, nor is it colorimetrically (is that even a word?) correct or scientifically made! I matched the colors from the Pantone book by eye, and put it together as a quick pocket reference. In a bind, it helps, but even I use the real thing when doing a shoot.
Having said that, let's go make one!
It is an important tool in any camera bag, and a requirement in studio photography for accuracy. A Color Checker varies in price from about $65-$120 (depending on country, store, etc.)
I already own a Gretag-Macbeth Color Checker (A4) size, but unless going on a serious shoot, I avoid taking with me, because of size, and you really don't want it to get dirty. So I figured I'd get a small (wallet sized) one (X-Rite or Passport) to carry in my camera case.
Whaaaaaa.... it costs as much (or more with calibration software) as the full sized one.
I am cheap. Plus I own a full sized one. Plus I have a Pantone Color Specifier book (Used in pre-press and graphics work). And I am cheap.
So I set out to make my own!! DIY and all ........
NOTE: A color checker is an array of 24 scientifically prepared natural, chromatic, primary and gray scale colored squares in a wide range of colors. Many of the squares represent natural objects, such as human skin, foliage and blue sky. Since they exemplify the color of their counterparts and reflect light the same way in all parts of the visible spectrum, the squares will match the colors of representative sample natural objects under any illumination, and with any color reproduction process. ColorChecker Classic can also be used to create a white balance with your digital camera to guarantee precise, uniform, neutral white under any lighting condition. (Quoted from X-Rite)
Disclaimer: This 'ible is no way intended to replace or substitute the real thing, nor is it colorimetrically (is that even a word?) correct or scientifically made! I matched the colors from the Pantone book by eye, and put it together as a quick pocket reference. In a bind, it helps, but even I use the real thing when doing a shoot.
Having said that, let's go make one!
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Signing UpStep 1Gather your parts!
Now, I already mentioned I own a ColorChecker, as well as the Pantone Color Specifier Book.
You don't!
So find a friend (or friend of a friend) who works in publishing, or printing, or graphics (prepress) and be nice to him/her so that they can get you the needed color swatches.
Failing that, go to a print shop and ask nicely for the 23 sample swatches. Most places will give them to you. After all, that is the purpose of these samples - to match colors to your printing needs. (the RED square was colored in with a red marker and it matched better, so don't ask!)
If your social skills are not good enough, then I can't help you. Sorry.
You will also need some black cardboard,
Some any other stiff card (black would be nice but anything works),
a cutting mat and a VERY sharp cutter,
A steel ruler,
paper glue of your choice (stick/bottle/tube)
PATIENCE
You can use the reference in the next pictures to get the swatches or you cam match your own! Now this is where the "23" comes in. For the white piece, find the WHITEST paper you can get and cut a piece from there. Now you have 24!
Next step please --->
You don't!
So find a friend (or friend of a friend) who works in publishing, or printing, or graphics (prepress) and be nice to him/her so that they can get you the needed color swatches.
Failing that, go to a print shop and ask nicely for the 23 sample swatches. Most places will give them to you. After all, that is the purpose of these samples - to match colors to your printing needs. (the RED square was colored in with a red marker and it matched better, so don't ask!)
If your social skills are not good enough, then I can't help you. Sorry.
You will also need some black cardboard,
Some any other stiff card (black would be nice but anything works),
a cutting mat and a VERY sharp cutter,
A steel ruler,
paper glue of your choice (stick/bottle/tube)
PATIENCE
You can use the reference in the next pictures to get the swatches or you cam match your own! Now this is where the "23" comes in. For the white piece, find the WHITEST paper you can get and cut a piece from there. Now you have 24!
Next step please --->
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Just remember though, that this is NOT exact, but the closest match I could get, and I do have an original Gretag color chart to match it to!