Color accuracy in product photography
Wrong colors cause returns and complaints. Learn white balance, color checkers, monitor calibration and consistent exports.
If a customer orders a coral dress and receives a pink one, the photo failed. Accurate color protects sales and reputation.
Control the light
Use one type of light at a time: all daylight, all flash or all LED. Mixed light creates color casts that are hard to fix.
Custom white balance
Photograph a gray card under your lights and set a custom white balance, or click on it with the eyedropper in editing.
Use a color checker
A color target like the X-Rite ColorChecker lets you build a camera profile so colors match reality across different cameras and lighting.
Calibrate your monitor
An uncalibrated screen can be too blue or too saturated. A calibration device makes what you see match what you export.
Export in sRGB
Most browsers and phones display sRGB. Exporting in Adobe RGB or ProPhoto can make colors look dull online.
Compare with the real product
Place the product next to your screen under neutral light and compare before delivering.
Brand colors
For brands with official colors, check key items against Pantone or hex references.
Next: Restaurant menu photography: planning a shoot that sells
