2. Choose Image > Adjustments > Auto Color and immediately you’ll see a dramatic difference.
Note: In Photoshop CS4 the command is Image > Auto Color.
And that’s with just one click.
Slightly More Steps But Still Easy Color Cast Removal
If you have an image that has a severe color cast, this method is a little more powerful than using the Auto Color adjustment.
1. Open a photo that has a strong color cast. This is a picture I took where the white balance was way off on the camera so it came out very blue.
2. Choose Image > Adjustments > Match Color
Match Color is usually used when you have two images and you want them to have a similar feel, so you can match the color of one with the other. In this case we only have one image so it’s still extra easy.
On the Match Color dialog box, simply click the Neutralize checkbox and voila!, the color cast will disappear.
And here’s how my picture looks. It was a particularly dark, gloomy Irish day but the intense blue cast is gone.
If you find that the Color Match takes too much color out of your photograph, drag the Fade slider to the right until some color comes back. To increase the intensity of the color, drag the Color Intensity slider to the right. When you’re happy with how it looks click OK.
Hope you find that useful either for your own digital photography or as a method to quickly correct client images with color casts. You may also find it useful to learn how to remove the background in images.
Frequently Asked Questions on Removing Color Cast with Photoshop
What is a color cast and how does it affect my photos?
A color cast is an unwanted tint that affects the entire image uniformly, often giving the photo a monochromatic look. It can be caused by various factors such as incorrect white balance, artificial lighting, or the time of day the photo was taken. This can affect the overall mood and feel of your image, making it look unnatural or unappealing.
How can I identify a color cast in my photos?
Identifying a color cast can be subjective and depends on the image. However, a common sign is when the image appears to have an overall tint of a single color. For example, if an image appears too blue or too yellow, it likely has a color cast. You can also use the histogram in Photoshop to identify any color imbalances.
Can I prevent color casts when taking photos?
While it’s not always possible to prevent color casts, you can minimize them by setting the correct white balance on your camera before shooting. This adjusts the camera’s color sensitivity to match the color temperature of the light source, helping to produce more accurate colors.
Why should I use Photoshop to remove color casts?
Photoshop offers a range of tools and features that allow for precise color correction. It allows you to adjust the color balance, saturation, and hue of your image, giving you more control over the final result compared to other photo editing software.
What tools in Photoshop can I use to remove color casts?
Photoshop offers several tools for color correction, including the Levels and Curves adjustments, the Color Balance tool, and the Selective Color tool. Each tool has its own strengths and can be used individually or in combination to achieve the desired result.
How does the Levels adjustment work in Photoshop?
The Levels adjustment in Photoshop allows you to adjust the tonal range and color balance of an image. It displays the image’s histogram and lets you adjust the shadows, midtones, and highlights separately. This can be particularly useful for removing color casts.
Can I remove color casts from black and white photos?
Yes, color casts can also affect black and white photos, often giving them a sepia or cyan tint. You can use the same tools and techniques in Photoshop to correct the color balance and remove the cast.
How can I use the Color Balance tool in Photoshop?
The Color Balance tool in Photoshop allows you to adjust the amount of red, green, and blue in your image. By adjusting these values, you can neutralize any color cast and restore the natural colors in your image.
What is the Selective Color tool and how can it help?
The Selective Color tool in Photoshop allows you to adjust the color of specific areas in your image without affecting the rest. This can be particularly useful when the color cast only affects certain parts of the image.
Can I save my color correction settings in Photoshop for future use?
Yes, Photoshop allows you to save your color correction settings as a preset. This can save you time when editing similar images in the future. You can create a preset by clicking on the ‘Presets’ button in the Adjustments panel and then selecting ‘Save Preset’.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
