You can adjust the white balance in Photoshop by using either the Color Balance adjustment or, more effectively, a Curves adjustment layer. Here's a breakdown of the most common and recommended methods:
Method 1: Using the Color Balance Adjustment
This method is straightforward, but less precise than using Curves.
- Go to Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.
- A "Color Balance" window will appear with three sliders: Cyan/Red, Magenta/Green, and Yellow/Blue.
- Adjust the sliders to correct the color cast in your image. For example, if your image has a blue cast, move the Yellow/Blue slider towards Yellow.
- You can adjust the color balance separately for shadows, midtones, and highlights by selecting the appropriate option at the bottom of the Color Balance window.
- Click "OK" when you are satisfied with the results.
Method 2: Using a Curves Adjustment Layer (Recommended)
This method offers more control and is generally preferred for accurate white balance adjustments.
- Add a Curves Adjustment Layer: In the Layers panel, click the "Create new fill or adjustment layer" icon (it looks like a half-filled circle) and select "Curves."
- Access Auto Color Correction Options: In the Properties panel for the Curves layer (if the properties panel is not visible, go to Window > Properties), click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner. Then, select "Auto Options."
- Find Dark & Light Colors: In the Auto Color Correction Options dialog box, ensure the "Snap Neutral Midtones" box is checked. Now, click the "Snap Neutral Midtones" box. Then, click on the first eyedropper (Shadows) to sample the darkest color in your picture. Next, click on the third eyedropper (Highlights) to sample the lightest color.
- Set Target Colors (Optional but Recommended): Click on the "Target Colors & Clipping" area. Here you can adjust the RGB values to make sure to use a proper RGB level for your shadows and highlights. Then, click OK
- Refine as Needed: The Curves layer will automatically adjust the white balance based on the sampled colors. You can further refine the adjustment by manually adjusting the curve(s) for each color channel (Red, Green, Blue) if needed. This gives you fine-grained control over the color balance.
- Alternative method (using eyedroppers directly): Instead of auto options, you can select the gray point sampler (the middle eyedropper) and click on an area in your image that should be neutral gray. Photoshop will adjust the curves to make that point neutral. This can be very effective if you have a clear neutral reference point in your image.
Why Curves is Preferred:
- Non-Destructive Editing: Adjustment layers are non-destructive, meaning they don't permanently alter the original image data. You can always adjust or remove them later.
- Precise Control: Curves allows for fine-tuning of the color balance in each channel, giving you greater precision.
- Masking: You can use layer masks to apply the white balance adjustment only to specific areas of the image.
Tips for Effective White Balance Adjustment:
- Start with a Good Reference: If possible, use a color checker or gray card when taking the photo. This provides a known neutral reference point for accurate white balance correction.
- Avoid Extreme Adjustments: Subtlety is key. Avoid making drastic adjustments, as this can introduce unwanted artifacts or color distortions.
- Trust Your Eyes: Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a visually pleasing result. Trust your eyes and adjust the colors until they look natural and balanced.
