Color matching help please

[Ed_L]

I have an old photo that I had to scan the top, then the bottom because of the size. When I put the two scans together (a first for me), I noticed quite a difference in color between the scans (low end scanner), but they do not appear on the photo. I will likely copy the photo with a camera instead, but I would also like to be able to get the colors to match, if for no other reason than to learn how to do it. I tried working with the eyedropper and color sampler tool (I think that's the name of it), but I couldn't get a good match. If you feel like trying to get a match, that's great. But don't make a special effort.

Ed

[Doug Nelson]

Include the same printed stepwedge for both scans and use them to match with the eyedroppers. That's what they're for (well, one thing they're for).

[Ed_L]

Well, that was pretty easy wasn't it? Thanks for the reply.

Ed

[jeaniesa]

Ed, I think you definitely need to rescan. I've been playing with it a little bit and it's strange. Did you turn the photo upside down to scan the second half? The reason I ask is the top (darker) half appears to have a grayish tint on the left and a reddish tint on the right. This is reversed on the lower half and is exacerbated when I try to adjust the color on either half.

Doug's idea of including a step wedge in the scan will be key I think. Also make sure that you don't adjust the scanner settings for the second scan - you want to keep them the same as the first scan.

Also, I'm sure you're aware that when you put the two pieces together, it's best to overlap and use a gradient layer mask to blend the two pieces nicely.

Jeanie

[Ed_L]

Jeanie,

Thanks for the help. Yes, I turned it upside down for the second scan because of the placement of the scanner. Scanner settings were the same. Guess I'll have to move the scanner, and try again before copying with a camera. It never occured to me to use a gradient layer mask. This was my first try at this kind of thing. Thanks for the tip.

Ed

[Guest]

What's a step wedge?

[gland]

Thank you Greg for asking that question. I'd like to know what a step wedge is too.

Gary

[Don Majoros]

What's a step wedge?
Is it like a wedgey?

[Doug Nelson]

Click here for details on making a stepwedge

[Jakaleena]

The words "RetouchPRO" at the top of this page are on a step wedge. It's a scale that goes from white to black with a bunch of different grays in between...