Chapter 9: Processing Raw Images 165
When Adobe adds a new digital camera model to Camera Raw, they program
in specific color profiles for that particular model digital camera. The controls
in the Calibrate tab (see Figure 9-28) are intended to be used to fine-tune the
camera profile in Camera Raw with what your own digital camera is producing.
Most photographers wouldn’t go through the hassle of calibrating their digital
camera to the profiles available in Camera Raw, after all, the profiles provided
work very well as they are set up now. Another reason, it’s a real hassle to
calibrate your digital camera!
To actually recalibrate the Camera Raw built-in profiles, you would have to
purchase or download a calibration target image, take a photo of it in neutral
daylight balanced lighting, then compare the image converted to ProPhoto
RGB working space with the same image in Camera Raw. You would then
have to match the colors of the text image with the photo in Camera Raw in
order to adjust the colors in the Calibrate tab — with both windows visible
on your computer monitor. If you understand all that, I think you’ll appreciate
why most of us just use the Camera Raw built-in profiles!
Although the Calibrate controls aren’t meant for applying color corrections
to photos, you can still use ’em to get some really cool color effects! The
photo shown in Figure 9-29 (for example) was first adjusted normally, using
the controls in the Adjust and Curve tab. Then I messed with it in the
Calibrate tab and added some kinky colors.
Figure 9-28: The Calibrate tab.