Automating Color Control in Lightroom

fIn Lightroom, there are three strategies for applying settings to several images at once.

1. Copy and Paste Settings is perfect if you have a few images shot under the same lighting that require the same color corrections. Simply copy the settings you adjust in one photo and paste them into other images. This can be done either in the Develop Module or the Library Module.
2. Synchronize Settings is very useful to apply settings to a whole series of images. When viewing a series of images in the main window, or filmstrip, select an image that has the setting that you want to share across to other images. Select all of the other images you want to share the settings with and use the Sync option.
3. Save as a Preset is ideal if you regularly shoot under the same lighting, such as in your studio. Simply save the settings as a preset and apply them to future images taken under the same conditions. You can apply a preset when opening images. In Lightroom, there are two strategies for applying settings to several images at once.

Use these steps to copy settings from one photo and paste them into other images from the Develop Module.

• Select an image and set the white balance. If you’re using a custom DNG profile, set it; then make any necessary color corrections.
• Click the Copy button. The Copy Settings dialog window will appear.
• Select the settings to copy to another image. If you want to copy your camera DNG profile, make sure to select the Calibration check box.
• Click the Copy button.
• From the filmstrip at the bottom of the window, select an image. Click the Paste button. These settings will be applied to the selected image.

Use these steps to copy settings from one photo and paste them into other images from the Library Module.

• Under the Photo menu select Develop Settings.
• From the sub menu, select Copy Settings. The Copy Settings dialog window will appear.
• Select the settings to copy to another image. If you want to copy your camera DNG profile, make sure to select the Calibration check box.
• Click the Copy button.
• From the grid or filmstrip view, select another image or group of images.
• Select Photo > Develop Settings > Paste to apply the settings.

Lightroom allows you to synchronize settings in the filmstrip of either the Library or Develop modules, or in the Library Thumbnails.

• Click to select an image that has been edited to your liking.
• Select an image, or group of images, to which you would like to apply the same settings and hit the Sync… (or Sync Settings… ) button in the lower right corner.
• All of the settings from the first image will be applied to the selected images.

If you shoot a lot of images under the same lighting on a regular basis, like a photography studio, it might be helpful to save a preset that can be used over and over.

• In the Develop Module, open an image of the ColorChecker Passport target that was shot under the desired lighting.
• Set the white balance and select your camera’s DNG profile.
• On the left side panel next to the word Presets, click on the + button. This will open a window that allows you to select any setting that you want to include in this preset. Select only the settings you need.
• Give this preset a meaningful name that describes the lighting conditions and camera that was used.
• Click the Create button. When you need this preset, simply open an image and select it from the list. Keep in mind, you may need to reselect your white balance for each shoot.

Lightroom allows you to save your Camera Raw settings as a default. Since even the same model camera may capture color a little differently, it will be useful to save unique settings for each of your cameras. To ensure these settings are only used for a specific camera’s serial number and ISO setting, set that option in your Preferences.

• Under the Lightroom menu, on the Mac, or Edit menu in Windows, open Preferences.
• In the Presets tab, select the option to make specific defaults for individual cameras by serial number, or for specific ISO settings.
• Keep in mind, this feature may not be supported by every camera manufacturer.