Colorblind? Master Photography Like a Pro (Tools Inside)
Think being colorblind means you can't master photography and color grading?
Think again.
Some of the best photographers and colorists in the industry are colorblind. They just use different tools and techniques than everyone else.
If you're struggling with color in your photos and videos, this guide will show you exactly how to nail perfect colors every time, even if you can't tell red from green.
The Truth About Colorblind Photography
Here's what most people don't know: modern photography is mostly technical, not visual.
We have tools that measure color scientifically. You don't need to "see" the perfect color, you just need to know how to read the data.
One red-green colorblind editor shared their story: "I became my company's primary color corrector using vectorscopes and waveform monitors. These tools tell you exactly how much red, green, and blue is in your footage."
Your Ally: The ColorChecker Passport Video 2
This small tool will change everything for you. Here's why it's perfect:
Works for Both Photo and Video
No need to buy separate tools
One device handles all your color needs
Fits in your camera bag easily
Creates Custom Camera Profiles
Shoot the target in your lighting conditions
Your software creates a perfect color profile
Apply to all photos from that shoot instantly
No more guessing about white balance
Perfect for Mixed Lighting
Construction sites with varied conditions
Retail environments with complex lighting setups
For Hybrid Photo/Video Shooters
If you shoot both photo and video equally like many real estate and commercial photographers, consider the ColorChecker Passport Duo instead.
This single device combines:
Photo calibration targets for Lightroom custom profiles
Video targets for vectorscope and RGB parade work
Large neutral white balance target that works for both formats
No tool switching between photo and video workflows
At $199, it costs less than buying the Photo ($119) + Video ($149) versions separately, while eliminating the workflow friction of managing multiple tools.
How to Use Technical Tools for Perfect Color
In DaVinci Resolve:
Vectorscope: Shows color balance objectively. A balanced image crosses through the center
Waveform Monitor: Measures exact color data - no guesswork needed
Color Wheels and Curves: Make precise adjustments based on numbers, not what you see
DaVinci Resolve is completely free and includes professional-grade color correction tools. For advanced features, DaVinci Resolve Studio adds AI-powered tools and supports 10-bit video up to 120fps.
In Lightroom:
Use the ColorChecker profiles as your starting point
Check histograms for proper exposure
Use the white balance dropper on your ColorChecker target
Your New Workflow That Saves Hours
Before Each Shoot:
Include the ColorChecker in one test shot per lighting setup
Take notes about lighting conditions
Use fast, reliable memory cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC cards to ensure your RAW files are captured without corruption
In Post-Production:
Import your ColorChecker shot first
Create or apply the custom profile
Copy settings to all photos from that setup
Fine-tune using technical tools, not your eyes
For Video:
Record 10 seconds with the ColorChecker
Use this as your reference in DaVinci Resolve
Match all clips to this standard
Real Success Stories
Professional colorblind photographers and video editors are everywhere. They succeed because they:
Rely on technical measurements instead of color perception
Use consistent workflows with color references
Master their software's technical tools
Work smarter, not harder
Essential Gear for Colorblind Photographers
Calibrite ColorChecker Passport Video 2 - Your most important tool for consistent color
Calibrated Monitor - Shows accurate colors even if you can't see them perfectly. For accurate color representation, consider the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM for its remarkable picture quality, or the BENQ SW321C for professional work
DaVinci Resolve - Free professional color grading software that's the same tool used in Hollywood
Fast High-Speed Memory Cards - For shooting RAW files that give you maximum color flexibility. SanDisk Ultra SDXC cards with up to 140 MB/s read speeds ensure your RAW files are captured reliably
Color Reference Tools - A gray card set for on-location white balance reference when the ColorChecker isn't practical
Why This Actually Makes You Better
Colorblind photographers often become more technical and precise than their color-seeing colleagues. While others rely on gut feeling, you learn to:
Understand color theory deeply
Master technical tools completely
Create consistent, repeatable workflows
Deliver more reliable results
Start Today
Grab a ColorChecker Passport Video 2 and start using the technical tools in your editing software. You'll be amazed how quickly your color work improves when you stop guessing and start measuring.
Your clients won't care if you're colorblind. They'll just see perfect, professional results every time.
No matter if you're just getting started with photography or looking to solve specific color issues like fixing yellow tints in photos, these technical approaches will serve you well throughout your photography journey.
—Hakan
Founder, PhotoCultivator.com | Instagram : @photocultivator