Module 6: Colour Management

Colour is one of photography’s most expressive tools, and this module begins by clarifying how it works—both scientifically and creatively. You’ll explore the colour spectrum, colour temperature, and key developments in colour theory, while also learning to recognise how humans and cameras perceive colour differently.

From there, you’ll dive into the digital systems that shape your workflow. You’ll compare major colour spaces, understand gamut, gamma, bit depth, and dynamic range, and learn how to manage colour accurately through white balance, calibration, and proper use of colour-checking tools.

Finally, the module brings everything together in practical application. You’ll learn how monitors, printers, and file formats affect colour, how to soft-proof your work, and how to prepare images for print or web with confidence. By the end, you’ll have a streamlined, colour-managed process that keeps your images consistent from capture to output.

Module 6 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

Colour affects mood, atmosphere and therefore the way the viewer perceives your images. Learn how to control another important element in your photography workflow, including white balance. In Module 6, you'll:

Learn colour theory and how it affects the way the viewer interprets your images.
Analyse colour spaces, their differences and practical use for print and web use.
Examine and apply colour management methods in-camera and in post-production.
Investigate the main file formats and best practices when managing your files.

What You’ll Learn

Contemporary & Traditional Colour Theory
Explore Maxwell’s Triangle, modern colour theory, CIE & LAB colour and more.
Colour Temperature & White Balance
Master white balance and colour temperature in-camera and in post-production.
Device Calibration & Colour Spaces
Learn how to calibrate your devices and effectively use colour spaces.
Formats, Resolution, Print & Workflow
Understand file formats and manage resolution and print settings professionally.

What You’ll Do

Manage White Balance
Practice setting up custom white balance and analyse the results.
Calibrate Your Camera
Use specific tools to calibrate your camera and achieve accurate colour tones.
Calibrate Your Monitor
Fine-tune your monitor's colour settings to enhance colour precision.
Colour Management Task
Complete colour management exercises in post-production.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUAPHI523 – Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
CUAACD522 – Work with photomedia in a practice
CUAIND412 – Provide freelance services
CUAPHI403 – Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
CUAPHI521 – Make illustrative photo images for publication and display
CUAPHI536 – Provide photographic portrait services

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Topics

In Module 6, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Introducing Colour
The Colour Spectrum
Colour Temperature
Early Colour Theory Development
Maxwell’s Triangle & Modern Colour Theory
Colour Spaces
Additive & Subtractive Colour Systems
The CIE & LAB Colour
Managing Colour & Digital White Balance
Custom White Balance
A Colour Reality Check
Seeing Like a Camera
Colour Perception
How Do You See Colour?
Adobe Colour Wheel
Colour Management In-Camera
Adobe RGB (1998)
sRGB
ProPhoto RGB
Grey Spaces
Dynamic Range
Calibrating Your Camera
Using Your Colour Checker
Colour Management Monitors
The Calibration Device
Calibrating Your Monitor
Your Workspace
Work In RGB
Gamma
Gamut
Gamut Warnings
The CMYK Colour Space

Bit Depth
Colour Channels in Photoshop
Colour Management ICC Profiles & Rendering
Output Devices & Resolution Requirements
Photo Quality Inkjet Printers
Offset Printing Press
Lines Per Inch & DPI Conversions
The Professional Print Lab
The Web
Dot Gain
File Formats for Digital Imaging & Printing
Camera Raw
DNG
JPEG
Print-Bound Images
PSD Photoshop’s Default File Format
TIFF
EPS
PDF
GIF
JPEG 2000
Other Random File Formats
Working With 16-Bit Files
Converting 8-Bit Images to 16-Bit
16-Bit Editing
Do Your Prints Look Like the Screen Image?
Soft Proofing
Professional Labs and File Preparation
Pixel Perfect – Soft Proofing
Printing on a Photo Printer
A Final Word

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 6, you will:

Understand colour theory and how to manipulate tones and temperature to achieve the desired look.
Have full control over white balance when capturing your images and understand the main file formats.
Learn to calibrate your devices for consistency and accuracy, meeting industry standard results.
Incorporate professional colour management workflow into your photography practice.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

In this module and throughout the course, you’ll be guided by our expert photography tutors, accomplished professionals, currently active with years of industry experience. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping you develop your own photography style, ensuring you feel inspired and equipped to succeed in the photography industry.