One of the touted benefits of the Raw workflow is that you can wait to make a lot of your decisions until you process your Raw files. Although the back panel of your camera may not provide a very accurate preview, it can be improved if you do a custom white balance.

If you choose, set the in-camera white balance. This will not change any of the actual Raw data, but it can speed up processing by providing a good suggested white balance for your images when you open them in your Rawprocessing software. (Go to How to Set In-Camera White Balance)

Capture the ColorChecker Passport, including the ColorChecker Classic and Creative Enhancement targets in one image. When shooting Raw, you can do this any time during the shoot. (See Tips for Capturing the ColorChecker Classic Target and Positioning Options with the ColorChecker Passport)

Capture your images under the same lighting conditions that you shot the targets. Each time you change light conditions, shoot the targets again.

If you choose, use the ColorChecker Classic to build a custom DNG profile for your camera/lighting/lens combination. (See Creating DNG Profiles with Passport)

In the Raw processing software, select a DNG profile.

Select a white point. To use the custom in-camera white balance from when the image was shot, select ‘As Shot’.

Use the white balance selection tool in your Raw processing software to select the gray balance in the Creative Enhancement target. This patch can be one that is neutral or one that provides a warmer or cooler look that you want. (See How to Set White Balance and Warming and Cooling with White Balance)

In the photo editing software, edit the image of ColorChecker Passport using physical targets as visual guides. (See About the ColorChecker Classic, Correcting Image Color with Spectrum Patches, and Exposure Verification and Correction)

Copy and apply these edits to other images that were shot in the same lighting conditions. (See Automating Color Control in Raw)