How to Use an 18% Gray Card

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Get an 18% gray card.

   You can get one at a photography store or you can create one on your computer.
   
   Even if your printer isn't calibrated just right, your results will still be better than without using a gray card.
   
   You can make one by:
   Open up your graphic software and creating an image.
   
   Fill the image with black.
   
   Reduce the opacity by 50%.
   
   This will give you that 18% gray.
   
   Print it out.
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   Step 2: Before taking photographs

   If taking portraits, have your subject hold the gray card by their face (assuming you will be photographing their face). , Set your software to adjust exposure according to that gray card image. ,,
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   Step 3: take a shot of the gray card in the light conditions that you will be photographing in.

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   Step 4: While processing the photos

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   Step 5: go to the gray card photo first.

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   Step 6: Use those adjustments on all of the photographs taken in that session.

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   Step 7: Remember to re-photograph the gray card if the lighting or location changes.

Detailed Guide

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