How to properly sample a color?

[Raymond Herrera]

Hello:

I am preparing what will hopefully be the definite site to describe and simulate the tragic event that took place in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, on November 22, 1963.

(Link removed by moderator)

The project is Free Open Source, we are determined to have the utmost accuracy and my current concern is the precise color of the Lincoln Continental presidential limousine.

I used the Eyedropper Tool, to sample a somewhat arbitrary spot on the hood, without much reflection.

See more images below:

This one is a cast model:

How are we supposed to determine the exact color, when the RGB values change from a pixel to the next?

TIA

-Ramon F Herrera

[jane-e]

You can change the point sample in the options bar. Try something larger than the default of 1x1.

The Eyedropper, Color Samplers, and Info Panel in Photoshop CC « Julieanne Kost's Blog

Jane

[Norman Sanders]

Arriving at the precise color of the car based on a print is darn near impossible. Color temperature of the light source on that sunny day in Dallas and the reflective surfaces near the car complicate things. The film used by the photographer also enters into the mix. Color neg? Transparency? Which in that group? Add to that the factor of film processing variables under rush conditions. Moreover, if you are working from a digital copy, a step removed from the original photograph, its Color Profile is an additional consideration because RGB values are affected by it.

I guess a possible approach would be to research the firm that did the repaint of the original GM color and to request its designation in Lab Color values because they are device independent. On the off chance that you tried that route and were unsuccessful I think you will have to compromise and settle for "best guess".

[jane-e]

Hi Raymond,

This site has some info on the color and where the limo is now. It was repainted, but someone at the museum might be able to help you.

President Kennedy Limousine Research - The Henry Ford

[Norman Sanders]

jane-e​, I guess all of us remember where we were at the time, pretty much the way a younger generation remembers where they were on 9/11. I was in the in the stripping department of my lithography firm, scheduling and assigning work for the crew. There was a radio playing soft music at the time. Suddenly the news broke in and everything stopped.

On 9/11 I was closer -- at my college preparing for class when I heard the news. I ran to the roof with my camera. Where were you?

[jane-e]

On September 11, I was teaching a class at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on 14th Street, just a block or so after the 14th Street Bridge crosses the Potomac River from Virginia into D.C.

Jane

[Norman Sanders]

jane-e, this is getting a bit too far off the topic of the Post so I'll send a personal message.

[alpharettalimo]

"That sounds like an incredibly detailed and important project! Have you considered using historical photos or documents that might provide a more accurate color reference for the Lincoln Continental? Additionally, have you tried adjusting the sampling area using different image processing techniques or software tools to account for lighting and reflection variations? This could help in getting a more precise color match."

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