WHITE BALANCE

White balance — the colour of light and intention

White balance determines how the camera interprets the colour of light. It can preserve the natural appearance of a scene or deliberately give a photograph a cooler or warmer character.

Light temperature versus the camera setting

Colour temperature describes the light itself, while the Kelvin value in the camera is a way of correcting it. Shade may contain cool, bluish light, but a higher Kelvin setting in the camera is usually used to warm it. Always assess the image, not just the number on the screen.

A good starting point

• Auto WB works well in changing light, especially when shooting RAW.
• Daylight helps maintain a consistent look throughout a series taken in sunshine.
• Cloudy or shade usually warms the image and can neutralise the coolness of a scene.
• Custom white balance or a grey card are the most reliable options in product photography, where colour accuracy matters.

Mixed lighting

When, for example, window light and light bulbs combine in the frame, it is impossible to neutralise every area perfectly with one setting. Choose the dominant light source or deliberately retain the colour difference as part of the mood.

Creative use

Under the same light, a lower Kelvin value usually produces a cooler rendering, while a higher value produces a warmer one. This is a simple way to emphasise the starkness of a morning, the golden mood of an evening or the consistency of a series of photographs.

A practical check

For an important shot, take two white balance variations and compare them on a larger screen. When shooting RAW, you can change white balance without losing quality, but it is worth deciding on the effect you want while taking the photographs.