Understanding White Balance

Definition.

White balance is the balancing of the ambient light so that white is white without any other color added.

Getting it right.

The color of light is referred to in terms of temperature, using the absolute scale Kelvin (K). As the color temperature increases the color of the light shifts towards blue and as it decreases the color of the light shifts towards red.

For example the color temperature of daylight with a clear sky at noon is 5500 K, a tungsten light bulb is 3400 K, a cloudy day 6500 K and a sunrise or sunset 3200 K.

Making the correct setting for the type of light you are shooting in is very important to the photograph. When you have the white balance set correctly all objects in the scene that are white will appear white in the photo. If it is not set correctly these white objects will have a colored tint to them.

The white balance helps your camera to save a more accurate photo of the subject or scene by indicating which of the colors in the scene are actually white.

Modern cameras will have a variety of settings available to the photographer. Typically these cover such conditions as cloudy, sunny, shade, fluorescent, tungsten etc. You will also be able to select an auto or a manual setting.

You may be tempted to use the auto setting all the time but keep in mind that if there is no real white in the scene your camera may have some difficulty getting the colors right. The most accurate method is to use the manual setting. Your cameras’ manual will explain how to make this adjustment using a white or gray card.

Always be aware of the light source. For example if it is a cloudy day then of course adjust the setting for cloudy, but be ready to change it if the clouds dissipate and the sky becomes sunny.

If there are a variety of light sources such as fluorescent and tungsten together then you may have to experiment with the different settings. You can then determine which photo is best and delete the rest.

Beyond getting it right.

As with everything else in photography don’t limit yourself to the exact proper settings. Experiment with the settings to see the different effects you can produce.

By changing the white balance you can make a scene appear cooler or warmer and thus change the mood and the emotional impact of the photograph.

If you are concerned about the results you get with your camera don’t worry. You can always adjust the white balance using your photo editing software. Your software is a great tool as you can make adjustments and view the results right away.

Using this method you don’t have to take a large number of photographs at all the different settings. You simply make your adjustments to one photo until you get the results you are looking for.

Remember to save the original picture and make a copy to work on. At a later date you may want to apply a different effect to the photo. There won’t be a problem if you always save the original and work on copies.

Summary.

Read your cameras’ manual and understand all the different settings available.

Don’t limit yourself to the auto mode, use all the settings and take note of the effects of each on your photography.

Once you get it right then go beyond that and experiment with the different white balance settings. Become more artistic with your photography. But remember to save all your original work and make adjustments on the copies.

Finally just keep shooting and have a great time.

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