Customizing my White Balance

13 years 1 month ago #34184 by zanna
One of the articles I read receintly on learning photography said I should customize my White Balance setting. It told how to do it but it just didn't make any sense to me. Is this something I need to worry about. Wouldn't the white balance have been set properly at the manufacturer's?

If it's something I need to do, could someone tell me in "dummy" terms how it's done.

Thanks.


,
13 years 1 month ago #34193 by Baydream
If you're just starting out, I wouldn't worry about it yet. The auto settings on most cameras do a fair job. I have used the different pre-sets at times under odd lighting (like in a church with multiple light sources) but usually auto is close enough. Go to the albums section and search on "white balance". I did a series of shots using the pre-sets on my Canon. The auto is pretty close to matching the actual conditions.

(Your cameras has Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater), Custom settings.)

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

Photo Comments
,
13 years 1 month ago #34199 by McBeth Photography

Baydream wrote: If you're just starting out, I wouldn't worry about it yet. The auto settings on most cameras do a fair job. I have used the different pre-sets at times under odd lighting (like in a church with multiple light sources) but usually auto is close enough. Go to the albums section and search on "white balance". I did a series of shots using the pre-sets on my Canon. The auto is pretty close to matching the actual conditions.

(Your cameras has Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Underwater), Custom settings.)


Great advice!

:agree: :judge: :goodpost:

It is what it is.
,
13 years 1 month ago #34204 by classic
True, at this point, you probably don't need to worry about it. But if you want to try it anyway, here's the steps:

Take something pure white like a piece of heavy white card stock. Use your camera's meter to dtermine the proper exposure and take a photo so that the white card fills the entire frame.

Verify the exposure in your histogram. Then go to your camera's settings and select Customer White Balance. On your LCD display you'll see all the images currently on that card.

You may never need to do it yourself but it's not a bad idea to know how to do it yourself.


,
13 years 1 month ago #34206 by zanna
Thanks for the step-by-step but it still doesn't make sense. I think I'll stick with the camera's auto mode and presets and trust them for awhile. At least until I get a lot better. Maybe I shouldn't be reading technical articles just yet - they make me worry about things I shouldn't... at least for now.

Thanks anyway, Classic.


,
13 years 1 month ago #34646 by tennis man
It's best to just stay with the camera's preset white balance modes. Not need to be more confused.


,
13 years 1 month ago #34760 by Joves
I would still venture into the Manual and Aperture Modes though on your camera. You can leave the camera on Auto WB for now till you learn more.


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

Latest Articles

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024