![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
|
|
#1 (permalink) |
|
F1 Camel
|
I use whatever's handy at the time that's white/close to white as a reference. Usually, this means I pull a white index card out of my pocket. It works well enough, and if it really doesn't look right I adjust the WB in the RAW file. If I had a meter that also read color temperature, I'd dial in Kelvin settings off of it.
My Nikon D2H has a WB sensor on top of the prism, but it sucks unless I'm using it in bright sunlight or something similar. The best result I got from it was when I held the camera under strong stage lights. I tend to avoid this method as it is quite unreliable. __________________
__________________
Members don't see this ad. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Community, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more. |
|
__________________
-Michael |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#2 (permalink) |
|
F1 Camel
|
I typically shoot on Flash or Daylight and adjust the RAW file. If the color is critical I shoot tests with a color checker or grey card for reference. Usually I can find a white or a black in an image to set WB in ACR using the little eydropper/sampler thingy.
If the color is critical, don't use a random white anything to preset WB because it's likely to have UV brighteners in it which won't register. That's why it's often innaccurate. Use a grey card and protect it from light when it's not in use. I'm sure there are other, better ways, that's just the process I've pieced together for myself over time. Chip |
|
__________________
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#3 (permalink) |
|
Dromedary
|
I shoot in raw as well, but I will shoot a balance checker as one of my images and use that to adjust all of the images taken under the same lighting when I convert to tiff files. I have used the Digital Calibration Target, a small fold up reflector type panel that has calibrated black/gray/white bands on it. I also have the WhiBal that I just started using. It has calibrated black/gray/white areas on a small card. I have also used a gray card and a McBeth chart.
The WhiBal card is probably the most handy but I think I like the Digital Calibration Target a bit better right now. I'll see how the WhiBal works out in the field. I just got a flier from the guy that sales the Digital Calibration Target today and he's having his spring sale, so I think I'll get the 24" one to go with my 14" one. If you do your color balance after the fact, having a neutral black and white source within the picture will save you a lot of time and effort. You can use the color picker eye droppers in levels and set your white balance with 2 clicks. Mike |
|
__________________
Hillsboro, Oregon<br />Canon 1DMKII<br />24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8L IS, 100-400 4.5/5.6L |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 (permalink) |
|
Photocamel Master
|
I shoot in raw, using the whibal, to get some whitebalance references.
If i'm macro shooting i'm using an expodisk. If I want the colors really perfect I use the color version of qpcard. Afterwards in photoshop I use curvemeister for correcting the colors. |
|
__________________
Rense [5D][20D][EFS 10-22][Sigma 12-24][Sigma 15][EF 17-40][TSE 24][Sigma 30][EF 50;f/1.4][EF 50;f/1.8][EF 24-105][Tamron 28-75][MP-E65][EF 70-200 f/4][EF 70-300DO][EF 85 f/1.8][EF100 Macro][Sigma 105][EF 135 f/2.8SF][Tamron 180mm macro][Bigma][Tamron TC1.4x][580EX][420EX (2x)][M24EX][STE-2][DigiFlash][VariosixF2+Spot][a whole bunch of M42 lenses] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#6 (permalink) |
|
F1 Camel
|
Hi
As Binky said shot RAW and there should not be too much of a problem Also try an even shade of grass as I beleive it is almost 18% gray - don't laugh - although it sound funny it works Shortie |
|
__________________
Editing Allowed No trees were harmed in the posting of this message, but a few electrons were mildly inconvenienced. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#7 (permalink) |
|
F1 Camel
|
I shoot Raw mode, generally in auto. During Raw conversion, I use the eyedropper and select a neutral tone by watching the RGB data. From there, I'll add warmth or coolness as the image requires to give me the mood that I'm seeking for the image. I will often do a batch conversion for WB, again using the eyedropper tool and the RGB numbers to determine my selection point, then adjust the individual pictures if I need to do so. If I know that I'm doing a series in the same light, I will use Expodisc to get the WB data when I think of it and make a custom WB shot.
|
|
__________________
'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have. - Thomas Jefferson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 (permalink) |
|
Photocamel Master
|
Also try an even shade of grass as I beleive it is almost 18% gray - don't laugh - although it sound funny it works
Shortie We taliking WB not what you smoke ![]() Sorry mate but it did sound funny ![]() I tend to change WB in PS and I also shoot in raw |
|
__________________
Feel free to edit any of my photos<br />All comments welcome and appreciated<br />London England<br />Canon 1Ds2<br />I lost faith in religion as a child when I saw a lightning conductor being fitted to the local church. RSPB Member. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#9 (permalink) |
|
Lubbock, Tx.
|
PhotoGuy,
Your not specifiying where your color's not accurate. Are you saying it's not accurate on your monitor or in your prints? Is your monitor calibrated as well? Is your lab correcting? You may very well have perfect color already, but a misaligned monitor will make you think otherwise. I'd suggest not using your camera's LCD to judge color. The temperature difference between what you'll see, and what's in the file can be huge, depending on the camera make and model, (or what day of the week if was manufactured). LOL. If your using a white peice of paper, the "whiteness" of the paper will make a small difference in the color temp. produced by the camera. The paper packaging will give a whiteness value. Believe it or not, Canon actually prescibes white paper for the white balance method in the 20D owner's manual. (haven't checked the 30D manual). White balance for your main light souce. I do it in studio about once every couple of months. (Your camera's WB shifts, just like your monitor does so it's necessary to do it fairly often). There is only about a 50 degree Kelvin difference between my studio lights and on-camera Metz....not enough for me to create a separate WB for on camera flash. I still use white paper too. WB is critical for me because I have the lab print with no changes. If it's correct in camera, and correct on your monitor, you should be in the clear. |
|
__________________
M. Photog. Cr. Certified Professional Photographer F-TPPA, F-SPPPA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 (permalink) |
|
Michael Lister
|
Count me in as another Grey Card or BUSt CWB shooter.have tried wjite paper,etc what ever LOOKED WHITE..But as stated.paper can have acast not visable to the eye.Or it floreses (sp) So I just bought a double pacl of 8x10 18% grey cards.Cut one sheet on 1/2 keep both halves in my camera bag.Convenient ALWAYS 18% as it covered in bag when not in use.
Proven to be a lot more accurate.And I shoot 90% JPG |
|
__________________
Mike Lister - Ascending Phoenix Studio Recently aquired a Canon 20D via Dan Hice. OEM 4.5* glass in need of serious upgrade. *** I did upgrade to a used Tamron 2.8 lens & a 900 sqr ft Studio *** Did I mention I shot in a broom closet...don't belive me ask Dan Hice he's been here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 (permalink) |
|
Dromedary
|
Shoot in RAW.
Now use everytime you change background, lightsetup a graycard for the first shot. In Camera RAW or any other programm get the first picture and sample it for neutral gray, now use that colortemp for all other shots with that setup. At the moment I'm using dynatech cards which are wonderful and cheap ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#15 (permalink) |
|
F1 Camel
|
I should've specified that I mean't using it in post during RAW conversion... I don't remember ever trying a grey card to preset WB, but it seems like it should still work. Hmmm, hafta try it out now.
Chip |
|
__________________
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#17 (permalink) | |
|
Michael Lister
|
Quote:
|
|
|
__________________
Mike Lister - Ascending Phoenix Studio Recently aquired a Canon 20D via Dan Hice. OEM 4.5* glass in need of serious upgrade. *** I did upgrade to a used Tamron 2.8 lens & a 900 sqr ft Studio *** Did I mention I shot in a broom closet...don't belive me ask Dan Hice he's been here. |
||
|
|
|