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01/22/2009 09:25:28 AM · #1 |
How does it work?
Maybe I'm blowing my own mind here, but this is what I'm thinking of...
So... to set custom white balance you point your camera and shoot it (I'm currently thinking of IR photography, but whatever would apply). You set the WB using that image. However... when shooting for that custom picture, does the white balance matter? How much does correct exposure matter?
I use the D80, so if anyone has tips, I'd appreciate it!
Maybe I'm making no sense at all... if not, I'll be back in a while to clarify. |
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01/22/2009 09:38:28 AM · #2 |
To set the white balance your shot should be white, not just a normal photo which is what it sounds like from your post.
For example, I often shoot indoors and so I place a white piece of a4 paper in front of what I am photographing, take a shot, set the manual white balance to that image, remove the white paper and shoot the object. So the exposure matters in the sense that you are setting the white balance for the lighting for that shot. |
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01/22/2009 09:39:58 AM · #3 |
Well, your camera will either accept your custom or not. For mine it says "Good" or "No gd" if it is either too bright or too dark. Usually you shoot a grey or white card, but you can also use things like the sky for crazy WB settings. Also, it doesn't have to be in focus to accept the setting.
Not sure what effect IR filters would have on the process, however.
You may also be able to set your custom WB from an image on card, I know the D300 can but don't have the time to check if the D80 can.
Message edited by author 2009-01-22 09:42:09. |
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01/22/2009 09:53:07 AM · #4 |
If I understand your question, the "custom" image you shoot for white balance should be at roughly the same exposure settings you'll be using for other shots. Try to fill the frame with something white or neutral and take a shot. When you set the WB based on that image, the camera will shift the color temperature to remove the color cast. It doesn't matter what the original WB was- the camera is shifting the WB to a fixed temperature from whatever it was before (eg- it would move to a temperature like 4600K [Kelvin] regardless of whether the previous setting was 3000K or 6000K). The "neutrality"of the subject you shoot for that custom image will be the biggest factor, and can be used to your advantage: shoot a pale blue target and you'll get a warmer WB (like afternoon sun) or shoot a pale yellow target to get a cool WB. Hope that helps!
Message edited by author 2009-01-22 09:55:25. |
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01/22/2009 10:30:00 AM · #5 |
This sounds like some good advice.
Hopefully I'll remember it! I tend to get lots of questions in my head at once, and then work to fix them, hardly remembering it all!
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