Workshop 5: Color Balance, filters, grey cards

For this workshop we had to test out color balances and ways to achieve what you want using different tricks and tools to attain the color you want in a given situation.

Location: Inside the Convention Centre, Canberra.

Problems encountered: We all had to share the one tripod, silly people didn't go and borrow one off dave! Tsk tsk. And then I had to lend out my 24-70L because no one had anything wider, made it hard to do quickly, therefore good and unique shots are compromised.

What I learnt from the experience: The best tools to have in your kit are the white and grey cards, simple and easy, however may be inconveniant if they start to fade of old age or get dirty. Or the other best option is the Color Temperature meter thingymabob. :)

Auto White Balance:

White card to create custom white balance (in camera):

Custom White balance shot: This shot makes such a difference in comparison with the auto white balance shot above. It gives a more accurate response to the given light.



Using the expo disc for custom white balance:
Shot after using expo disc:

Using colormeter thingy: (3000k) This probably works the best out of all ways to test, for accurate readings.

Location: Stairs, Main entrance of Convention Centre

Auto White Balance:

White Card:

Final Image after greycards and colormeter tested: Both images very similar

Using Expo Disc:
After ExpoDisc:

Location: Back door of Convention Centre, Glass doors & windows
Auto white balance:
White Card in scene:
Custom white balance after white card reading:

Expo Disc:
After Expo Disc Custom balance:
Colormeter thingy: (4800k)

Location: Convention Centre Reception Desk
Auto white balance:

White Card reading:

Custom white balance after card reading:

Expo disc reading:

Expo Disc Shot:

Colormeter reading: (4400k)

Once again, in all of these shots, the clear choice would be to purchase a colormeter. They are definately the most accurate readings, as it can read all the different light that are falling in the area where you are shooting. However the cheaper option is of course a grey card, something well worth investing in.