What is white balance? From basic knowledge to creative uses

One of the key elements in photography is accurately representing the colors of the subject. A photo taken in a sunny park, indoors, or at dusk—although the subject is the same, the colors can subtly change depending on the light source. White balance is used to correct these color variations to ensure they look natural. In this article, we will explain the basics of white balance, its application in photographic expression, and provide specific examples of photos.

What is white balance?

The human eye and brain have remarkable recognition abilities. For example, whether we see a white building during the day or at sunset, we recognize it as "a white building." However, cameras work differently. A camera records the light that enters the image sensor as it is, so the color of the light source directly affects the image.
This is where the function of "white balance" comes in. White balance adjusts the colors so that objects that should appear white can still appear white under different light sources. In other words, it corrects the color cast caused by the light source and ensures natural color reproduction.
By using the white balance function, you can adjust the color tones based on the light source during shooting, capturing more natural colors. Not only does it correct colors, but it can also be creatively used to add red or blue tones for artistic expression.

Color temperature and white balance

An important concept to understand when learning about white balance is "color temperature." Color temperature quantifies the color of light, measured in Kelvin (K). The standard reference is sunlight, which generally has a color temperature of around 5,500K. Lower color temperatures result in warmer (redder) tones, while higher color temperatures produce cooler (bluer) tones.
For example, the light from incandescent bulbs has a lower color temperature around 3,000K, making photos have a reddish hue. In contrast, the light in the shade on a sunny day has a higher color temperature of about 8,000K, which gives a cooler blue tone. White balance compensates for these variations to ensure that white remains white.

Types of white balance settings on cameras

Most interchangeable-lens cameras offer preset white balance modes for various shooting scenarios. By effectively using these settings, you can take more natural-looking photos. Let’s take a look at the most common white balance settings and their characteristics.

Auto white balance (AWB)

The basic setting is "Auto White Balance" (AWB). In this mode, the camera automatically detects the light source of the scene and adjusts to the optimal color temperature. It works well for many situations such as outdoor shots on sunny days or indoor photography, providing natural color reproduction.
However, in environments with mixed light sources or extreme light conditions, the camera may have difficulty making accurate adjustments. For instance, when photographing a person near a window during sunset indoors, the mix of indoor lighting and sunlight can result in unintended color tones. In such cases, the following preset modes can be used to better match the intended color tone.

Daylight

The "Daylight" mode is ideal for outdoor photography on sunny days. It is typically set to a color temperature around 5,000K, which is close to the color temperature of sunlight. When used for landscape or outdoor portrait photography, it can naturally reproduce the blue of the sky, the green of trees, and the skin tones of people. Flowers can also be vividly and naturally captured, making this mode perfect for photos in parks or tourist spots.

Shade

The "Shade" mode is suitable for shooting in areas where direct sunlight does not reach, such as under buildings or trees. While not immediately obvious, the light from the blue sky influences the color temperature in the shade, which is around 8,000K, and can result in a cool blue tone. To reduce this blue cast, the camera compensates by adding more red.
For example, when photographing a person standing in the shade on a sunny day, the "Shade" mode helps achieve natural skin tones. It is also effective when capturing the interplay of light and shadow, such as photographing dappled sunlight through trees.

Cloudy

The "Cloudy" mode is perfect for overcast days. The color temperature is around 6,000K, and it adds a slight warm tone to complement the gentle light of cloudy skies. It is great for capturing colorful scenes like flowers or autumn leaves, enhancing their vibrancy.

Incandescent (Tungsten)

For shooting under indoor incandescent lighting, the "Incandescent" mode is ideal. Incandescent bulbs typically have a color temperature around 3,000K, which tends to give photos a yellow or orange cast. In this mode, the camera compensates by adding a cool blue tone to correct the warmth.
For instance, when shooting portraits indoors under incandescent light or photographing food, the soft lighting can create a pleasant atmosphere, but it may cause food to appear too yellow. Using the "Incandescent" mode helps capture the true colors of the food.

Fluorescent

Fluorescent lighting is common in offices and commercial spaces. Fluorescent lights generally have a color temperature around 4,000K, producing a slight greenish tint. The "Fluorescent" mode corrects this greenish hue.
Since there are various types of fluorescent lights, such as warm white or daylight, some interchangeable-lens cameras offer additional settings to fine-tune the adjustment. For example, when shooting in an office or capturing products under fluorescent lighting, the "Fluorescent" mode ensures that the colors of white walls or office supplies are rendered accurately.

White balance settings for different scenes

Now that we’ve covered the basic functionality of white balance and its presets, it’s important to note that white balance is not just for making whites look white. You can also deliberately emphasize cool tones or warm tones, allowing you to match the expression you want. Below are examples of how white balance can be creatively applied to different scenes.

Early morning photography

During the "blue hour," the time just before dawn when the sun rises, the light tends to have a cool, blue hue. Using the "Fluorescent" or "Incandescent" mode can enhance the cool, tranquil atmosphere.
Additionally, combining exposure compensation with white balance can further expand creative possibilities. For example, slightly reducing exposure and emphasizing the blue tones can evoke the serene atmosphere just before sunrise.

Sunset photography

During sunset, also known as the "magic hour," the light takes on a warm, orange hue, creating beautiful, dramatic light. By setting the white balance to "Daylight" or "Shade," you can naturally reproduce the warm tones of the sunset.
To emphasize the red tones of the sunset or the sky, try using the "Shade" mode, which has a higher color temperature (around 7,000K to 8,000K). Alternatively, for a cooler look to the sunset sky, you can choose a lower color temperature mode to enhance the blue tones.
Since the color of the light changes rapidly during the magic hour, it’s helpful to review your shots after taking them and fine-tune the settings to achieve your desired color tones.

Autumn leaf photography

For capturing autumn leaves, the "Daylight" mode works well. If you’re photographing leaves with morning mist, lowering the color temperature slightly can add a blue tone, emphasizing a mystical atmosphere. On the other hand, during sunset, increasing the color temperature emphasizes the red tones, giving the scene a more emotionally rich vibe.

Moon and night sky photography

When photographing the night sky, the "Incandescent" mode or other lower color temperature modes can enhance the deep blue tones of the stars.
The moon’s appearance can change dramatically depending on the white balance setting. Using the "Incandescent" mode adds cool blue tones, creating a mystical, cold atmosphere. Alternatively, setting it to "Daylight" can introduce a soft reddish hue, creating a nostalgic, gentle effect. By carefully adjusting white balance, you can change the expression of your moon or night sky shots.

Night photography

In night photography, where various light sources such as street lamps, neon lights, and car headlights coexist, using auto white balance works well.
For more striking results, deliberately adding a color tone can enhance the mood. For instance, after a rainstorm, setting the white balance to "Incandescent" can emphasize blue tones, creating a damp, atmospheric feel. If you want to highlight the warmth of streetlights, using a higher color temperature setting such as "Cloudy" or "Daylight Shade" will accentuate the red tones, producing a nostalgic and emotional impression.

Adjusting white balance in RAW

In addition to setting white balance during shooting, you can also adjust it flexibly during RAW development. Many RAW processing software programs offer various presets, allowing you to fine-tune white balance to your liking. You can also adjust exposure in detail.
If the shooting conditions are challenging or you cannot afford to make mistakes, or if you want to pursue your preferred color tones and expressions later, shooting in RAW is a great option.

Approaching your ideal expression with white balance

While white balance is primarily used to reproduce natural colors, it also greatly expands the possibilities for photographic expression. By understanding how to use it based on different scenes and adjusting color temperature, you can create photos that reflect your personal style. Start with auto settings and gradually challenge yourself to manually adjust and expand your creative expression.