To fix or not to fix white balance?

[marcelo_valente]

I always have a doubt when it comes to fixing white balance in post production. Always when I take photos at home they come out yellowish. Then, using Lightroom 3 auto adjustment for white balance I get a whole different fell for the photo then what the camera captured.
I really like the yellowish photo right out of the camera better then with the white balance corrected. I seems to me that when the white balance is fixed the colors die down.
Please let me know which version you like best and if you would fix the white balance or not.

This one is how it came out of the camera, with auto white balance setting.



This version is the one after I fixed the white balance in Lightroom 3




Thank you very much,

Marcelo

[gomer4378]

The camera thinks it is adjusting correctly for a given light source, the reason for manual WB adjust is cause you are the only one that knows what the real color looks like.

Between the pics offered, its up to your own personal preference.

I like the 2nd one, with a few touch ups it would be great to hang up in the living room.(JMO)

[MindyRaeL]

It looks like the WB on the second one is correct and the boy looks much better with the WB corrected. On the first one the only thing I can concentrate on is the yellow color, instead of his adorable face. I would suggest learning to use your manual white balance, and then you don't have to worry about it PP. Colors are a matter of personal taste, but you have to learn to do it correctly before you can apply it artistically.

[williamawalker]

Definitely white ballanced. It looks far more natural.

[photog1107]

I agree with the others, but often feel the same way when I do a similar correction. But I usually go ahead and correct, and then, if my subjects look too washed out or lifeless, I just eke the color temp up a tiny bit to add some warmth to their skin.

[APhotoSchool]

I like the second one better but I think it's a bit too much. Rather than using the white balance picker or presets, slide it to the left to cool it down on your own. This is a much more effective method and it sounds like you are like me and prefer images that are a bit warmer...

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Connor Walberg
Learn to shoot action at Action Photo School

[jdepould]

I think the better balance is in between the two you posted.