What’s Your Preference?

sunwrites · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010, 05:00 PM

For some time now, I've been trying to experiment with different white balance settings for creative effect. In this shot, I've set the WB to Tungsten for an outdoor scene.

Does it appear way too unnatural?
If yes, does it at least look pleasing to the eye?
In general, is it mostly a bad idea to use Tungsten outdoors?

EXIF:
Canon Powershot S5IS
f/4
Exposure 1/400 sec
ISO 80
Exposure bias -0.3 step
Focal length 20 mm
Max Aperture 3.625

navcom · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010, 05:23 PM

Personally I think it looks pretty nice. As for what WB "setting" to use, use whatever works to support your composition. It's art. Don't fall into the trap of limiting your options by telling yourself you must use this or that setting for this or that scene. Just like you wouldn't say you must use a fan brush to paint pine trees in an oil painting, don't limit yourself to a particular WB for a particular scene. For instance, when taking a sunrise photo, the accepted logic says to use the "daylight" setting. After all, you are looking right into the sun...can't get much more daylight than that! But I routinely use the "shade" setting. The reason is that is produces a warmer tone and makes the reds and yellows "pop". It's like adding a really good warming filter to the lens.

When taking a photograph, think first about what you want to say with the photograph. Then determine the composition that will tell your story. Finally, decide what lens to use, settings, WB, etc. you need to support your composition...regardless of what anyone says you "should" use.

Experiment and see what works. Or better yet, take your photos in RAW format and choose the WB in post-processing where you will have more time to decide. Another option is to not use any WB preset at all...custom set your WB in the field to the scene using your camera's custom WB feature (if available).

Hope that helps!

sunwrites · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navcom

Personally I think it looks pretty nice. As for what WB "setting" to use, use whatever works to support your composition. It's art. Don't fall into the trap of limiting your options by telling yourself you must use this or that setting for this or that scene. Just like you wouldn't say you must use a fan brush to paint pine trees in an oil painting, don't limit yourself to a particular WB for a particular scene. For instance, when taking a sunrise photo, the accepted logic says to use the "daylight" setting. After all, you are looking right into the sun...can't get much more daylight than that! But I routinely use the "shade" setting. The reason is that is produces a warmer tone and makes the reds and yellows "pop". It's like adding a really good warming filter to the lens.

When taking a photograph, think first about what you want to say with the photograph. Then determine the composition that will tell your story. Finally, decide what lens to use, settings, WB, etc. you need to support your composition...regardless of what anyone says you "should" use.

Experiment and see what works. Or better yet, take your photos in RAW format and choose the WB in post-processing where you will have more time to decide. Another option is to not use any WB preset at all...custom set your WB in the field to the scene using your camera's custom WB feature (if available).

Hope that helps!

hi navcom,

thanks a lot for that detailed and eminently useful advice. perhaps i put this picture out for critique after i was recently told be a friend that tungsten doesn't work in broad daylight while personally i love to use both tungsten and cloudy WB quite a bit outdoors. you're spot on about the effect of cloudy/shade in sunlight. they do make the reds and oranges pop.

i'd love to shoot in RAW for more PP flexibility but unfortunately that'll have to wait till i get a proper DSLR. my canon S5IS only shoots in jpeg. :-(

thanks for dropping by. i'll keep your suggestions in mind henceforth.

sunwrites