Getting Accurate White Balance

[NikonUser]

Hi there,

I have posted this topic on dpreview so appologies to those who have read this already. I thought it would be better on here because my post doesn't dissapear in 2 hours off the main page! Some people might actually see it!

Anyway...

My next photography class (...self taught) is white balance. I know how to set the manual white balance with the camera. No problem. I know how to take a photo of a grey card in the same light as my other photos and use ACR to get the right white balance...

However... I like going out and taking photos of birds with my 500mm. What do I do if I am stood in the sunlight and I'm taking photos of birds in shadow/trees? I can't preset the white balance because getting a grey card up next to the bird would scare it off...

How do you guys set white balance for nature shots out in the field?

There is a lot about light temperature and white balance I don't understand (I have read the articles on this web site and others). EG... Does shade/shadow change the colour of sunlight?

Thanks for any help

Paul

[phillipb]

Paul, forget about the white balance, shoot RAW and then pick whatever white balance you want in post proceessing.

[NikonUser]

Well that's what I have been doing so far....

However in ACR it asks you to select a 'grey point' to set the white balance (with the tool) and in Nikon Capture the same is true.

How do I know what grey point to select... or where one is? (I'm slightly colourblind so I don't trust my eyes at all).

Thanks for the help. I'd much rather worry about it in post processing. I just need a way to get it as accurate as possible.

Paul

[birddog114]

Paul, forget about the white balance, shoot RAW and then pick whatever white balance you want in post proceessing.

That's the way with super zoom lens and outdoor.
No preset WB will match and work.

[birddog114]

Well if you're shooting model in distance, then it's difference, light meter will tell you what to do.
I used to have a light meter with my assistance standing next to the model at 10 meters or sometimes more distance away and we use CB or two way radio to work.

[MCWB]

However in ACR it asks you to select a 'grey point' to set the white balance (with the tool) and in Nikon Capture the same is true.

In NC (sorry, I don't use ACR) you have the option to 'calculate automatically' (in the advanced RAW palette). This is usually a bit off for me, and you can adjust the slider to set the correct WB according to your preference.

[kipper]

NikonUser, use some of the presets depending on the situation.
There is one for sun, cloudy, shadows etc. I mostly shoot in AUTO and adjust later using my eye to judge what looks natural. The biggest problem with this is that you might get inconsistancies between similar shots (I have noticed this). Try using cloudy with a dialed in setting of -1. This usually works quite well, and the dialled in will give it a bit more warmth.

Btw, how's the 500MM going, have you got it fixed?
Also let me know if you're interested in going seeing some birds, and what species/types you like to photograph.

[birddog114]

Btw, how's the 500MM going, have you got it fixed?
Also let me know if you're interested in going seeing some birds, and what species/types you like to photograph.

Kipper,

I'm the teaser btw don't you get mad at me

I know you will ask this question to Nikonuser
Great to have a good company along.

[robboh]

Shoot RAW and then use the eyedropper method to scoot around and find a neutral tone (something near 128,128,128) which will get you close and then you can alter the tint to get it right.

[NikonUser]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looks like my technique now is the accepted one...

I haven't got the 500mm fixed yet. No time unfortunately. 6 days of work, 1 night of Tafe and 1 day doing homework/work related stuff doesn't allow for much photography unfortunately.

Will certainly let you know if I get the chance to go out birding and need some company

Paul

[kipper]

Cool, you'll probably find me out in Wedge-Tail Eagle country. They're my latest target

[NikonUser]

Sounds great!

Just as a side note... I can use the lens with no problems by just using a piece of matchstick around 5mm long to keep the little tab on the D70's body open.

Camera Clinic said it would be no problem to fix. Nikon says $45 for a new appature ring.

Paul

[Onyx]

Stick it to Cloudy, then shoot away. Works well in sunny condtions too - IMHO better than WB setting of Sunny.

[robboh]

Stick it to Cloudy, then shoot away. Works well in sunny condtions too - IMHO better than WB setting of Sunny.

Agreed with Onyx here, and I quite often use Flash in bright light too. The other thing that occured to me would be using an ExpoDisc or similar to do your WB. WB shouldnt change THAT much between shots (unless the sun is flitting in and out from behind heavy cloud) and the ExpoDisc would get you pretty close.

[birddog114]

Stick it to Cloudy, then shoot away. Works well in sunny condtions too - IMHO better than WB setting of Sunny.

Agreed with Onyx here, and I quite often use Flash in bright light too. The other thing that occured to me would be using an ExpoDisc or similar to do your WB. WB shouldnt change THAT much between shots (unless the sun is flitting in and out from behind heavy cloud) and the ExpoDisc would get you pretty close.

Robboh,
Expodisc could not use on the big lens zoom and object is 10 meters away or airborne, especially these guys talking about bird shooting.

[kipper]

Onyx, it's amazing that isn't it. I prefer the results it gives me in fully bright sunny days.

I sort of vaguely remember using it when I was overseas, probably when a member mentioned about using it. Then Pirostitch reminded me againt the other day.

[Matt. K]

Nikonuser
You can move to a shadey area and do a preset there. You don't have to be under the same tree as the bird. When you have done a preset then don't bother doing it again for every shot unless the light dramatically changes. IE...it gets cloudy or something like that.