Hello, .
I know I talked about white balance recently.
Still, since I covered it yesterday during the last Introduction to Photography class meeting, I wanted to mention it because it is one of the easiest ways to expand your creative and compositional options.
Understanding and using the white balance settings on our digital cameras is like having the ability to control the color balance of films.
The difference is that if we seek color correctness
or intentional color shifts, we can change a setting on our digital camera instead of changing film or adding a filter to our lens.
A digital camera, in some ways, makes things easier.
The camera manufacturers set the white balance settings on most of our digital cameras to automatic by default.
And most of the time, if we're looking for "color correctness," we ignore the white balance settings.
However,
when we ignore the white balance settings, we overlook a camera setting that can open up a new area of compositional possibilities.
Color is ubiquitous and affects us physically and emotionally.
And we can thoughtfully and intentionally incorporate color theory and color psychology into our work.
Color theory and color psychology deal with how color non-verbally creates moods conveys information and influences our choices.
We can
see the importance of being thoughtful and intentional about using color in our work.
While a lot of photographers think that color correctness (getting the white stuff in our pictures to be white) is the way to go, we need to
remember that sometimes, breaking free from color correctness can lead to more expressive and creative photography.
In other words, white doesn't always have to be white, and intentional color shifts using white balance are an excellent
possibility to keep in our compositional toolbox.
So, don't be afraid to lose your white balance when
appropriate.
If we ignore the white balance setting on our camera, we're missing the opportunity to expand our creativity and compositional tools.
And the more tools we use, the more versatile and creative we are.
If you've been sticking to the automatic white balance setting, it's time to step up your white balance skills.
Pick up your camera and start experimenting with the white balance settings.
It's a way of discovery and learning that'll enhance your photography skills.
Beyond automatic, you'll probably see the following settings:
- Shade
- Cloudy
- Flash
- Daylight
- Fluorescent
- Incandescent or Tungsten
Those settings describe the color temperatures of various transmitting light sources and can be used to achieve color
correctness or color shifts from red to blue.
An excellent way to start to play with the effects of white balance is to work in a consistent transmitting light source, compose a picture that includes something white, and then make a series
of photographs with each image using a different white balance setting.
The first place to look for the color shift is the white thing in your picture, so make sure the white thing is played prominently in the photograph.
Take a group class or private lesson with me.
I've got Introduction to Photography classes scheduled and remember that any of my classes can be taken as a single private lessons or a series of private lessons, so don't hesitate to take advantage of them.
I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.
The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.
Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
Currently scheduled classes are below.
Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group
classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
