How to Take Better Photos with Any Camera
We receive photos from all kinds of cameras taken in all kinds of light. Good light is the single biggest factor in photo quality — but when the light is dull or artificial, understanding white balance makes a big difference.
What is White Balance?
White balance is the color temperature of light. Different light sources — tungsten bulbs, fluorescent tubes, overcast skies — cast different color tints onto photos. Most cameras try to compensate automatically, but manual control gives you more accurate, natural-looking results.
White Balance Settings — When to Use Each
Auto White Balance tells the camera to set it automatically. It's a good starting point. Take a test shot — if the colors look natural, you're done. Outdoors, try the Cloudy setting instead for warmer, more pleasing tones.
Regular incandescent light bulbs cast an orange tint. The Tungsten setting adds blue to compensate. Use this when photographing indoors under standard household bulbs.
Most fluorescent tubes give off a greenish tint. The Fluorescent setting adds magenta to compensate. Use this when shooting indoors under fluorescent lights.
Overcast skies cast a cool blue tint. The Cloudy setting warms the photo by adding orange. Use this when photographing outdoors on cloudy or overcast days.
