Camera White Balance and Studio Strobes

[Curtis Cunningham]

If I'm lighting my subjects with studio strobes, do I set me camera's WB to FLASH or just leave it on AWB?

Thanks,
Curtis

[KevinStecyk]

Flash is better than AWB. In reality, you should use a target to set your White Balance. One suggested target is Photovision's Target.

If you were to use a target, you would place it in the area to be shot. And then you could follow the steps in this following thread.

Canon 20D Custom White Balance

The mentioned thread is for a Canon 20D. I believe you shoot Canon, so your model might differ slightly.

[DougAxford]

OUCH. never, never AWB. If you have someone with a yellow top, you're WB will be way off.

I guess if you are shooting raw, it doesn't matter, according to the experts here.

Studio flash should always be consistent. Ours is 5300 K plus a little tweaking on the custom WB scale. Once set, your WB will remain the same for all studio flash images, something that AWB and even FLASH settings will not give you.

I have migrated from custom WB in the past few years to a preset Kelvin. Much more consistent and much faster to use. Since we do a lot of schools, preschools and sports, we used to do a custom WB every time. Now, it's preset and the WB has been far more accurate. We're always within 1 or 2 CC of perfect at each location and perfect in the studio. The difference is the tiny amount of reflection we might get in a preschool from bright walls that we don't have in the studio. I just don't know why I didn't go this route earlier.

Each to his/her own though.

[KevinStecyk]

Hi Curtis,

I am not sure how familiar you are with flash lighting. I just began learning about it last year. I started a thread, which I just reread. Depending on your familiarity with flashes, you might find it an interesting read.

Balancing for Ambient

It's a long thread, so be prepared to spend some time reading it. There were a lot of very helpful responses.

Best regards,
Kevin

[Curtis Cunningham]

Originally Posted by KevinStecyk

I am not sure how familiar you are with flash lighting. I just began learning about it last year. I started a thread, which I just reread. Depending on your familiarity with flashes, you might find it an interesting read.

Yes, I remember glancing through this thread when you started it. But now I'll re-read it with greater interest. I'm going to be buying a three strobe kit this coming week and so my learning curve will be steep enough once I get the lights. Anything I can do ahead of time to help lessen that curve will be most welcome.

Originally Posted by KevinStecyk

In reality, you should use a target to set your White Balance.

Is this any different than using a tool such as the expodisc/color parrot?

p.s. I'll be shooting with a 5D.

[Jason_Hoss]

Personally, I would do a custom WB. It's better then any of the presets and if your shooting RAW it just might save you a few extra clicks in post production.

[KevinStecyk]

Originally Posted by Curtis Cunningham

Is this any different than using a tool such as the expodisc/color parrot?

To be honest, I don't know. I just completely ignore all the color parrot stuff when I come here.

I like using a target because it makes sense to me. You will have to evaluate the different white balance products and techniques to arrive at the one you want to use. Another popular choice is the WhiBal System.

There are other manufacturers of targets besides PhotoVision.

I expect you'll get feedback from others.

Best regards,
Kevin

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