Custon white balance

[missourigrl]

Just wondering how you all set your custom white balance? I read on another forum that some people were using a Pringle's can lid? I found a cool little filter online called an Expodisc but it's rather pricey.

Thanks!

[condyk]

Personally, I sometimes use the Ezybalance (http://www.lastolite.com/ezybalance.php), but I shoot 100% in RAW so WB in the moment is less of an issue as I can alter it in post processing after the event. However, I will often shoot the Ezybalance under the same light to provide something to use when setting WB across several shots. I normally use auto WB in the camera.

WhiBal looks good too BTW and I would be happy to use it. I think the Expodisc is overpriced. You can even use a sheet of paper, Pringles lid, etc. and each to their own. Apparently, the Pringles lids have changed from when the idea of their use was first popular ... but of course people still use them. I assume the results are still OK :confused: I'd just rather use RAW and a proper tool myself.

[Robert_Lay]

Before Pringles and before Ezybalance there was the standard 18% Gray Card. That is the best way that I know of.

Here is my tutorial on "Use of the Gray Card for Exposure and White Balance":
http://www.zaffora.com/W9DMK/GrayCardTutorial.htm
or the downloadable PDF version:
http://www.zaffora.com/W9DMK/GrayCardTutorial.pdf

[PhotosGuy]

1/ I'd shoot RAW to start with, & here's my best reason why:
Why I love RAW - '53 Ford Sunliner (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43761)

2/ Gray card: Why your meter may be lying to you! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54281) I started out to check one thing & learned about another.

This is the most direct answer to your question, but I like to include a bit extra. ;)
Gray Card…White Paper. What’s best? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58677)

Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)

While these threads won't solve all your WB/exposure problems, they will give you a good start on shooting & having fun as you learn your way. And that's what it's all about, no? ;)

[missourigrl]

Thanks for the help and advice!

I've tried shooting RAW, and honestly, I couldn't tell much difference between the JPEG shot and the RAW shot even after post processing. I used RSE. I wasn't able to get my pics to look anything like some of the RAW shots I've seen here and on other forums. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

[davidfig]

If all else fails. You could use natures grey card. That would be the back of your hand, and yes I know this isn't perfect. But sometimes when I'm on a long hike and I'm carrying only the essentials, that's what I use.

[Robert_Lay]

Thanks for the help and advice!

I've tried shooting RAW, and honestly, I couldn't tell much difference between the JPEG shot and the RAW shot even after post processing. I used RSE. I wasn't able to get my pics to look anything like some of the RAW shots I've seen here and on other forums. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

There is little difference between RSE & ACR insofar as basic capabilities are concerned.

There have been no RAW shots posted on these forums - only images that have been converted to the standard formats, such as JPG, TIF, etc.

It would be virtually impossible to tell that a given image posted here had been derived from a RAW image file.

There is no reason for a RAW shot, processed and converted to JPG, to be any better or worse than a straight JPG from the camera. It is all in the taking of the picture and what post processing you do.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to continue working with RAW, learn the tricks of post processing, and take it for granted that you do have more tools and better tools with RAW than you would have otherwise - none of which guarantees you any better final product, because that part is up to you.

Keep up the motivation and you will get there!