Setting White Balance in RAW

[taramcg]

Do I need to do this? Typically I shoot AWB and adjust the temp in the converter. Lately however, I have been noticing some strange stuff like lots of blue in my blacks. Would this be from shooting in shade? Also, my highlights are blowing out even though the histogram doesn't show it. Could this all be related to WB?

Thanks!

[In2Photos]

Yes it could be related. Check out this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=230339).

[taramcg]

Thank you so much! Off to read the thread now. :)

[Curtis N]

Blown highlights and color temperature issues are generally unrelated, with different causes.

If you're using the eyedropper tool to set color temp with your RAW converter and getting inaccurate results, it may be that the "white" you click on may not be truly white, or it may be overexposed white. It could also be that different parts of the image are illuminated by light of differing color temperatures. For example, shaded parts of an image will look blue if you set your WB based on something in the sun.

If you really want accurate color temp, you're best to shoot a 18% gray card or similar tool such as a Whibal card designed for such purpose.