BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Using Various Films & Formats

Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member
 

Lighting


I've been doing amature photography for about a year and don't know quite what I'm doing, some pictures are great and others not so great. My main problem has been pictures that have great composition but turn out yellow. I'm not sure if it's the light bulbs them selves, or if I need a filter of some kind, or maybe something entirely different. Any suggestions would be greatly appretiated. Thank you.


To love this question, log in above
October 06, 2003

 

Bob Cammarata
  If your camera is film-based, the yellowing you described is probably due to your not matching the film with the lighting for which it was designed.
Daylight film is designed to be used outdoors, or with flash, and will produce the yellow cast you described when used indoors, or in the presence of incandescent light.
You have several options to correct this: You can use tungsten-balanced films like Ektachrome 160 or Kodak Portra 100. These films are specifically designed for use with indoor lighting.
You can also solve the problem with filtration. A blue 80-A filter on your lens will correct the color shift.
You can also try turning the lights down, and using flash.


To love this comment, log in above
October 07, 2003

 

Sreedevi Kashi
  Just so you don't get confused, the Tungsten films he described are designated with a "T." These are meant for warmer colors- usually studio lights, and definitely regular house lights, which are warmer than studio lights.


To love this comment, log in above
October 16, 2003

 

Ken Henry
  If you are using slide film use either tungston film or a blue 80A filter.
I use negative daylight film and I have the prossesor reduce the yellow and add cyan.

Ken


To love this comment, log in above
October 23, 2003

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.