BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: How to Choose Studio Lighting

Photography Question 

Monica R. Weit
 

Color Correction in Lighting


I'm in the process of purchasing lighting equipment, and I read somewhere that it's good to buy a system that is 5500k or 3200k and use a color correction filter. What name or brand do your suggest? Or what color do I use with the 3200k lighting?


To love this question, log in above
May 30, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
  5500-K, is "daylight balanced" and 3200-K is "tungsten balanced". I cannot recommend specific brands, but I always use tungsten lighting for indoor stuff and either load my camera with a tungsten-balanced film, or use a blue 80-A lens filter to correct the color shift when I'm using daylight film. (Without the filter, there will be a discernable yellow-ish cast.)


To love this comment, log in above
May 31, 2004

 

Robert Bridges
  Tungsten film is very expensive and if you use daylight film and a correction filter your view will be strongly tinted in blue.....maybe thats ok but I find it hard to see
what the hell I am doing that way. Then there is the problem with heat. Tungsten lights are HOT and I mean toast your fingers set your clothes on fire HOT. If I were you I'd buy flash.


To love this comment, log in above
June 01, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
  It's true that tungsten lights can get hot, but they are OK for still-lifes and small product photography, since lower wattage lights and longer shutter speeds can be used.

For portraiture, I agree with Robert that flash would be more comfortable and appropriate.


To love this comment, log in above
June 01, 2004

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread