Oh white balance. Why are there so many different ways to set you?
I remember when I was new to photography I really wanted to see a side by side of images using all the common ways to set white balance so I could really compare them all.
Well, two years later, here we are! I really hope this is a help to some of you new to photography as well as the seasoned pros out there who just really love visual side by sides like I do.
All of these images are straight out of my camera with no editing. They were shot with my 85mm and my settings were SS 1/500, f/2.0, ISO 100.
1. Auto white balance
Let’s just say my daughter’s face says it all for this one.
Auto white balance stinks. She looks blue and the entire image just has a way too cool feel. It’s not how the color looked in real life at all.
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and I can usually get pretty good color indoors using my auto white balance, but outdoors it’s usually way off.
2. Tweaking in Lightroom using a gray card
This is a pretty accurate method for setting white balance and one I normally use as a back up when shooting client sessions.
Basically you place a gray card in your photo so it is in the same light as your subject and take the photo. In Lightroom you can use the dropper tool to click the gray card since it is a neutral.
You can use this method without a gray card as well if there is a neutral in the photo although this method doesn’t always guarantee completely accurate color. You can easily find a neutral by hovering the dropper and finding something where the RGB values are all equal. This method works best on images shot in RAW format because of the extra leeway to tweak.
Even though this is a great method, I prefer to get the best white balance I can in camera and usually only rely on this method as a backup.
To me, the after is almost a bit too warm for my taste but a quick slide of the temperature slider could fix it super quickly.
3. Custom white balance using a gray card
This is a great method for getting your white balance correct in camera. Using the same gray card as before, we can fill the frame with the card, take a shot, and then set our custom white balance using the image of the gray card. This method is a bit different for Canon and Nikon cameras.
4. Custom white balance using an ExpoDisc
I love my ExpoDisc. I just feel like it has taken so much guess work out of achieving great white balance for me.
To use the ExpoDisc, you stand where your subject will be and point your camera towards where you will be shooting, place it on the front of your lens (I usually just hold it there because the size I have doesn’t snap on to all my lenses) and take a photo. Then, just like with the gray card, you set your custom white balance.
5. Camera presets
Most cameras have a few preset white balance settings according to different lighting situations. When I took these photos is was close to sunset but a bit overcast out. Here is what some of the presets looked like:
I definitely think the shade preset looks best out of these three.
6. Kelvin
For most of my personal work where I need to quickly set my white balance I rely on Kelvin.
I have experimented enough to know what Kelvin temperature usually works with my most used locations. I shoot in this field at golden hour enough to know that 7600 Kelvin usually works for me so I dialed that in my camera for this shot:
I love warm photos so that looked pretty close to perfect to me.
So what do you think? For most client sessions I use my ExpoDisc but also take a shot of the gray card to use just in case. For my personal work I tend to dial in a Kelvin setting real quick since I am usually chasing my two year old around. Here are all the shots side by side:
I love the comparisons all together to be able to compare the results! I use between Kelvin and presets. I’ll use the presets first and if I still find it too orange I will use the Kelvin, especially under the tungsten lights.
I’ve had my eye on one of these! I use kelvin for setting white balance for now.
I’ve wanted one for a while now! I use kelvin and a grey card. Not the best, but it works for now!
Right now I’m either using Auto or the presets. About half the time I tweak it in LR. I REALLY need to work on white balance! Bad. 😛
I need to get better with white balance. Right now I simply using the auto white balance on my camera.
Thank you for these visual comparisons.
I use auto white balance and then tweak it in Lightroom until it looks good to me… but I admit I stuggle everytime and would be delighted to upgrade my white balance method!
I hate to admit it but I use auto white balance too often. Then I tweak in LR. This is something I really need to change. Especially after looking at your examples!!
Right now I usually use auto wb, but a friend was telling me about the expo disc and id love to try it!
still using auto wb most of the time but am ready to change!!
Great post Bethney, thank you! WB is still something I struggle with when developing galleries. I do have a grey card, but most of the time I end up adjusting without it in Lightroom.
Love the article Bethney! I usually use Kelvin and AWB.
I am experimenting now with Kelvin but use the camera presets a lot also.
Right now, I just use the presets on the camera, but I want to start using Kelvin because I like the look of it so much more 🙂
I usually keep it on auto and take a shot of my WhiBal card to set it in post. Sometimes I forget and just eyeball it!
The side by side comparisons are amazing! I’m new at this and have my camera set on auto white balance. Got to change my ways! Thanks, Peggy
I currently use Auto White Balance but would love to have an expoDisc.
Currently use Auto but would love to try an expodisc
Great post Bethany! I love your comparison between methods. 🙂
I always shoot Raw, so most of the time I set it on Auto and tweak it in Lightroom. I probably should pay attention to it more and that would be one less thing I would have to adjust if I got it right the first time 🙂
I still use auto so maybe I need an expo disc!
Currently I WB on Auto, then adjust in LR.
I use auto, so an ExpoDisk would be oh so helpful!
I use camera presets and tweek in Photoshop RAW with the dropper tool but I’d love a gray card or expodisc!
I use auto and tweak in Lightroom with the dropper.
Love seeing the side by side images. Trying hard to learn more about white balance technique right now. I’ve used the presets for the last couple of years, and they’ve served me pretty well, usually an improvement to the auto. But MAN, when you screw it up it causes a whole world of trouble, and I’m getting increasingly dissatisfied with the results as I get better with my camera. I guess Kelvin is the next step. Just trying to learn a little bit every day!
Anyway, thanks for the article! I’ll keep fiddling with the buttons on my camera!
I am guilty of using the auto white balance and am now ready to go without auto! Thank you for this compelling blog.
I use auto WB and tweak in LR right now. I’ve just recently started fiddling with learning to set it in camera. I’d love to win an Expo Disc though! I have one on my birthday wish list!
I love the comparison of the different types of white balance!
Right now I use auto, shoot in RAW and then tweak in ACR. I’ve been wanting an Expo Disc for so long now!
I love your comparison – so helpful! I am a complete novice with WB. Usually auto and tweak in PSE, but not always happy with the results. I just put an expodisc on my wish list the other day!
Loved this information! If I set a custom white balance, it’s usually with the gray card. I have been wanting to try the ExpoDisc! 🙂
I have been wanting an Expodisc for the past year! I usually use Kelvin or a preset but I always have to mess with it after the fact in Lightroom.
I use the Photovision Target to get my white balance with clients. When I am just grabbing some snapshots, I will switched to Cloudy and adjust in LR afterwards.
I’m trying Kelvin but have yet to get it right. So, I typically end up back at AWB. I have heard & read awesome things about the ExpoDisc and would love to try one out!
I use auto white balance when I am taking shots on the fly. Usually it’s not too bad indoors during daylight hours. Kind of wonky at night in low light or outdoors- but I’m at least able to get the shot! My camera won’t let me do Kelvin or else I think I would try that bc the presets are almost always off. That is why an expodisc is at the top of my photography wishlist. I use a gray card to set CWB when I am trying to get a shot that I have time to plan and set up for.
I use a gray card that I use to set my white balance.
I use auto white ballance, but am lucky enough to have middle gray walls in almost all of our rooms. So I am able to use LR for a quick fix. I bought an expo disc but never got around to using it, so sold it to fellow photographer. Wish I hadn’t sold it now!
This is awesome! I usually leave it on auto all the time and I end up having a lot of work to do in Lightroom. I would love an expo disc!
@BethneyBackhaus this tutorial is great. I am just starting to look at better ways of doing WB. At present I am limited with my camera to use the presents within it because I am not able to dial in Kelvin values. (I think I need a camera upgrade). But I have been looking into which would be better for me, either the white card or an exposure disc, being a very enthusiastic hobbiest. Would love your opinion. Thanks heaps, Karina
I love the comparisons you gave!!! I usually try to set a custom WB with a gray card.
Awesome article! I currently use Kelvin but I’ve been wanting to try out the Expodisc for a while now!
Just got my camera for Christmas & really trying to figure everything out! Using auto for now, but reading up on it & being tutored by a great friend 🙂
I use auto then do the best I can to correct it during editing.
I use the preset I feel meets my lighting needs but would LOVE an Expodisc!
I usually use the white balance presets on my camera though I do have a white balance card. Always wanted to try an expo disc
Sadly, I shoot AWB most of the time. I guess I really need an Expodisc!
New to all of this so use auto or preset tone
Awesome tips!! I mostly use Kelvin. 🙂
I use auto white balance and tweak in Lightroom. I’m just learning Lightroom. I would love to have it correct out of the camera though. May get the expodisc. Great comparisons! Thanks
Thank you for these great comparisons, I usually try and use Kelvin.
Great post! I usually use the auto WB setting. I’m going to play around with the settings now!
I either use AWB or set a custom WB with a grey card. I would love to try an ExpoDisc! Thanks. 🙂
blushing to say that I set my camera with the setting for whatever light I think we are in, or if that comes out badly, I correct it in PSE. I’m just a hobby photographer wanting to improve my skills, I know I need to meter it.
I typically use Kelvin or a Grey card. Been really wanting to try the ExpoDisc though!
I usually just use auto white balance but wow! It’s so neat to see all the differences. I would love an ExpoDisc 🙂 thanks for the giveaway! *fingers crossed*
Right now, i’m learning to use kelvin. Sadly, in the past I’ve used AWB.
I am guilty of usually using auto white balance and fixing everything in photoshop. This article was definitely eye opening, and I am really inspired to improve my white balance! The ExpoDisc looks Awesome!!!
I have always just used auto WB but have just recently considered purchasing an expodisc. Thanks for the post!
I usually use a preset or a grey card.
Hi use Auto WB most of the time and use a grey card to customize my white balance once in awhile.
I usually use auto, then try to fix it in LR. I need to try something else though, I’m not very consistent and it takes forever! The Expodisc sounds incredible.
I have a Photovision calibration target that I normally use, but I’ve had my eye on an Expodisc for quite some time. 🙂 Thanks for the entry to win one!
I’m still a beginner. I mostly use AWB, although I have a grey card. I keep hearing about the ExpoDisk and would love to try it.
I use Auto most of the time now, but will occasionally play around with the other settings if it seems off on my LCD. I’ve been looking into get an ExpoDisc and would love to have one!
I use auto but definitely want to learn the other ways to adjust my white balance 🙂
I use the automatic white balance. Never heard of Kelvin… but went to your other lesson on kelvin white balance. I think I am starting to have aha moments. Now I need to learn about expodisc and there is no better way then winning one.
I usually use auto wb but would love to learn how to use the disk. Thanks for the helpful info!
i use my grey card or adjust kelvin 🙂
Generally use Kelvin but I’ve been dying to try an ExpoDisk!
i use kelvin often and auto for quickly picking up my camera to capture something in a hurry! have been feeling dissatisfied with my wb lately so these suggestions are most helpful…will go get a grey card and hope to win the expo disc!!!
I usually use custom wb, and have recently been learning how to tweek it by shooting raw.
I’m shooting with auto white balance, but my goal this year is to transition to custom. The Expo Disc would be awesome to have!
I use the auto white balance, way too much and have a lot of post processing to do to my images due to this. The Expodisc would revolutionize my work. I would love to have one.
Thank you for this excellent comparison. I usually shoot with Auto White Balance on my camera and then fix it in Camera RAW using the white balance dropper tool. It’s extra work so I’d love to have an Expo Disc to shoot it right from the start. 🙂
Thanks for the information. I use a gray card that folds like a reflector. Would love to try an Expo Disc.
I Go between awb or kelvin. I’ve been wanting to try cwb with my grey card.
Great post!
I am currently using Kelvin to set exposure. I would love to try an Expo Disc out as I am always trying to streamline my process..
Loved this article! I’m currently using auto but really want to nail this aspect down!!
I use auto white balance and tweak in light room.
I am taking the Intro to Natural Light class and am currently trying to learn Kelvin. I hate to say it but I am losing the battle especially indoors.
Currently, I use kelvin but have been hoping to try an expo disc!
I usually use one of the presets if it’s close, or my gray card. I’d love to win an expo disc though!!!
Thanks for the tutorial! Having that ExpoDisc 2.0 sounds great! I currently use LR’s eyedropper tool for color correcting.
What a great side-by-side comparison, Bethney!
That’s a great tutorial! I use Kelvin for outdoors and camera presets for indoor shooting, I would love that ExpoDisc though!
Great tutorial-love the visual. I use a grey card to set custom WB in camera. Would love to try the ExpoDisk.
Auto, and then adjust the Raw file.
I use AWB but would love to try the ExpoDisc.
I use auto and the expo disc is on my list! Thank you!
I use the WB presets on my D3200. I typically know approximately where it should be, so I do a quick test shot, then adjust it up or down to get an ideal coloring. Would love to try an ExpoDisk, thanks for the chance to win!
I normally use my camera’s presets…like cloudy, shade are normally my two favorites. I would LOVE to try the expodisk…I think it would take the guess work out of my shoots and save time…from switching or forgetting to switch my wb balance preset. thank you so much for everything you’ll do! I love all the info out there and could spend DAYS looking at the website and learning. much love to all youll clickin moms!!
I started out using auto wb and would correct it in LR. I’ve started using some of the other settings but have found correcting in LR is the best for me right now. I would love to strengthen my skills in getting great white balance by winning an expodisc! Thank you.
I mainly use my expodisc and love it! I have tried the small cards and didn’t see consistent results. Thanks!
I need this so bad! I hate carrying a grey card and my AWB looks awful.
I’m using white balance presets and am also learning more with Kelvin. 🙂
At the moment I’m using AWB and adjusting in Lightroom but would LOVE to give the expodisc a try. Seems like it would save me a ton of time in post processing!
I’ve been learning to use Kelvin more lately and getting better results as I learn and get more comfortable. I’ve always wanted to try an expodisc though. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win one!
Embarrassingly I have been using auto white balance and tweaking later in LR. I am so frustrated by this terrible system and I have been researching the ExpoDisc. I would LOVE to win it.
I’ve just been doing auto & editing in Lightroom but I ordered a grey card this week. I’d love to own an ExpoDisc though!
I use shade often to set my white balance as it seems to give me the best color. If I won the expo disc, I could use that too:)
I currently use the Auto WB setting on my Nikon DSLR indoors and the cloudy WB setting for outdoors. I’ve experimented a little with Kelvin but didn’t LOVE the results, so I stick with the presets and just correct in post.
Oooh, this is a great tutorial. I always use auto white balance because I haven’t taken the time to learn other ways, but this shows me that I need to!
I am afraid that I am quite befuddled when it comes to white balance…and a lot of the things I really ‘ought’ to know. After reading this article, I am adding “learn about white balance” to my ever growing list of things to learn to become a better photographer. I rely on auto settings right now…but do so begrudgingly, because I would really like to understand it all better (and would love to have a few tools in my brain and in my camera bag to help me on my journey to being a more knowledgable photographer)
I like to experiment with all of the settings prior to officially starting the shoot. However, with that said, I currently shoot indoors as it is below zero outside.
In the spring summer and fall days, I do have the tendancy to set it in the most neutral position possible, so I can tweak it, if necessary, afterwards.
I generally use the camera presets and then do some tweaking in Photoshop:)
Love seeing all of your side-by-side comparisons! It makes me realize that the auto WB setting I use in my camera is leaving a bit to be desired. I think the ExpoDisc and Kelvin pictures look the best — thanks for sharing and for all the great information!
I am trying cwb using a grey card. Would love a expodisc though!!
Can you tell me where you got your grey card? I love the size of it!
Also can you explain more the differences between using the card in Lightroom vs. in camera?
I actually use an expodisc and absolutely love it! I love it so much I would love a second one!
Embarrassed to say I usually do AWB. I really need that expodisc 😉
I am a Kelvin girl, but I am intrigued by the expodisc!
Mostly I do AWB, but when I win the expodisc, I will def. us it.
I don’t set my white balance and realize I have a lot to learn. I would love to win this Expodisc!
I’m a newbie at this and have always just done the auto. After this article I am realizing that I need to learn a lot more. Seeing the different ones next to each other really shows how cool some pictures are and helping me to realize that is what is wrong in my own pictures. Thanks for the great info and I would love to try out the expodisc. Thanks!
I’m using the presets my camera has. I would love to try the expodisc!
I use Kelvin, but I’d love to try an Expodisc!
I generally use cloudy, when taking my outside pictures during the day. Thanks so much for this awesome post. I’m inspired to learn Kelvin, but have been wanting an Expodisc for a while.
I use autoWB, and then tweak it in Lightroom.
I usually use the presets on my canon but would love to purchase a grey card or the expodisc!
When I took the beginner’s course here, I used custom WB. Now however, I haven’t really been considering my white balance! It’s as if I’ve forgotten about it! Would love to have an Expodisc!
Auto white balance with LR adjustment
I use Kelvin sometimes, but since I’m not super comfortable with it, I will use Auto White Balance if I’m feeling a bit unsure of what my WB should be set at.
An ExpoDisc is on my wishlist!
I usually use auto white balance. I would love to try out the expodisc 2.0!
I really enjoyed reading this tut, and am working on improving the way I achieve WB . I currently try using Kelvin but its difficult if you do not know the temp number you should be in off by heart. This seems sooooo much easier.. I will have to remember to try using the gray card in the picture on my first shot.. Thanks..
I am trying to learn how to use Kelvin but usually use auto white balance. I have a lot still to learn.
I use my expodisc most of the time. I would love to get one with the option of a warming gel.
This is a great comparison, thank you! I use Kelvin. It takes a lot of practice , but I’m getting there!
I use a gray card, but could sure use an expo disc!!!
White balance has been on my brain in trying to produce the best possible image. Achieving the right color temperature has been the biggest struggle in my photography. Great tutorial! They sure missed this lesson in my college courses. Thanks!!
I have just been using the camera presets. As I was reading this post, I jotted down as one of my photography goals for the month to learn how to do white balance with a WhiBal card and Kelvin. Expo Disc sounds fantastic. How easy is it for someone new to manual white balance?
Always kelvin for me!
I use my cameras presets most often – an expo disc would be awesome!
I take a grey card image and adjust later in LR.
I choose the closest setting on my camera and adjust in LR. Hopefully there’s a little gray in my photo. I’d like to try a gray card or the expodisc!
That expo disc sounds awesome! I use the camera presets and adjust later in Lightroom
I currently use the presets within my canon camera I have been interested in the expodisc and would love to try it!
I use Kelvin most of the time, but would absolutely love an ExpoDisc!
Indoors often Auto WB (+2) and outside Kelvin or AWB. Sometimes I use a grey card to check with the WB picker in Lightroom. I would love to try the Expodisc !
I use Kelvin and I recently purchased the old version of the expo disc and I love it.
I use AWB, then tweak it in post processing. I have discovered that pretty much every picture needs tweaking, so an expo disc would be super helpful!
very neat comparisons! I usually set Kelvin in camera, but would LOVE to have an expodisk!!
I love using my Expodisk!! I use it whenever possible, even for snapshots of my kids. I would love to win a backup disk.
Use a DGK grey card or, if on the fly, I’ll set to AWB(rarely). Would love to see how Expodisk improves my color. Thanks!
I use a grey card, but want to learn Kelvin, and an Expodisc would be AMAZING!
This was a fantastic article!! The comparisons were great to see side by side. White balance is something that really frustrates me and I end up spending a lot of time fixing it in post processing. I usually use auto but occasionally do use the in-camera presets. I’ve heard so many great things about the ExpoDisk and would love to use it!!
Awesome post! I currently adjust wb in post processing but sometimes that can be tricky. I still struggle with wb issues 🙂
I use auto white balance (hangs head in shame) and adjust in Lightroom. I need to be more consistent!
I usually use cloudy to set my white balance. I want to start experimenting with kelvin.
I usually use Kelvin, but I’ve been debating trying the Expo Disc for a while!
Right now I am using Kelvin. Thanks for the tips!
I tend to stay on Auto WB then adjust in editing. Which is time consuming and will still sometimes not allow the look I’m envisioning.
I have an expo disc, I don’t always use it. I’ve been trying to learn Kelvin too
Thank you for this post. It’s the most informative (and easiest to understand) for someone like me!
I use a variety of methods, depending on the light, but use a gray card when the white balance is critical.
I have been trying to use Kelvin lately. Before I would rely on my auto WB and do the adjustments after in LR. So much nicer to get it SOOC 🙂
I’ve been adjusting in editing, but have been playing around with it more. What a difference!
I shoot AWB (RAW) and then adjust with Kelvin in ACR, I’m dying to try out an expodisc though! Thanks for the awesome post CM and Bethney!
White balance is one thing I know I could improve on- I feel like that is the next step for me in improving my photography. I would love to try an Expo Disc!
I mostly use Kelvin and judge it by eye. Not exactly an expert on color, but it’s not horrible. Would love to be better.
I love this – I have been considering my options because I only have presets and I find myself wishing I could manually set my white balance. A card would help so much, and maybe result in less Photoshop RAW edits for me.
I switch between the preset WB on my camera and then adjust as needed in LR5. I switched to RAW a few months ago which helps in the post processing. I would love an Expodisk!
I definitely need to improve on white balance. I’m currently using in camera pre-set white balance and adjusting through editing.
I wish I could adjust the Kelvin on my camera… For now I’m using the preset that gets me closest then adjusting in ACR. Dying to try an expodisc!
This is one of my goals for 2014. I really need to focus more on wb, so thank you for your advice and this opportunity!
I currently use presets and then tweak later in Photoshop. I just learned about the Expodisc a couple of week and would love to to have one!
I usually use Auto WB and changing in Elements if I need to. Thanks for the information! Very helpful!
White Balance is something that I really need to work on. I am constantly tweaking in LR. Curently I use auto and trying to use kalvin
I tend to use Kelvin or the closest preset when I’m on my older body. I hate it and have been eyeing up an Expodisk for ages, so I’d love to win one!
Kelvin! Looking into expo disc too!
I usually use kelvin, but would love to get my hands on an exposdisc.
I usually use Auto WB, then tweak in LR if needed. Have tried Kelvin, but haven’t quite mastered it. Would love to try the ExpoDisc. I think the sample looks great!
Would LOVE, LOVE to win this!! Setting white balance all depends on the location and time of day. For indoor shots, early morning outside and golden hour outside, Kelvin is my go to. The rest of the time I leave it on auto. Really would love to try this, always hear such great things about expodisc.
I use Auto WB, but heard great things about the ExpoDisc. Would love to own one for sure. 🙂
I usually set my Kelvin 🙂
Typically I use an expodisc or auto and hope I have something neutral in the frame. I used to use a grey card but got sick of dealing with glare and remembering to use it:-p
I use the auto setting in the camera but would love to learn how to use one of these!!
I do a custom white balance with a grey card — I would love to try the expo disc — I have heard wonderful things abou it!!
I usually use auto WB and tweak in LR, but will use my gray card if I’m in a particularly tricky lighting situation. I’d like to learn Kelvin better.
I use auto, then adjust in lightroom. I really need to at least try Kelvin!!! 🙂
I use my expodisc it kelvin. Love the post!
I use Kelvin.
Just learning about my camera WB!
I just change my presets to what I think my white balance should be. I do this a few times until it looks decent.
Thanks for the great post! I usually set to auto WB and correct in Lightroom. Would be lovely to get it right in camera
Just auto ;( would love to try the expo disk!
I use Auto and adjust in Lightroom… but I definitely need a better method 🙂 I’d love to try ExpoDisc!!
Just starting to really get more into photography my photography after getting an awesome new 50 mm lens for Christmas. Currently shooting with WB presets but looking to get more sophisticated with my shooting!
I currently use presets but I have been wanting to try an expodisc since the presets do not always work. So sick of yellow casts on my indoor pictures!
Mostly Kelvin…I lost my expodisc and have yet to replace it 🙁 Would LOOOOVE to win a shiny new one!!
Just learning how to do white balance! A gray card will be one of my next purchases.
Right now, I shoot auto white balance. Once in a while I will toggle between some of the camera options to see what looks right. I have been wanting an expo disc for some time, but money is tight right now. I would SO love this!
Outside I use presets or auto. Inside with lights I try to use Kelvin, but I would LOVE to use an Expodisc!
Right now I set my custom white balance by filling my frame with any figure that is all white where I’m shooting. This method usually causes me to do some editing on most pictures so I would Love to win the expo disc. It would simplify everything so much more for me.
I usually use kelvin but have been thinking about expodisk. Thanks!
I have been using Kelvin, but am very curious about the ExpoDisc!
I use the presets and try to choose the closest match, take a test shot, and adjust. Then edit for white balance in lightroom! There has to be a better way though!
I just bought a grey card. I mostly shoot candids of my son though and don’t use it for that. Before buying the grey card though I would use auto white balance in post. I like how small your card is though. The way I learned was to use a large card and fill the frame of the camera. I will have to look into this more. Thanks for the comparisons! Very helpful!
Auto white balance then change in LR
Grey card.
I’ve found that my AWB seems to come pretty close most of the time and then I tweak in ACR.
oh wow this is so fun! I would love to win an expodisk!! I use AWB now and a lot of time in LR 😉
Unfortunately I always preset. Now I see why I shouldn’t.
I usually just leave it on auto WB and try to tweak it in post but I don’t usually love the results. I would love the Expodisk because i know that this would be a huge step in making my photos better in-camera.
I have an expo disc but have obviously been using it wrong. Am super excited to try it the correct way during my next shoot. I am also going to start taking a shot with my gray card as well for a back up!
I always use a grey card.
grey card, kelvin, auto
I use AWB and tweak in post. That said, I think my life would be easier with a WB tool.
I just bought the Expo Disc and am looking forward to using it!
I have tried gray card, would love to learn Kelvin but so far it is a lot of guessing, and I got an expodisc for Christmas and love it!
a combo of grey card and Kelvin…and it’s still so tricky!
I’m currently doing the Intro into Natural Light course so have just started using Kelvin. Already seen an improvement in my photos!
I’m a monochrome girl, which makes it a lot easier. I like to shoot in full sunlight for high contrasts. The first thing I do in LR is bring down the highlights (completely), and then I add some brighting, shadow and dark tones, maybe a little contrast. This usually does the trick for me.
But since not every photo works better in b&w, I’d love to give the Expodisk a try!
I generally preset
I just use the Auto White Balance setting on my Canon.
I usually use the x-rite passport, and custom grey card setting.
I use AW almost always but sometimes I play around with Kelvin.
Great article, Bethney! I would love an Expodisk. I bought a generic one and it definitely does not work. I am currently experimenting with Kelvin and using AWB.
I currently use Auto White Balance on the camera, and then the eye dropper tool in Lightroom to help me tweak. But I have been longing for an Expodisc for almost 2 years now!
Look at those differences. I usually use a preset but I’ve been trying to practice with Kelvin.
I always use Kelvin and Presets. They always need tweaking after though.
Up until recently, I’ve been adjusting it in Photoshop. I’ve been playing around with Kelvin lately and like the result.
I usually end up fixing WB in lightroom after, a process I despise! Especially when I forget to use a gray card.
Most of the time I end up adjusting my shots in Photoshop by using the curves: I ad a bit more contrast in the low tones and increase the high tones. Sometimes I use different actions to get the result I’m longing for. I would really want to explore the possibilities of the expodisc, can’t wait to try!
I usually use AWB or the preset modes, and then tweak in Lightroom. I’m often not very satisfied with that, though, especially while stuck indoors during the winter months.
Use Kelvin for everyday photos and expodisc when I have more time to set it.
I’ve always just used auto white balance until recently. Now I’ve been using the different camera presets. Would love the new expodisc!
For portraits sessions, I use a custom white balance with a gray card. For everyday life (most of the time), I use auto white balance. Thanks!
Usually I use AWB and then use the eyedropper in LR or a preset.
I use auto white balance in RAW, and then use the eyedropper on a neutral in Lightroom… then sometimes use the sliders to tweak a bit… pretty meticulous if you ask me. So I would love to win an ExpoDisc! It’s been on my wishlist for a while 🙂
I usually use AWB and then adjust the colors. A lot of guess work and I’m usually off. Would love to win an ExpoDisc to help take a lot of guess work out.
I usually try kelvin 🙂
I currently use auto and fix in LR. I’ve tried Kelvin while indoor and it went fairly well but it took some time for me to set up. I would love to get better with setting my white balance in camera.
I currently use AWB. Would love to use the ExpoDisc though!!
I am still learning, so I usually use auto WB but am noticing that it definitely doesn’t do a good job! I have been meaning to get a gray card to see if that is better, but would LOVE to win the Expodisc!!!
I had no idea this was available…I’m very new to all of this, and wb is an issue for me so this would be awesome to try!!!! Thank you for the opp! 🙂
grey card or auto
I almost always fix it in lightroom.
BRILLIANT to see this all on one page! I generally use the presets, but opt for a slightly warmer option than the actual lighting. So if it’s daylight I might set it on overcast. Overcast – shade. I’d like to get to that point where you’re THAT familiar with your Kelvin settings. I think I’ll give it a try.
I’ve only really used the custom White Balance on few occasions, with plenty of time to fiddle around, but I don’t have a grey card or Expo Disc! (very hopeful here!) 🙂 Thanks for the great lesson!
Love this post! I usually use the camera presets. Most often the shade one when working outside. Love seeing these other options!
I am currently in the process of learning how to set the white balance. I would love this! Right now I try to adjust via Lightroom by eye. Love this post!
I do all of my white balance in Photoshop but would LOVE to try the expodisc! It’s hard to get it exactly right by eye. 🙂
I am actually just getting myself fully back into photography, just purchased a greycard off Amazon, very excited to put this to use and learn how to use this and adjust the quality and outcome of my pictures!! I don’t use much editing so learning to adjust my shots I take would be an amazing oppurtunity!! I would love to try the expodisc to enhance my quality!!
Gray card or auto and tweak in post 🙂
I usually use auto and tweak it later.
I use camera preset white balance settings. I would love to win an ExpoDisc to improve the white balance quality of my SOOC shots!
I usually use a preset and tweak in LR.
I would love to try out an expo disc! Currently, I just use my on-camera exposure setting to feel out the WB.
I use the auto set on my Nikon (when I remember). Would love this win to get an Expodisc to help me out!
I just use auto, but I would love to step up my game.
I experiment with different ones and then tweek in lightroom
I play around with presets then shot in raw and edit in photoshop
I mainly use auto but will set manual white balance in camera if the color is distracting when I look in the back of the camera. I try to wear a white or black something and have even used a diaper to set it! I’d love to try an expo disc or gray card… seems a lot easier.
I set mine at auto. I have never taken the time to play with the different settings. After looking at the pictures above maybe I should.
I have mine on auto and I add warmth in Lightroom. I’ve never heard of ExpoDisc, will do some research now! Thanks for the informative article!
I use the camera presets to set my white balance. Although now I think I want an expo disc!
I actually have an Expodisc and I love that thing!! I not only use it for custom white balance but also to set a starting exposure …works like a charm. 🙂
But I only have ONE Expodisc and I use two cameras and I am constantly shuffling my Expodisc back and forth between bags. The poor thing is like the Velveteen Rabbit … much loved and a little banged up! LOL! Plus I constantly worry about losing my beloved Expdisc so I would LOVE to win a new one!! Thanks for the chance! 🙂
I use auto but tweak in Lightroom. But really need to step it up! Would love this!
I use auto but am trying to move to Kelvin 🙂
Kelvin or auto and tweak in lightroom. I so could use this! WB will be the death of me! 🙂
I pick a mode in camera and then tweak in LR but i have been wanting an Expodisc for ages now.
Kelvin for personal work but on busy wedding days I resort to auto….an expodisc would really speed up my workflow
I use the presets on my camera to determine white balance. I am trying to learn kelvin but I have a hard time grasping it.
Just got an expodisc. Can’t tell you how excited I am to use it!
Like so many, I usually tweak mine. Sometimes you win, sometimes not! :/
I usually use auto and tweak in lightroom also. I am still a beginner, so I am learning a lot, thank you for sharing! I hear Expodisc is great. 🙂
I love this! What a great way to visually compare! I nag my hubby all the time about not paying enough attention to WB. I’m directing him straight to this post!
I started using kelvin a few months ago and it has changed my life! Let me just say, getting white balance correct in camera makes all the difference in the world.
Which expodisc is best? I think their are two kinds. One says portrait and the other I guess is regular.
I’ve been wanting to make the switch to using Kelvin. Thanks for the inspiration. The side by sidecomparisons are so helpful!
I like the skin tone. Using my nikon D810 and 85mm 1.8, I always get more yellowish and darker skin tone. How to solve the problem. Thanks for the help.
I really liked the comparison. Since it was done in 2014, of the above methods what would you rank as your top three options today and in which situations would you use them?
Also, are there situations in which you use a light meter?
Thx