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How do I maintain accurate white balance control when shooting in mixed lighting?
Asked on Dec 04, 2025
Answer
Maintaining accurate white balance in mixed lighting conditions is crucial for achieving consistent and true-to-life colors in your film. This involves understanding the color temperature of your light sources and using tools to balance them effectively.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify the different light sources and their color temperatures (e.g., tungsten, daylight, fluorescent).
- Step 2 – Use a color meter or white balance card to measure and set a custom white balance on your camera.
- Step 3 – Adjust lighting with gels or filters to harmonize color temperatures, and perform a final check with a monitor.
Additional Comment:
- Consider using ND gels on windows to balance daylight with artificial light.
- Regularly check your white balance settings during the shoot, especially after changing locations or lighting setups.
- Use a calibrated monitor to verify color accuracy on set.
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