LR2 White balance help please

[Per P.]

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Hello,

I know I need to look for a neutral colour in the picture for adjusting the White Balance.

 

But how small should the interval between highest and lowest percentage be, and what approximate percentage level should I look for (e.g. 33%)?

 

Thanks for sharing your know-how, Per.

[Jeff S]

Not a specific answer to your question, and you may already know this, but if you "hover" your white balance selector tool over different parts of the image, you can look at the top left Navigator panel and see how the selected area affects the image. This is a quick way to avoid multiple clicks searching for the "right" area. (Sometimes, whatever looks right is right.)

 

Jeff

[erl]

I would favour Jeff's last comment, in braces, as the overriding solution after all other examinations.

[Marquinius]

Per,

 

I'm not sure, but I don't think there is A percentage (e.g. 33%). The only thing that counts, is that the spot you choose should be neutral (R=G= or close to it. I find myself spotting sometimes even on 65%, 79% or whatever is neutral. And whatever "looks good", as that's the golden rule to stick to.

 

I try to spot with a difference of less than 2% between the numbers and mostly start at spotting on what I think is standard grey (18%).

[Rolo]

The way I do it is to use the colour sampler and find a spot that I think might be neutral.

 

Under the Histogram in the Develop Module, and in the sampler tool itself, is the RGB read-out.

 

For a neutral spot these readings will be equal. Move the sampler to find it as close as possible, within a couple of points and click on it. Medium bright points preferred.

 

Also, practice until you realise what temperature of light you prefer for a given location and move the temp scale straight there.

[Per P.]

Thank you all, this gives me something to work with

 

Per.

[wda]

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Per, one way I solve this problem is to shoot a frame with a calibrated grey card (in my case a WhiBal) in every sequence of importance. Then, in LR2 I select the whole sequence with the WhiBal frame 'most selected' and click the card in that frame with the white balance sampler. I would say that it works brilliantly in 98% of my photography. Even slight subtle changes can make a difference. As you know, in LR you can press key Y in the Develop module to see a comparison of 'Before' and 'After'. I hope this helps. PM me if you need any further clarification.