Get perfect tones

Make use of a white balance filter and record the tones accurately in your shots

Take control of your white balance by using a specialist filter for perfect in-camera results

01 Subject

This technique works for any subject, but it’s handy for rendering skin tones, still life and product shots accurately. The filter works by averaging the light that falls onto it, so the camera can calculate a mid-grey tone from the light transmitted through it.

02 camera Setup

Once your scene is set, your model or subject is in position and any lighting setup is arranged, you’re ready to take a reading. Attach or hold the filter in front of your lens – it doesn’t matter if it overlaps. We took our camera off the tripod for the reading.

03 position yourself

Stand near your subject and point the camera (with the filter still in front of the lens) back to where the camera will be positioned when you take the picture. This is the same way that you’d use an incident light meter to measure correct exposure.

04 reference Shot

It’s easiest to use the camera in Manual mode. Start by setting your camera to the correct exposure for your scene. Switch the lens to manual focus. Then, with the filter still in place, fire the shutter and capture a grey, featureless frame.

05 go custom

Use this reference shot to set the white balance. Find the Custom White Balance setting in the shooting menu, select your shot, tap OK and then press the Set button. Now, switch back to autofocus, and return to your shooting position.

06 ready to Shoot

With the filter removed, switch to Custom white balance mode, and start shooting. Remember to use a new reference shot every time the ambient lighting changes, if you drastically move shooting position, or if you want to add in a Speedlite.