(ONE) I would like to approximate the color temperature of various light sources. This is for use in general photography.
(TWO) I would also like to approximate the color temperature of the ambient light in a room after it has been reflected by the various surfaces.
Is there a way to measure these color temperatures using the sort of equipment which might be found in a home workshop of an enthusiast?
I have not used it, however Expodisc does just this.
I personally shoot in RAW and if the colour temp is not right, correct it in post production. Adjusting the colour temp does not reduce the quality of the pic.
Photograph a neutral grey target with a digital camera using RAW mode. Use RAW converter software that has a white balance colour-picker on the image of the card, and read the white balance that the raw converter calculates. That doesn't allow for quite a few variables, but assuming that you're after a rough and ready solution for photographic use, should do the trick.
If I were going to play with this idea, I would take a picture of some neutral object under sunlight, then take a picture of the same object under the light in question. Use RAW conversion software, play with the software color temperature adjustment until you matched the original color from the known source.
Buy a used Gossen Sixticolor on eBay.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required