70 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Absolute Minimum
Photoshop and Photoshop Elements can correct many color balance issues by setting
the white point using the Image, Adjustment, Levels option. For the best images,
however, you should always set the correct white balance on your digital camera, or
use the correct type of film. Keep these important points in mind when you photo-
graph with either medium:
■ Daylight has a color temperature of 5600° Kelvin.
■ Indoor incandescent light bulbs have a color temperature of 2850° Kelvin.
Look for indoor film at this temperature if you plan to shoot under these
lights.
■ Fluorescent light bulbs come in many different “colors” of light. The most
common fluorescent bulbs have a color temperature of 4000–4500° Kelvin.
The color emitted is often called “cool white,” but it actually shows up as
green on daylight-balanced film.
■ Filters are available that adjust indoor lighting to work with daylight-
balanced film. Check out filters by such companies as Hoya
(www.thkphoto.com/products/hoya/index.html) and black and white
(www.schneiderkreuznach.com/).
■ Slide film is much more sensitive to exposure and color “casts.”