Lets talk about color temperature then…..Color temperature is the characteristic of visible light that has important or of no significant effect in color casting applicable to photography result.
The color temperature of a light source is determined by comparing its chromaticity with that of an ideal black-body radiator.
The temperature (usually measured in kelvin, K) at which the heated black-body radiator matches the color of the light source is that source's color temperature.
higher Kelvin temperatures (4000-5500 K) are "cool" (blue--white) colors, and lower color temperatures (2200-3500 K),produced "warm" (yellow-redish) colors.
As our digital sensor’s CCD is made adapted to specific light sources most commonly is daylight (5500k) and if used properly, will create a neutral color on print.
For Digital cameras, web graphics etc, they are normally designed for a 6500 K color temperature.
So….what are the colors temperature of our daily life we used to encounter… as tungsten light or so call Incandescent bulbs which are made in a wide range of sizes and voltages from 1.5 volts to about 300 volts. Since 90% of the power consumed by the incandescent light bulb is emitted as heat rather than visible light. nowadays ,most of the places are replaced by energy saving bulb and very much is already specified its colors temperature, it is often important to take into account the color temperature of the
light fittings that used, in photographing architecture or interior photography, it is often important to take into the account of color temperature, the majority light fittings that being used widely.
A warmer (i.e., lower temperature) light is often used in public areas to promote relaxation. While a cooler, whiter light is used in offices in due of its brighter effect for heightening awareness purpose.
Nowadays, most of our tungsten bulbs are being substitute by energy saving bulbs or LED bulbs, its color temperature ranging from 2600K~6500K.
In photography and image processing industry, color balance is the adjustment of the intensities of the colors (typically red, green, and blue,its primary colors) adjustment to render specific colors, particularly neutral colors. So, this method is sometimes called gray balance, neutral balance, or more commonly “White Balance”.
To balance off all these different color cast from various situation, most digital camera do have the function of Auto Balance which authomtically Balance off all these bias colors, to match our CCD its colors of origin.
Our cameras provide preset White Balance in settings counter off the condition such as, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Sunny, Flash, Incandescent…etc.
So…the best way to tested out your camera in various light condition and situation to its colors effect, I guess the Paris and the Hong Kong riots that happening recently in various interior, exterior places and different timing of the day, these photos clearly illustrated the effect of color temperature, in which color temperature could added the tension, the very moment to the picture……as Paris scenario mostly taken in daytime, while Hong Kong riots are more happening in various interior and timing diversity, hence, the greater effect it could resulted.
Actually, about hundred years ago, some-time around 1888,our great post-Impressionist master, V Gogh already using this effect in his very fineness…..
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