3.5 Location lighting challenges
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Location lighting presents unique challenges for journalists in the field. From adapting to unpredictable to working with limited equipment, filmmakers must be resourceful and flexible. Understanding environmental factors and mastering portable lighting techniques are key to capturing high-quality footage in diverse settings.
Proper lighting enhances storytelling and professionalism in visual journalism. By learning to balance natural and sources, work within location constraints, and troubleshoot common issues, journalists can create compelling visuals. Post-production tools offer additional ways to refine and enhance lighting in the final product.
Environmental lighting factors
- Environmental lighting factors play a crucial role in filmmaking for journalists, affecting the visual quality and mood of footage
- Understanding these factors allows journalists to adapt their shooting techniques and equipment choices to achieve optimal results in various settings
- Mastering environmental lighting enhances the storytelling capabilities of visual journalism by creating more impactful and professional-looking content
Natural vs artificial light
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- Natural light sources include sunlight, moonlight, and ambient light from the sky
- Artificial light encompasses man-made sources (streetlights, indoor lamps, )
- Natural light offers a soft, diffused quality but can be unpredictable and change rapidly
- Artificial light provides more control but may lack the organic feel of natural light
- Combining natural and artificial light requires careful balancing to maintain a cohesive look
Time of day considerations
- occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset, providing warm, soft light ideal for outdoor shoots
- happens just before sunrise and after sunset, offering a cool, ethereal quality to scenes
- creates harsh shadows and high contrast, often requiring additional or fill light
- Overcast days provide natural diffusion but may result in flat, low-contrast lighting
- rely heavily on available artificial light or require additional lighting equipment
Weather impact on lighting
- act as a natural softbox, diffusing sunlight and reducing harsh shadows
- Rain can create reflective surfaces and add atmospheric elements to shots
- and diffuse light, creating a moody atmosphere but potentially reducing contrast
- Snow reflects light, increasing overall brightness and potentially causing
- Wind can affect the stability of lighting equipment and create moving shadows with trees or other objects
Equipment for location lighting
- Location lighting equipment is essential for journalists to maintain consistent image quality across various environments
- Portable and versatile gear allows for quick setup and adaptation to changing conditions in the field
- Understanding the capabilities and limitations of location lighting equipment enables journalists to achieve professional results in challenging situations
Portable lighting kits
- LED panels offer lightweight, energy-efficient lighting with adjustable color temperature and intensity
- provide focused, directional lighting for interviews and highlighting subjects
- and light tents create soft, diffused light in compact, easily transportable packages
- serve as fill or key lights for run-and-gun shooting situations
- can be shaped and mounted in tight spaces for creative lighting solutions
Power source options
- provide portable power for LED panels and smaller lights
- V-mount or Gold-mount battery systems offer longer-lasting power for larger lighting setups
- supply continuous power for extended shoots in remote locations
- allow use of AC-powered lights with car batteries or other DC power sources
- can charge batteries or power low-wattage LED lights in outdoor settings
Light modifiers and diffusers
- create a large, soft light source ideal for flattering portrait lighting
- offer quick setup and broad light coverage for general illumination
- and soften harsh light sources and reduce contrast
- Reflectors bounce and redirect available light to fill shadows or add highlights
- and flags shape and control light, preventing spill and creating dramatic effects
Adapting to location constraints
- Journalists often face challenging locations that require creative problem-solving to achieve quality lighting
- Adapting to constraints involves maximizing available resources and thinking outside traditional lighting setups
- Flexibility and improvisation skills are crucial for overcoming location limitations while maintaining visual standards
Limited space setups
- Use compact LED panels or flexible light mats that can be mounted in tight corners or on walls
- Employ techniques by reflecting light off ceilings or walls to create softer illumination
- Utilize (lamps, overhead fixtures) as part of the lighting design to save space
- Position the camera and subject strategically to maximize the use of available space for lighting
- Consider using handheld lights or on-camera LEDs for mobile shooting in confined areas
Dealing with reflective surfaces
- Adjust light angles to minimize unwanted reflections from windows, mirrors, or glossy surfaces
- Use polarizing filters on lights and camera lenses to reduce glare and control reflections
- Employ black flags or duvetyne fabric to block and absorb light that causes problematic reflections
- Diffuse light sources to create softer, less specular reflections on shiny objects
- Utilize the reflective surfaces creatively to add depth or create interesting background elements
Balancing indoor and outdoor light
- Use neutral density (ND) gels on windows to reduce the intensity of incoming daylight
- Employ high-powered lights indoors to match the brightness of exterior daylight
- Adjust and use color temperature orange (CTO) gels to blend artificial light with warm sunlight
- Shoot during twilight hours when interior and exterior light levels are more balanced
- Consider using silhouette techniques or exposing for the background to create
Lighting techniques for interviews
- Interview lighting is a fundamental skill for journalists, requiring a balance of aesthetics and subject comfort
- Proper lighting techniques enhance the credibility and emotional impact of interview subjects
- Adapting standard lighting setups to various locations ensures consistent quality across different interview settings
Three-point lighting on location
- Key light serves as the primary illumination, typically placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject
- Fill light softens shadows created by the key light, usually positioned opposite the key at lower intensity
- Back light separates the subject from the background, adding depth and dimension to the shot
- Adjust the intensity and position of each light to create the desired mood and flattering look for the subject
- Use available environmental lights as part of the three-point setup to integrate the subject with the location
Compensating for backlight
- Increase fill light intensity to balance strong from windows or bright backgrounds
- Use reflectors to bounce light back onto the subject's face, filling in shadows
- Position the subject to take advantage of natural light wrapping around their features
- Employ a strong key light to overpower backlight and maintain proper exposure on the subject's face
- Consider silhouette shots or intentional underexposure for creative effect in strongly backlit situations
Creating depth in tight spaces
- Use to illuminate the area behind the subject, creating separation
- Position the subject at an angle to the background to increase perceived depth
- Employ selective focus techniques with wider apertures to blur the background
- Create layers of light by illuminating foreground, mid-ground, and background elements separately
- Utilize practical lights or motivated sources within the frame to add depth and visual interest
Troubleshooting common issues
- Lighting issues frequently arise during on-location shoots, requiring quick problem-solving skills
- Understanding common lighting problems and their solutions helps journalists maintain production quality
- Troubleshooting effectively minimizes post-production work and ensures better overall results
Mixed color temperature solutions
- Use to accurately measure different light sources
- Apply color correction gels (CTB, CTO) to match artificial lights with ambient daylight or vice versa
- Employ bi-color LED panels that allow adjustment of color temperature to match mixed lighting environments
- White balance the camera to the dominant light source and correct secondary sources accordingly
- Consider embracing mixed lighting for creative effect, using contrasting colors to add visual interest
Overcoming harsh shadows
- Diffuse hard light sources using softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusion frames to soften shadows
- Position fill lights or reflectors to lift shadows and reduce contrast
- Move the subject further from background surfaces to minimize the appearance of harsh shadows
- Use negative fill (black flags or fabric) to control and shape shadows for a more dramatic look
- In outdoor settings, seek natural shade or create artificial shade using scrims or overheads
Minimizing unwanted reflections
- Adjust the angle of lights to move reflections out of the frame or subject's eyeglasses
- Use polarizing filters on lights and camera to reduce glare from reflective surfaces
- Apply anti-reflective coatings or sprays to shiny objects that cannot be repositioned
- Employ larger, softer light sources to create less defined reflections that are easier to control
- In interview settings, ask subjects to slightly adjust their seated position to minimize eyeglass reflections
Safety and legal considerations
- Safety is paramount in location lighting, protecting crew members, subjects, and equipment
- Legal compliance ensures smooth production and prevents potential liabilities or disruptions
- Understanding and adhering to safety and legal guidelines is essential for professional conduct in journalism
Electrical hazards on location
- Inspect all electrical equipment for damage or wear before use
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) when working in damp or outdoor environments
- Properly secure and tape down all cables to prevent tripping hazards
- Avoid overloading circuits by distributing power loads across multiple outlets or using generators
- Keep liquids away from electrical equipment and use weather-protected gear in rainy conditions
Permits for lighting setups
- Research local regulations regarding lighting and filming permits in public spaces
- Obtain necessary permissions for large-scale lighting setups that may impact traffic or pedestrians
- Coordinate with property owners or managers for private location shoots
- Adhere to time restrictions and noise ordinances when using generators or powerful lights
- Carry copies of permits and insurance documentation on location at all times
Respecting private property rules
- Obtain written permission from property owners before setting up lighting equipment
- Follow guidelines provided by location managers regarding power usage and equipment placement
- Avoid damaging surfaces when mounting or clamping lighting fixtures
- Respect privacy concerns by controlling light spill into neighboring properties or windows
- Leave the location in the same or better condition than you found it, cleaning up any debris or marks
Post-production adjustments
- Post-production techniques can enhance or correct lighting issues captured during filming
- Understanding the relationship between on-set lighting and post-production capabilities informs better shooting decisions
- Effective use of post-production tools can salvage challenging lighting situations and improve overall visual quality
Color correction for mixed lighting
- Use color wheels or curves adjustments to neutralize color casts from mixed light sources
- Apply selective color corrections to specific areas of the frame affected by different light temperatures
- Utilize tracking and masking tools to isolate and correct moving subjects under changing light conditions
- Employ split-toning techniques to enhance the mood created by intentional mixed lighting
- Reference color charts or grey cards shot on location to achieve accurate color balance
Exposure balancing techniques
- Use adjustment layers or masks to selectively brighten underexposed areas or darken overexposed regions
- Apply graduated filters to balance bright skies with darker foregrounds in landscape shots
- Utilize HDR techniques by combining multiple exposures in post-production for high-contrast scenes
- Employ noise reduction tools when brightening underexposed footage to maintain image quality
- Use waveform monitors and histogram analysis to ensure proper exposure across the entire image
Enhancing lighting in editing
- Add digital light sources or lens flares to enhance the atmosphere of a scene
- Use vignetting to direct attention and create a more focused lighting effect
- Apply color grading techniques to alter the mood and enhance the lighting style of the footage
- Utilize power windows or secondary color correction to emphasize key elements through selective adjustments
- Simulate depth and dimension by adjusting contrast and brightness in different areas of the frame
Key Terms to Review (45)
Artificial light: Artificial light refers to illumination produced by human-made sources, such as lamps, LEDs, and flash units, as opposed to natural light from the sun or moon. This type of lighting is essential in filmmaking as it helps to control the visual mood and clarity of a scene, making it particularly important for settings where natural light is insufficient or inconsistent. Utilizing artificial light allows filmmakers to enhance their storytelling through intentional lighting design that can shape audience perceptions and highlight key elements in the frame.
Background lights: Background lights are a type of lighting used in film and photography to illuminate the background of a scene, creating depth and context. These lights help to separate the subject from the background, adding visual interest and enhancing the overall composition of the shot. By strategically placing background lights, filmmakers can highlight certain elements of the setting, create mood, and guide the viewer's attention.
Backlighting: Backlighting is a lighting technique where the light source is placed behind the subject, creating a striking silhouette effect. This technique can enhance visual storytelling by emphasizing shapes and outlines, while also introducing challenges related to visibility and detail in the foreground. Backlighting interacts uniquely with both natural and artificial lighting sources, presents specific challenges in various locations, and requires careful consideration when lighting subjects with different skin tones.
Barn doors: Barn doors are adjustable metal flaps attached to the front of a lighting fixture that help control and shape the light output. They are essential tools in lighting design, allowing for precise control over the light's direction and intensity, which is particularly important in setups that require a well-defined look, such as interviews and three-point lighting. Proper use of barn doors can minimize unwanted spill light and enhance the overall visual quality of a shot.
Battery-powered fresnel lights: Battery-powered fresnel lights are specialized lighting fixtures that use a fresnel lens to create a soft, adjustable beam of light while being powered by batteries instead of traditional AC power sources. This portability makes them particularly useful for on-location shoots where access to electrical outlets may be limited or non-existent, allowing filmmakers to achieve high-quality lighting in diverse environments.
Blue hour: The blue hour refers to the period of twilight when the sun is below the horizon, producing a soft, diffused blue light that enhances the visual quality of a scene. This time occurs both in the morning and evening and is particularly favored in filmmaking for its unique atmospheric qualities, offering a contrast to harsher daylight or artificial lighting.
Bounce Lighting: Bounce lighting refers to a technique where light is reflected off a surface before illuminating the subject, creating a softer and more diffused light. This method is particularly useful in addressing location lighting challenges, as it allows for greater control over harsh shadows and highlights, while also enhancing the natural appearance of skin tones by minimizing contrast.
Cloudy conditions: Cloudy conditions refer to the presence of a significant amount of cloud cover in the sky, which can diffuse natural sunlight and create softer, more even lighting. These conditions can greatly affect how subjects and environments are illuminated, often leading to challenges in achieving the desired visual style in filmmaking. The diffused light can reduce harsh shadows and create a more uniform light quality, but it can also lead to a lack of contrast and depth if not managed properly.
Collapsible softboxes: Collapsible softboxes are portable lighting modifiers used in photography and videography that diffuse light to create a softer, more even illumination on subjects. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to set up, making them ideal for location shoots where space and convenience are key. The collapsible nature allows for easy transport, which is essential when facing location lighting challenges.
Color temperature meters: Color temperature meters are tools used to measure the color temperature of light sources in degrees Kelvin (K), which helps filmmakers understand how to balance and control lighting for their projects. These meters enable cinematographers to accurately assess the warmth or coolness of a light source, which is essential in creating the desired mood and maintaining color consistency across various lighting conditions. Understanding color temperature is crucial when dealing with location lighting challenges, as different light sources can drastically affect the look of a shot.
Ctb gels: CTB gels, or Color Temperature Blue gels, are filters used in lighting to adjust the color temperature of light sources, specifically to cool down the warmth of tungsten lights to match daylight. These gels help create a more balanced and natural look in footage, especially during location shoots where different light sources may have varying color temperatures. By using CTB gels, filmmakers can achieve consistency in lighting that enhances the visual quality of their work.
CTO Gels: CTO gels, or Color Temperature Orange gels, are a type of lighting filter used in filmmaking to modify the color temperature of light sources. These gels are primarily employed to balance artificial light with the warm tones of natural daylight, allowing for a cohesive look in outdoor and location shoots. By applying CTO gels, filmmakers can create a more visually appealing atmosphere and ensure accurate skin tones when working with mixed lighting conditions.
Diffusion: Diffusion in lighting refers to the process of softening and scattering light to reduce harsh shadows and create a more even illumination. It plays a vital role in achieving a balanced lighting setup, especially when combining multiple light sources, as it helps create a natural look. Understanding diffusion is crucial for effectively managing different types of light and dealing with challenges posed by various shooting environments.
Diffusion Frames: Diffusion frames are materials used in filmmaking to soften the light coming from a source, creating a more flattering and even illumination on subjects. They are essential tools when dealing with various lighting challenges in location settings, as they help to reduce harsh shadows and glare that can detract from the visual quality of a scene.
Dramatic Contrast: Dramatic contrast refers to the use of stark differences in visual elements, such as light and shadow, to create a heightened sense of tension or emotion in storytelling. This technique can be particularly effective in visual storytelling, where contrasting elements emphasize key moments, develop characters, and influence audience perception. By manipulating lighting and composition, filmmakers can guide viewers' emotional responses and enhance the overall narrative experience.
Flagging: Flagging is a technique used in filmmaking to control and manipulate light, typically by blocking or diffusing it to create desired effects on the subject or scene. This method is crucial for maintaining proper exposure and achieving the intended mood or atmosphere, especially in location settings where natural light can be unpredictable. By strategically using flags or other materials, filmmakers can enhance visual storytelling and ensure that lighting works harmoniously with other elements of the production.
Flexible LED Mats: Flexible LED mats are versatile lighting solutions made of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a flexible substrate, allowing them to conform to various surfaces and shapes. These mats are particularly useful in filmmaking for their lightweight design, portability, and ability to provide even lighting across irregular surfaces, addressing many challenges encountered during location shoots.
Fog: In filmmaking, fog refers to a dense, low-lying cloud of water droplets or other particles suspended in the air that can enhance the visual atmosphere of a scene. It serves multiple purposes, such as softening harsh lighting, creating depth and dimension in the frame, and adding mood or mystery to a shot. Fog can significantly alter the perception of space and lighting conditions, which is essential when dealing with location lighting challenges.
Golden Hour: Golden hour refers to the period of time shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the natural light is soft, warm, and diffused. This lighting creates an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that enhances the visual quality of film and photography. The golden hour is highly valued for its ability to illuminate subjects in a flattering way, making it particularly relevant for location lighting challenges and ensuring that different skin tones are captured beautifully.
Kelvin Scale: The Kelvin scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale that starts at absolute zero, where molecular motion ceases, and is used to measure color temperature in lighting. This scale helps filmmakers understand the color characteristics of different light sources, crucial for adjusting white balance and achieving accurate skin tones under various lighting conditions. It provides a standardized way to quantify how 'warm' or 'cool' light appears, influencing both artistic choices and technical adjustments in filmmaking.
LED Panels: LED panels are flat lighting fixtures that utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce illumination. They are popular in filmmaking due to their energy efficiency, portability, and ability to produce a wide range of color temperatures, making them ideal for various shooting environments, especially when dealing with location lighting challenges.
Light Meter: A light meter is a device used to measure the intensity of light in a scene, helping photographers and filmmakers determine the optimal exposure settings for their shots. This tool plays a crucial role in understanding the exposure triangle, as it allows users to balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings effectively. Accurate measurements from a light meter can greatly influence lighting ratios and help address location lighting challenges by providing precise readings in different environments.
Lighting Gels: Lighting gels are colored filters placed in front of lights to alter their color temperature or to create special effects in film and photography. They are essential for achieving the desired mood or atmosphere in a scene, especially when dealing with natural light variations or artificial lighting challenges on location.
Midday sun: The midday sun refers to the period during the day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, typically around noon. This position creates harsh lighting conditions, casting strong shadows and producing high contrast that can be challenging for filmmakers and photographers. Understanding how to manage the midday sun is crucial for achieving well-balanced lighting in outdoor shoots.
Mist: Mist refers to the presence of small water droplets suspended in the air, often creating a softening effect in a scene. In filmmaking, especially during location shoots, mist can dramatically alter lighting and visibility, affecting how a scene is perceived and captured on camera. It creates an ethereal quality, enhancing mood, depth, and atmosphere but also poses unique challenges for lighting techniques and equipment placement.
Mood Lighting: Mood lighting refers to the intentional use of light to create a specific atmosphere or emotional response within a scene. It plays a crucial role in visual storytelling, impacting how viewers perceive the mood and tone of the narrative. This lighting technique can be achieved using both natural and artificial sources, and it often presents unique challenges when used in various locations due to environmental factors and available resources.
Natural Light: Natural light refers to the illumination that comes from natural sources, primarily the sun, as opposed to artificial lighting. It plays a crucial role in film and video production, impacting how scenes are lit, the mood conveyed, and the visual texture of images. Utilizing natural light effectively can enhance the authenticity and aesthetic quality of interviews and location shoots.
ND filters: ND filters, or Neutral Density filters, are camera accessories that reduce the intensity of light entering the lens without affecting the color of the image. They are essential in filmmaking and photography for controlling exposure, especially in bright environments or when using wide apertures and slower shutter speeds to achieve a desired artistic effect.
Night shoots: Night shoots refer to filming activities that take place during the nighttime hours, which often present unique challenges and opportunities for filmmakers. These shoots can create a visually striking aesthetic, but they require careful planning and execution due to limited natural light and the need for additional artificial lighting. Managing the logistics of night shoots is essential to ensure safety, maintain continuity, and achieve the desired cinematic effect.
On-camera lights: On-camera lights are lighting instruments that can be mounted directly onto a camera, providing a portable and flexible lighting solution for video production. These lights help to illuminate the subject while maintaining a compact setup, making them ideal for various filming conditions, especially in locations where traditional lighting setups are not feasible. By using on-camera lights, filmmakers can enhance visibility and control over the final image, addressing specific challenges presented by location lighting.
Overexposure: Overexposure refers to a photographic and videographic condition where too much light hits the camera sensor or film, resulting in a loss of detail in the brightest areas of the image. This often leads to washed-out highlights and a lack of contrast, which can obscure important visual information. In the context of location lighting challenges, overexposure is a common issue faced when managing natural and artificial light sources in uncontrolled environments.
Portable Generators: Portable generators are compact, mobile power sources that provide electricity for various tools, appliances, and lighting needs when access to conventional power sources is limited or unavailable. These generators are especially useful for outdoor shoots, remote locations, and emergency power supply situations where reliable lighting is crucial for filming.
Power inverters: Power inverters are electronic devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), allowing the use of battery power for devices that require AC power. In the context of location lighting challenges, they play a crucial role in ensuring that lighting equipment can be powered efficiently when traditional power sources are unavailable or impractical.
Practical Lights: Practical lights refer to lighting sources that are visible within a shot and serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose in film and video production. These lights, such as lamps, candles, or streetlights, not only illuminate scenes but also enhance the realism and mood by grounding the action in a believable environment. Their strategic use can help solve location lighting challenges by integrating naturalistic light sources into the overall lighting design.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a type of battery that uses lithium ions to store and release electrical energy, making them a popular choice for portable electronic devices and filmmaking equipment. These batteries are lightweight, have a high energy density, and can be recharged multiple times, which is particularly useful for location lighting challenges where consistent power supply is critical. Their ability to maintain performance in various conditions also enhances the flexibility needed during filming.
Reflector: A reflector is a device used in lighting setups to bounce light onto a subject, helping to enhance illumination and control shadows. By redirecting light, reflectors can fill in dark areas or create highlights, making them essential tools in both studio and location settings. Understanding how to use reflectors effectively can greatly improve the quality of visual storytelling in filmmaking.
Scrims: Scrims are translucent materials used in filmmaking to diffuse or soften light, helping to control harsh shadows and create a more flattering light quality. In location lighting, scrims play an essential role in addressing the challenges posed by inconsistent natural light and varying environmental conditions, enabling filmmakers to achieve a balanced and professional look in their shots.
Softboxes: Softboxes are lighting devices used in photography and videography that diffuse light to create a soft, even illumination. They are designed to reduce harsh shadows and provide a more flattering light, making them essential tools in both artificial and natural lighting setups. Softboxes can be particularly helpful in low-light conditions and address various location lighting challenges by offering a portable solution to achieve high-quality lighting results.
Solar panels: Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. They play a critical role in harnessing renewable energy, providing a sustainable power source for various applications, including lighting in location shoots. Their ability to generate electricity in remote areas helps filmmakers tackle lighting challenges effectively.
Three-point lighting: Three-point lighting is a standard method used in visual media that utilizes three light sources to illuminate a subject, enhancing depth and dimension. This setup typically includes a key light, a fill light, and a back light, each serving a specific purpose to create a balanced and visually appealing composition. By adjusting the intensity and position of these lights, filmmakers can establish mood, emphasize details, and manage shadows effectively in various scenarios.
Time of Day: Time of day refers to the specific hour and minute in a 24-hour cycle that impacts the quality and characteristics of natural light available for filming. This concept is crucial in filmmaking, particularly when shooting on location, as the position of the sun and atmospheric conditions at different times significantly influence the overall aesthetic and mood of a scene.
Umbrellas: In filmmaking, umbrellas are versatile light modifiers used to soften and diffuse light, creating a more flattering and even illumination for subjects. By spreading the light over a broader area, umbrellas help reduce harsh shadows and produce a more natural look, which is essential for capturing quality footage in varied lighting conditions.
V-mount battery systems: V-mount battery systems are rechargeable power sources commonly used in the film and video industry, designed to provide reliable and portable energy for cameras, lights, and other equipment. These systems feature a V-shaped mounting plate that allows for quick attachment and detachment from gear, making them ideal for location shoots where access to traditional power sources can be limited.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions refer to the atmospheric state at a specific time and place, which includes factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. These elements can significantly impact location lighting challenges in filmmaking, affecting visibility and the overall mood of a scene. Understanding weather conditions is crucial for planning shoots, as they dictate how natural light behaves and how equipment must be set up to achieve the desired visual outcomes.
White Balance: White balance is a camera setting that adjusts the colors in an image to ensure that whites appear white under different lighting conditions. This adjustment is crucial in filmmaking as it helps maintain color accuracy, allowing for a consistent look across scenes shot under various light sources, which can vary significantly in color temperature.