White Balance when shooting for B&W as end result at DVinfo.net

Steve Witt · March 3rd, 2006, 10:59 AM

I've mentioned on previous threads that I am going to be shooting a B&W short. I will shoot in color and desat in post. I have also mentioned that I am using mostly shoplights consisiting of several different color temps. Halogen, incadecent, maybe even florencent. Although, I know this would not be good videography practice, I wonder would it even make a difference for the end result of B&W. Can anyone elaborate.

Bennis Hahn · March 3rd, 2006, 11:25 AM

It shouldn't matter. On my old consumer cam (Panasonic GS200), it wouldn't even let me set the WB when in B/W mode. (and daylight and artificial light looked the same.

Michael Carter · March 3rd, 2006, 04:59 PM

Wouldn't hurt to do a test if you have the time.

In still B&W photography, filters are very important; if you're shooting men and you want a rugged look, a green filter will darken skin details and deepen shadow lines (it will also enhance blush and lips). For beauty, a warming filter will mask blemishes & splotchiness (and it will lighten lipstick). A deep red filter can give an "infra red" look. In *theory*, filtering for color should have the same effect when you convert to B&W. Could be useful for enhancing certain character traits, and again, testing will show you how your specific lights, camera settings, and post techniques will affect everything.

March 3rd, 2006, 10:59 AM	#1
Steve Witt Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: kentucky, USA Posts: 429	White Balance when shooting for B&W as end result I've mentioned on previous threads that I am going to be shooting a B&W short. I will shoot in color and desat in post. I have also mentioned that I am using mostly shoplights consisiting of several different color temps. Halogen, incadecent, maybe even florencent. Although, I know this would not be good videography practice, I wonder would it even make a difference for the end result of B&W. Can anyone elaborate.

March 3rd, 2006, 11:25 AM	#2
Bennis Hahn Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 221	It shouldn't matter. On my old consumer cam (Panasonic GS200), it wouldn't even let me set the WB when in B/W mode. (and daylight and artificial light looked the same.

March 3rd, 2006, 04:59 PM	#3
Michael Carter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 108	Wouldn't hurt to do a test if you have the time. In still B&W photography, filters are very important; if you're shooting men and you want a rugged look, a green filter will darken skin details and deepen shadow lines (it will also enhance blush and lips). For beauty, a warming filter will mask blemishes & splotchiness (and it will lighten lipstick). A deep red filter can give an "infra red" look. In theory, filtering for color should have the same effect when you convert to B&W. Could be useful for enhancing certain character traits, and again, testing will show you how your specific lights, camera settings, and post techniques will affect everything.