Filters for Backlighting at DVinfo.net

Richard Zlamany · October 16th, 2006, 02:19 PM

Are there any filters to help with backlighting?

When shooting a wedding indoors in front of a big window, would a Polarizing filter be of use? Or maybe a Color Conversion Filter like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

When I shoot wedding ceremonies in front of a big window there is a blue fringing around the couple. Is there anyway to cure this problem when shooting?

Is there a special way to white balance that may help?

Seth Bloombaum · October 16th, 2006, 07:44 PM

Well, I think you're talking about not just the window light, but that you've white balanced to tungsten inside the church.

So, yes, sunlight is quite blue if you're balanced on tungsten. Situation normal.

What to do?

Re-frame the shot.

Gel the exterior of the windows with CTO color correcting gel, may as well add ND at the same time. Spendy, takes time too, but really a great solution.

Change the interior lighting to something that is daylight balanced, then go for a daylight white balance. Could be flourescents (kinoflo...) or LED... or HMI... however, although the window light and interior light are now the same color, the window is still bright, bright bright. Your blue fringes are now white fringes. And of course it may be impractible to relight the whole church.

White balance to the "sunlight" preset on your camera. Faces will now be VERY warm, but you should test it. It may look better warm than with a cold fringe...

Richard Zlamany · October 16th, 2006, 08:30 PM

Thank you for the reply. Your advice is helpful.

October 16th, 2006, 02:19 PM	#1
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	Filters for Backlighting Are there any filters to help with backlighting? When shooting a wedding indoors in front of a big window, would a Polarizing filter be of use? Or maybe a Color Conversion Filter like: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation When I shoot wedding ceremonies in front of a big window there is a blue fringing around the couple. Is there anyway to cure this problem when shooting? Is there a special way to white balance that may help?

October 16th, 2006, 07:44 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Well, I think you're talking about not just the window light, but that you've white balanced to tungsten inside the church. So, yes, sunlight is quite blue if you're balanced on tungsten. Situation normal. What to do? Re-frame the shot. Gel the exterior of the windows with CTO color correcting gel, may as well add ND at the same time. Spendy, takes time too, but really a great solution. Change the interior lighting to something that is daylight balanced, then go for a daylight white balance. Could be flourescents (kinoflo...) or LED... or HMI... however, although the window light and interior light are now the same color, the window is still bright, bright bright. Your blue fringes are now white fringes. And of course it may be impractible to relight the whole church. White balance to the "sunlight" preset on your camera. Faces will now be VERY warm, but you should test it. It may look better warm than with a cold fringe...

October 16th, 2006, 08:30 PM	#3
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	Thank you for the reply. Your advice is helpful.