Underwater white balance - got an idea

[stuartv]

Uhhhh.... put some white, or grey, or both, tape on the fins you have...?

I have a buddy I have dived with that has white fins. I've never had any trouble finding a spot on his fins to use the eyedropper tool in Lightroom to pull a white balance sample off of. Sure, sometimes there is a blown-out spot that doesn't work. But, with enough white area (which there is on his fins), there's always some spot that is not blown out and big enough to sample and set the white balance in post.

But, it seems like some tape would be the simplest and cheapest. Maybe use some medical (surgical?) tape that is white, but kind of matte finish, so it wouldn't be reflective. It might not last super long, but is sure cheap to replace as needed. Or, heck, wrap some of that around something that you carry anyway (other than your fins) so it will last. White tape wrapped around your octo hose? Or a knife sheath? Or a light handle?

Or carry a spool (or reel) with white line on it and take a picture of that?

It seems like y'all are making this harder than it needs to be.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

I think you are underestimating the ‘photographer’s search for perfection’ buddy

 

[stuartv]

LOL! Well, maybe somebody can source some special $50 tape that is guaranteed Neutral Gray...

 

[JackD342]

Uhhhh.... put some white, or grey, or both, tape on the fins you have...?

I have a buddy I have dived with that has white fins. I've never had any trouble finding a spot on his fins to use the eyedropper tool in Lightroom to pull a white balance sample off of. Sure, sometimes there is a blown-out spot that doesn't work. But, with enough white area (which there is on his fins), there's always some spot that is not blown out and big enough to sample and set the white balance in post.

But, it seems like some tape would be the simplest and cheapest. Maybe use some medical (surgical?) tape that is white, but kind of matte finish, so it wouldn't be reflective. It might not last super long, but is sure cheap to replace as needed. Or, heck, wrap some of that around something that you carry anyway (other than your fins) so it will last. White tape wrapped around your octo hose? Or a knife sheath? Or a light handle?

Or carry a spool (or reel) with white line on it and take a picture of that?

It seems like y'all are making this harder than it needs to be.

If working only with jpeg and not raw files, then the need to get it color balanced before taking the shot is far more important.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

The slates are $35! ...but seriously, no one is going under with 15k+ of rig and video lights that cost more than my first car to settle for ‘ I can fix it in post’ it’s an obsession!

 

[stuartv]

The slates are $35! ...but seriously, no one is going under with 15k+ of rig and video lights that cost more than my first car to settle for ‘ I can fix it in post’ it’s an obsession!

Yeah, but tape on something you're taking anyway does not need a retractor or have to be pulled out then stowed again. And you don't have to remember to take it in the water with you. Most people don't forget their fins when they jump in (more than once, anyway).

 

[stuartv]

If working only with jpeg and not raw files, then the need to get it color balanced before taking the shot is far more important.

Right...? I think what I posted would work for setting a custom WB just as well as it would for taking a test shot and then using that test shot to do WB in post, wouldn't it?

Anyway, the OP specifically said shooting in RAW.

 

[aviator8]

If working only with jpeg and not raw files, then the need to get it color balanced before taking the shot is far more important.

And video

 

[JackD342]

Right...? I think what I posted would work for setting a custom WB just as well as it would for taking a test shot and then using that test shot to do WB in post, wouldn't it?

Anyway, the OP specifically said shooting in RAW.

I was responding to your note about using the eyedropper tool, which is in post and most effective when working with the full file. Yeah, I didn't check to see if OP specified format, but once these discussions branch out it is good to clarify between specifics and generalities.

 

[Ministryofgiraffes]

Dude, the second they make fins that are a perfect greyscale for white-balancing and don’t discolour at all, I’m in!