I was wondering what techniques or tricks people have invented to manage white balancing. I"ve heard some folks have made a slate that straps to their thigh? Others using their fins?
Just curious what innovative tricks are out there (or are these sacred trade secrets?) to manage the juggling act of
holding a slate.. etc..
Ive heard that the Gates housing have a WB arm / slate combo but that it may be a little awkward to use..
Trying to come up with good in the water workable ideas (besides asking my wife/ buddy to hold the WB slate for me)
On a related topic: Has anyone ever used the "warmcards" for underwater video use?
I dive clear tropical waters, so what works for me might not work for you in Seattle.
I use my grey fins, the sun or sand.
I was wondering what techniques or tricks people have invented to manage white balancing. I"ve heard some folks have made a slate that straps to their thigh? Others using their fins?
Just curious what innovative tricks are out there (or are these sacred trade secrets?) to manage the juggling act of
holding a slate.. etc..
Ive heard that the Gates housing have a WB arm / slate combo but that it may be a little awkward to use..
Trying to come up with good in the water workable ideas (besides asking my wife/ buddy to hold the WB slate for me)
On a related topic: Has anyone ever used the "warmcards" for underwater video use?
I have never used a card or white fins though i am sure these are the best methods. I have mostly found that just pointing at the reef and setting your whitebalance usually gives good results. With this method, you often have to try a few different places (close, a bit further away etc.) to get colour that looks right but it works most of the time.
Obviously white sand is pretty good too, but the camera will find something white in almost any shot - you can try it on land, you don't need to fill the frame with white.
I have also shot the sun (or clouds) or divers in bluewater and can usually get a pretty good colour from that.
Do a search in the forum next time as these topics get brought up every now and then:
Sand works fine. It doesn't have to be white. Gray is fine. Touch it up in post if necessary.
Not to steal Wag's method but I use Kelly too. I've had good results laying a #1 Warm Card on my fin to MWB, when she is unavailable. Since her HC1 is more light dependent to MWB I will often hold the same card out in front for her to ensure both lights are hitting it well. That worked out nicely shooting Mantas on Solmar last month. The white undersides were lit well and blues looked good (to me) with no post. Hope to send you some. John
Thanks everyone for all the good feedback.
I swear by using an Expodisc and white balancing on the sun or brightest light source with it. It gives me beautiful, vibrant color and allows me to white balance about 40' deeper than without it. It has gotten to the point where I always use it whether in blue water, murky water, or anything in between, and even with lights. I still occasionally try MWB with and without Expodisc, and always stay with it. See Expodisc thread.
