White Balance Editing in Lightroom: Perfect Photos In Any Light

Last updated on 09/15/2024

Cover photo by serhii_bobyk on Freepik

Imagine this: you capture a breathtaking seaside sunset wedding session, the fiery sky ablaze with color. But when you review the photo, it’s washed out and dull. Why is that happening? Well, unfortunately, your eyes don’t see colors exactly the way your camera does. Our brain helps us adapt to different light conditions to perceive color normally.

Without controlling white balance, your indoor shots may end up with yellow, orange, or red color casts. For example, a photo taken outdoors could appear too blue. That’s where post-production tools like the temperature slider in Lightroom come in handy. In this article, we are going to look at the key ways 

» Looking to save time and get consistent pro results? Check out batch photo editing in Lightroom

What is White Balance In Photography Editing?

White balance establishes the true value of the color, serving as a reference point for all other colors. Let’s say you go skiing in the late afternoon with a sunset. Take a picture of the snow you perceive as white; it’ll end up orange in your shot.

White balance accuracy acts as the foundation for solutions to any common post-processing problems. If your colors are off during a shoot, no photo editing can completely fix it. This concept also helps build a realistic color palette, producing a professional-looking picture.

How to Fix White Balance in Lightroom

Lightroom hosts an array of tools for white balance adjustment, such as the temperature and tint sliders, the white balance selector, and the auto-white balance.

The auto white balance tool is like a quick fix button, analyzing the photo and making educated guesses about the correct temperature. While an excellent starting point, it needs some fine-tuning to achieve the desired color.

With the white balance selector, you can identify and click on a neutral area in the picture. Lightroom then suggests the color temperature accordingly. This tool helps you do nuanced and personalized corrections, especially when auto mode falls short.

» Want to speed up your photo editing workflow? See how to easily address common editing mistakes with AI photo editing tools

Imagen is the new-generation AI-powered photo editing assistant. It analyzes your photos and individually adjusts the Lightroom parameters for each photo in your catalog, based on your preferences and personal editing style. You just need to create your Personal AI Profile by uploading some edited photos. It allows Imagen’s AI to learn your editing style and preferences and apply them to all your catalogs.

Uncover your Unique Editing Style with Imagen Personalized AI Editing Tool For Pro Photographers

White Balance: Lightroom Classic vs. Standard Version

When comparing Lightroom versions, the classic edition stands out for its robust photo editing tools. It offers a full set of advanced capabilities, such as:

• HSL/Grayscale panel for refined color/tone editing
• Precise local adjustment abilities
• Expansive raw photo processing controls

For hobby photographers needing to edit a lot of photos in bulk, and just make basic adjustments, the stripped-down Lightroom standard version is enough. It offers a more user-friendly editing experience with a straightforward interface.

Note: Both Lightroom CC and Lightroom Classic versions, as well as Photoshop (ACR) and Bridge (ACR) users can also leverage modern AI automation to ease the learning curve, and integrate those tools with Imagen to instantly apply white balance, and other quick edits to your full gallery, and focus on more creative decisions instead. 

Imagen’s AI photographer’s assistant tool listens to your vision and edits each element with precision so that every photo is a timeless love story to your craft.

How To Ace White Balance In Photo Editing: Easy Solutions to Common Challenges

Dealing with color casts from mixed lighting

• Challenge: Color casts arise due to mixed lighting scenarios.
• Solution: Use the white balance selector for precise adjustments. If the issue persists, delicately adjust the temperature and tint sliders. 

Fixing inaccuracies in Lightroom’s auto white balance

• Challenge: Discrepancies in the camera’s auto white balance contribute to editing challenges.
• Solution: Use the white balance selector tool to address inaccuracies by manually revisiting and fine-tuning it.

Overcoming challenging natural lighting conditions

• Challenge: Complexities in natural lighting conditions can make it hard to achieve optimal white balance.
• Solution: Approach adjustments with a nuanced understanding of the lighting conditions. For meticulous corrections, experiment with the white balance selector and temperature and tint sliders.

» Discover the top issues faced by wedding photographers and how to solve them

Balancing Act: Mastering White Balance in Lightroom Photography Editing

Whether exploring Lightroom’s vast capabilities as a seasoned pro or editing with the premade Lightroom presets as a hobbyist, achieving impeccable white balance requires finesse and some healthy amount of trial and error.

That’s where advanced photography software tools like Imagen prove invaluable—serving as your white balance maestro. This Lightroom editing automation tool empowered by AI analyzes your unique editing style, instantly applying those customized tweaks to new photos.

With the addition of Imagen, your AI photo editor assistant tool for Lightroom, this process becomes even easier, and you end up with consistent, tastefully edited photos across the whole gallery, in a fraction of the time needed for manual one-by-one editing.

Sign Up For Imagen’s Trial With No Commitment & Get 1000 FREE AI Edits for Your Couple Photos

_______________

Denitsa Raykova is a seasoned product photographer renowned for her exceptional skills and expertise in capturing captivating visuals that elevate products to their fullest potential. Her journey began with a passion for visual storytelling and a keen eye for detail.