Helicon Filter Help

How to set white balance

The "color" of the light is always different. The suns rays passing through the atmosphere change their spectrum. The spectrum of artificial illumination is never absolutely white.

The human brain adapts to the color casts instinctively so we usually do not notice the changes of the "white balance" of natural scenes.

The digital camera also tries to compensate color casts, but cannot do this as smart as the human brain does. In many cases the color cast (white balance) will have to be fixed in post processing.

As an example we will use the following image kindly provided by Derek Drury:

The image has a slight red color cast and we will try to fix it with Helicon Filter.

Step 1. Open the source image

You can open an image with the usual Open Dialog (menu->File->Open) or you can choose an image from the file browser with the Source tab.

If you would like to experiment with this sample image, I would suggest you to copy the image from this page and paste it into Helicon Filter.

Step 2. Correct white balance with the Color map.

Once you've opened the image, switch to the Colors tab. Now drag the black circle and watch how the image is changing.

Once you've found the best state you release the mouse button. You can Save the image now if you are contented with the result.

The problem with this fast and easy method is in making the right choice. Indeed you should have a very good eye and feeling to set the white balance manually.

Step 3. Set white balance with white point

Now reset all changes on the tab. We will try to point the program at an object which should be white or gray.

The program will adjust RGB sliders automatically to make this point white or gray on the image too.

To proceed please click on the White balance button and point at the white object:

Important : Do not select too bright or overexposed areas - they are always white and cannot be used to set a correct white balance.

Step 4. Set white balance using Memory colors

Even on this image I had a problem selecting white but not an overexposed area. There are no white objects in some images.

However, the face tone is often much more important to people then the white color of their shirt.

Helicon Filter has a predefined and editable list of the most popular colors which people remember quite well - the Memory colors list:

To set white balance using the Memory colors

1. press Memory colors button

2. select a skin area which you want to make look natural

3. select the color in the Memory colors dialog which you would like to apply.

The program will change the RGB sliders so that the selected area has the same hue as the color from the Memory colors list.

Please note, that you can add your own Memory colors (e.g. "My wife's normal skin tone"). To do this please use the button "Add this color" in the Memory colors dialog when it is open.

Step 5. Save the resulting image.

Original image with a red cast

Resulting image

If you are happy with your result, switch to Save tab and save the result as usual.

If you open the original image later the program will "recall" all parameters that were applied last time. Consequently you will be able to continue editing the original image. To restart from a scratch, reset all settings with button.

If you have any suggestions for changes to Helicon Filter or to the help and tutorials, please contact us at filter@helicon.com.ua