Why Do White Rooms Look Green in Photos?
One of the issues behind the green tint in white rooms is simply the type of lighting in use.
Fluorescent lights, often found in commercial and office spaces, are famous for casting such a green hue:
However, our brains are incredibly clever.
They will adjust our perception and make the walls appear white despite the greenish lighting.
The camera, on the other hand, doesn't share our perceptual biases and records exactly what colors it sees.
White Balance: The Hero of the Story
So, how can you overcome this issue?
The answer is in the white balance (WB).
It adjusts the colors in an image to ensure that white objects appear white, regardless of the lighting conditions.
So you need to set the correct white balance and adjust the color differences that different light sources are causing.
Here’s how you can correct the WB in Adobe Lightroom.
Auto or Manual White Balance?
Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Auto White Balance (AWB)
This setting is your best choice when you have to take a quick picture.
However, it's not always the most reliable option though.
You might have issues if the lighting conditions are not consistent.
Manual White Balance
This option allows you to choose the specific white balance setting that matches the lighting conditions.
It's a bit harder to find the perfect setting, but the result is worth the effort.
So, I'd suggest you always go manual whenever you can.
Shoot in RAW
Your choice between AWB and manual is less critical if you shoot in raw.
RAW files contain all the image data, giving you the flexibility you need when you edit.
It's easier to adjust the white balance in post-prod.
You can correct colors and make sure your photos look as intended.
The Power of the Gray Card
If you want to take WB to the next level, a gray card can be a game-changer.
The principle is simple:
You capture a picture of a gray card under the same lighting conditions.
You give your camera a reference point to achieve the right white balance.
This technique is super helpful when you shoot in environments where the lighting is dynamic and changes all the time.
Manufacturers and Their Color Science
Note that camera makers have their own unique interpretation of colors: Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.
For example, Canon tends to provide warmer tones, making it a favorite for portraits.
And Nikon leans towards green slightly, making it a preferred choice for landscape photography.
Sony often gives you a touch of magenta into the mix.
Controlling the Green Tint
So that’s it.
I'd suggest using high Color Rendering Index (CRI) LEDs or even calibrated color charts for your shooting scenes.
This will help you reproduce the best colors in your work.
I hope that helps.
-Hakan
