Colour / Learn by doing
Colour Cast explained simply
What is “Colour Cast”?
An unwanted overall colour shift, such as a white wall looking green or a whole portrait looking orange.
- 01Unwanted colour
- 02Identify source
- 03Correct or relight
How do you use Colour Cast practically?
A small exercise
Photograph a neutral object under a coloured wall reflection. Move the object or block the reflection and compare.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Colour Cast solve a problem?
It helps identify light contamination before trying to repair every photograph in an editor.
What can go wrong?
Some colour shifts are intentional. Removing all warmth can spoil the atmosphere of a scene.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Unwanted colour → Identify source → Correct or relight. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
White balance — Canon
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
Planning a portrait or product session? Use the glossary with our practical shoot guides, then check the studio facilities and send your confirmed requirements with an availability enquiry.