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Flash Filters

You can use filters on your flash to solve two problems.

Problem #1 -

Flash Is Too Blue

If the light from your flash is too blue, go to Flash Too Blue?.

Problem #2 -

Orange or Green Backgrounds

When using flash, the backgrounds are illuminated by the room light.

That's because the light from the flash doesn't go very far.

The backgrounds may be orange from tungsten (light bulb) lighting, or green from from florescent lighting.

You may also have noticed that the shadows created by your flash are orange or green.

Again, that's because the room light is illuminating the shadows.

To eliminate the orange or green:

• Change the color of the flash.

• Adjust the white balance.

Change the Flash Color

Change the color of the flash to match the color of the light in the background.

Use one of the following three methods.

Method #1

The manufacturer of your flash may sell color correction filters.

Method #2

Use Rosco filters.

To convert a flash to tungsten light color, use a Rosco Cinegel 3401 (Roscosun 85), which is equivalent to a Kodak 85B filter, to convert flash to a tungsten color temperature (3200°K).

To convert a flash to florescent light color, use a Rosco Cinegel 3304 (Tough Plusgreen), which is equivalent to a Kodak 30G filter.

If your flash doesn't have a filter holder, use real gaffer tape to attach the filters to your flash.

Don't use duct tape.

Method #3

Use MPS Sticky Fill Flash Correction Filters.

They stick to the flash head, and are easily removed.

Set the White Balance

To Match the Flash Color

Next, set the white balance for the color of the flash/background light.

Now:

• The two light sources are the same color.

• The white balance is set for this color.

Summary

Tungsten Lighting

If there's tungsten lighting in the background, you turn the flash color from daylight to orange.

Now, the two light sources have the same color—orange.

Then, you set the white balance to the light bulb icon.

Now, the camera will remove the excess orange.

Background Light Color	Color of the Flash	White Balance setting
Tungsten	Orange	Light Bulb Icon

Florescent Lighting

If there's florescent lighting in the background, you turn the flash color from daylight to green.

Now, the two light sources have the same color—green.

Then, you set the white balance to the florescent tube icon.

Now, the camera will remove the excess green.

Background Light Color	Color of the Flash	White Balance setting
Florescent	Green	Tube Icon