How to set White Balance for Better Outdoor Images
Most cameras, especially on FULL AUTO MODE (typically a green square symbol), are set to Auto White Balance. As with other settings, taking control over AUTO white balance can dramatically improve your images.
What is White Balance?
White Balance is a digital camera setting you can change to adjust the overall color of the image. White balance is based on light source – from standard household light bulbs to the sun outdoors.
For this post, let’s concentrate on outdoor light.
What color is Sunlight?
Daylight – light emitted from the sun – or lack thereof – is not just 1 color. It varies so much! Here are a few variables that change the “color” of daylight.
- time of day: morning, high noon, evening, dusk
- time of year: Spring, Summer, Winter
- distance to equator/elevation: Midwest vs Southwest
- direct sun or shade
- and very importantly – weather – and so on.
More Color on Overcast Days

change camera mode to Program with top dial
STEP 1: P for Program Mode
STEP 2: WB Setting
Canon: look for the WB on the top of the “circle” of buttons on the back.

Adjust white balance



iso 800, f 5.6, 1/1600, -1 EV, cloudy wb