Tips for Finding Your Preferred Atmosphere with Light Color Temperature | Focus #79
cover image by Rui
Light is like a paint that colors the canvas of photography. The temperature of each light defines 'color' within the gradient, enriching the scenery we see.
Did you know that color temperature is measured in units called Kelvin (K)? This number indicates whether the hue of the light is warm or cool. This time, we focus on this color temperature and introduce how to utilize it in everyday photography.
Warm Light, the Gradient of Sunrise and Sunset
Soft light during sunrise or sunset has a color temperature of about 2000K, creating a rich warm hue that brings warmth and tranquility to photos. It is ideal for capturing everyday scenes softly and with rich emotion.
Midday Light, the Active Time
The light at midday, when the sun shines brightest, has a color temperature of about 5000–6000K, bringing a sense of cleanliness and activity to photos. It is suitable for vividly capturing daily activities, outdoor events, and children playing.
Light in Living Spaces, the Colors of Life
Daylight color has a color temperature of about 6500K, with a refreshing feel close to sunlight. It naturally depicts scenes of life, capturing moments in daily life, such as the quietness of reading or the focused expression when writing a letter, in vivid detail.
Night Light, Warm Incandescent Bulbs
The city lights have a color temperature of about 2800K. Often chosen for capturing fleeting night scenes or relaxed atmospheres, they create eye-friendly photos that convey intimacy and warmth.
Chasing Your Preferred Light
Understanding color temperature allows you to know the specific numbers of comfortable colors. However, more important is finding the light you prefer and continuing to shoot with originality while valuing the emotions that light creates. The numbers of color temperature enhance the reproducibility of the atmosphere you want to convey, allowing us to express beauty more accurately and richly.
Learn about the color temperature of light and try to put your own sensibility into words.
