WB crash course

[MRCPix]

ok all you nikon shooters out there do you have any suggestions on setting WB for shooting basketball games ?
I have my first one coming up and need a little help with WB I don't think AWB is the way to go, but have never done any custom WB settings.

thanks

[boxofrocks]

Quickest, most convenient, and easiest, would probably be to use an Expodisc. Have you tried the PRE setting using a gray card? How were the results?

[MRCPix]

I have not tried the pre setting and a gray card. This is one area I feel I really need to work on because I don't think AWB is always a good thing especially shooting sports indoors

[RGWeber]

I agree with Tom, the Expodisc is a quick easy way or you can shoot in RAW, try several settings then correct the white balance in post processing. Next time you will know what to set your camera on.

Rick

[boxofrocks]

Just get a cheap gray card and try the PRE WB setting on your Nikon. Read the manual--it's easy. In a pinch, I've shot the back of a white t-shirt while on a football side line using the PRE setting. Often that yields better results than AWB--especially when there are mixed light sources. Just make sure you meter it correctly, and you should see a decent result--providing you fill the frame with something you know to be "white".

Now that I think about it, I have an expodisc I'd probably sell you if you're really interested. PM me.

I'm pretty sure the photo below was shot using the pre setting--I think I took a reading of of someone's shirt. Not bad for mixed lighting conditions (flash and sodium lights).

[MRCPix]

thanks everyone I need this kind of input.
and yes I do have a gray card

[markperez]

yeah practice with the gray card in room with mix lighting. I addition to using the gray card to set custom WB take a picture of your gray card for reference and you can use that if need be to set your color balance in post.

[MRCPix]

good Idea thanks