Mastering the Art of Photography in Fluorescent Light Situations

Boy in classroom lit by fluorescent lights.
Image by Ernesto Eslava from Pixabay

Taking photographs in fluorescent light situations can be a challenging task, but with a little bit of knowledge and practice, you can capture stunning images. Fluorescent lights are commonly used in offices, schools, and other indoor spaces, and their color temperature can vary from warm to cool tones.

To avoid the unflattering greenish tint that fluorescent lights often cast on your subjects, it’s important to adjust your camera’s white balance setting. Most modern cameras have a fluorescent light preset that you can select to correct the color balance. Alternatively, you can manually adjust the white balance by taking a test shot and fine-tuning the color temperature in post-processing.

Another tip for photographing in fluorescent light situations is to use a custom white balance card. These cards are designed to reflect a neutral white color and can be used to set a custom white balance in your camera. By using a white balance card, you can ensure that the colors in your photos appear accurate and natural.

It’s also important to be mindful of the shutter speed and aperture settings when photographing in fluorescent light. Since fluorescent lights flicker at a high frequency, you may notice banding or other artifacts in your photos if your shutter speed is too slow. To avoid this issue, use a faster shutter speed or adjust your aperture to let in more light.

With these tips and a bit of experimentation, you can capture stunning photographs in fluorescent light situations. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and settings, and remember to have fun and enjoy the process!