What is white balance and how to use it?

[astroNikon]

White balance is directly related to the temperature. When temperature is cool i.e. if the atmosphere around u gives a cool effect then adjust your camera to warmer tone and if its warmer in nature … then u can cool it down with the help of WHITE BALANCE…
There are many different white balance control options available (depends what your camera is providing u). U can use the option auto white balance but I would suggest u to manually set that as it’s a camera n can’t match to human eye perfection ….

I think you're getting confused with Reflective Light and the proper exposure setup.

 

[Mikemaz]

Basically it is setting on camera is a setting that allows you to make choices about the overall "color cast" of the photograph, It can be from the both perspective means making corrections and creative control.

 

[hirejn]

I'm working on an article right now that will answer this with explanation, techniques and samples. It will be on my blog shortly so check back occasionally (Update: article complete). The short answer is white balance is the camera's way of compensating for color casts from different temperatures of light so that white always looks white in the picture, and colors look accurate overall. With incorrect white balance, whites will have a color cast and colors may look unnatural.

 

[WayneF]

The white piece of paper isn't helpful. If you're going to set white balance with a measurement target the target has to be spectrally neutral. Either purchase a proper white balance target or use white Styrofoam. A nice size flat piece of white Styrofoam can be cut from a grocery store salad bar container.

I think the white piece of paper can be very helpful. Possibly is sometimes slightly less accurate, but typically vastly better than no help at all. Esp in tough situations like fluorescent lighting, but the paper or card does have to be in the same light.

Use of a proper white card is great... but when not available, look for white things already in your picture.. painted white things, doors or picket fences or church steeples. Ceramic plates or plastic is normally good, no color pigment in it. Or white T shirts or table cloths, or signs and paper of course, including envelopes and business cards. Some things are off color, not good, but the goal for many things is to look white. Typically much better than nothing. Never any guarantees, but if you have a problem, try it.

 

[kasunlahiru]

In electronic and weeding photography (and beginner video) we have it much simpler. You can just media a key to make white balance fairly neutral, or let the electronic camera do this instantly. It's also simple to use this modification capability for devious reasons to move the shades any way you like.