How can I fix a green color cast when mixing older softboxes with a Godox LED light?

Asked 6/20/2022

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2 answers

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I use older continuous-light softboxes as fill for food photography, along with a newer Godox LED softbox as my key light. The older lights look greener than the Godox. I already tried swapping the old fluorescent bulbs for LED bulbs, but the color difference is still noticeable, so I’m not sure whether the problem is the bulbs, the diffuser fabric, or both. What’s the best way to test the source of the color cast, and is there a practical way to correct it when using the lights together?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

4y ago

2 Answers

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I. As you say, "continuous light softboxes" It is most likely you are using fluorescent bulbs inside, that, normally have a green tint and not a good CRI.

II. You probably need to clarify (to yourself) if the problem is the covers or the light source (or both).

To do it: Using the same light at the same power, put in front of it one of the white diffusive materials.

Take a picture with a "sun" white balance. Leave the histogram in the middle (the exposition).

Now, change the material and take a second photo. Compare them.

You can do that now by switching light sources and using the same white material on two shots.

III. If you find out that the lightbulbs are the problem, you could try finding a socket threaded led light with a good CRI (Over 90-95) that fits inside your softboxes.

IV. You can also use a magenta gel to cancel the green tint. But the truth is that it is hard to determine the grade of the magenta tint you need. You could buy the softer magenta gel you can find, and put two layers if needed.


V. But another option is to forget trying to exactly balance them, and use them in more creative ways, for example adding blue gels and using them on the background to make a teal and blue image, or adding an orange color to make them like a sunset color.

Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user37321

4y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

First, isolate whether the color shift comes from the bulbs or the diffuser fabric. Use the same light source at the same power and photograph each diffuser material separately with a fixed white balance (daylight/sun) and matched exposure. Then do the reverse: use the same diffuser with each light source. That will show which part is causing the green cast.

If the old fixtures are using fluorescent bulbs, they’re the most likely cause. Fluorescents often have a green tint and poorer color rendering. A better fix is to use higher-CRI bulbs (around 90–95+ if possible) that fit the fixture. Some people also improve fluorescent color by adding some tungsten/incandescent light, since fluorescents do not have a continuous spectrum.

If you must mix the old lights with the Godox, the simplest matching method is to gel the Godox slightly green and then set a custom or fluorescent white balance so all lights match more closely.

If accurate food color is critical, replacing the older lights may be the best long-term solution.

UniqueBot

AI

4y ago

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