WB setting for moonlight?

[whited3]

These two images are part of a set I took from the beach (Caloundra, QLD Australia) this week. Almost a full moon rising, no other lighting. WB was set the daylight for want of an appropriate setting.

So.....what WB setting should be used?

I tried playing around in ACR but these images as shot seem to me to be as shot, from what I can remember. Having said that, I was also busy doing my bit for the economy by sampling some lovely Tasmanian ale (or two) followed up by a quality Australian red It had been a hot day on the beach so I needed to rehydrate

[MiniChris]

Well, were I you mate, and I wanted this shot...I'd set the WB to Auto +1 toward the cool side (a lot) and do my drinking afterward...no can make this one work.

[Black Pearl]

I've always just used Auto WB for moon shots and I've never had any problems with colours. Are you sure that ACR picked up the WB tag correctly and didn't change it to say cloudy?

[whited3]

Thanks Guys. SWMBO tells me that as the moon rose over the horizon it and the clouds were yellow/red and spectacular. As it rose above the clouds into clear sky the colour changed to blue-tinted white. To complicate things the shoreline was indirectly lit by floodlights. I'll have a fiddle with the WB custom settings and see what I can come up with.

[Steve S]

I don't know what the WB should have been, but this shot rocks as is. I love the white light shining over the black water. I think it is perfect as is.

[whited3]

Thanks Steve.

Same first image but in B&W.



Same second image, reworked for WB.



and another.

[benm]

One of two WB settings can be used:
1. the one that replicates the original scene as closely as possible.
2. the one you like.

Daylight WB is not inappropriate as the moon is illuminated by the sun. Your photos look good to me.

[Peter Ryan]

Hi Mark,

I personally liked the ones with more warmth to them. I am not sure it really matters exactly what the scene was as long as you are happy with your interpretation of it.

I think more time worry about the beer and wines is in order on holidays but I do like the first versions.