Changing lighting for photography

[ThunderGoose]

I have the radion XR15 gen 4 lights and was wondering if anyone knew of a way to temporarily change the spectrum for photography. I don't want to go in, change the program and then have to change it back every time I want to snap a picture so I was hoping there was a quick override mechanism. Thanks.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

@Rakie did you find a preset?

 

[Rakie]

@Rakie did you find a preset?

Not yet I've been trying to mess with a Gray card first! But it looks like this will be the next step anyways.

@ThunderGoose -- I'd probably end up adding some cool white and warm white first, outside of that I don't have a specific setting. You could try just adjusting the kelvin slider to 12-14k and see how it looks.



Edit: Actually @saltyfilmfolks -- I've been wanting to do a write up for a LONG time on colors, color issues, and lighting as they relate to colors. The biggest issue is equipment, I don't have the equipment to run the tests, and I don't have the quality camera to photograph the results -- Further, I don't have the expertise to photograph the results even if I did have a proper camera -- So I could see this write-up leading to another.

Here's the picture I use to show the myth of the "Blue Pop" led (XHO ReefBrite on my frag rack) -- I'm pointing at all the blue and purple corals that completely disappear under blue light.

 

[Pongo]

I have the radion XR15 gen 4 lights and was wondering if anyone knew of a way to temporarily change the spectrum for photography. I don't want to go in, change the program and then have to change it back every time I want to snap a picture so I was hoping there was a quick override mechanism. Thanks.

I have the ReefLink and use the iPhone app (EcoSmartLive app) to adjust the intensity/spectrum.
Then after you're done shooting photos, tap the blue icon in the top left of the screen to return to the lights' regular program.

If you find a setting that you're happy with you can save that as a preset in the app to override the programming for a pre-set amount of time.

 

[ThunderGoose]

I have the ReefLink and use the iPhone app (EcoSmartLive app) to adjust the intensity/spectrum.
Then after you're done shooting photos, tap the blue icon in the top left of the screen to return to the lights' regular program.

If you find a setting that you're happy with you can save that as a preset in the app to override the programming for a pre-set amount of time.

I'll have to see if I can do that without an iPhone. I can imagine trying to get that one past the husband. No, really honey, I need an iPhone for the reef tank, honest!

 

[Pongo]

(In your husband's voice) Well........... I think there is an Android app.

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

There is an App selling for 3 bucks on App store (I think it was made by a R2R member) that eliminate the blue color hue you can try it out, it's not a the best or will beat a real digital camera but it's an option.

 

[BoomCorals]

I know with the apex you can set up color profiles tied to a virtual switch, and simply flipping the virtual switch temporarily overrides the normal program and changes to the corresponding profile. By chance, you’re not using an apex are you?

 

[kalare]

You should be able to just properly white balance your photos in post without needing to change lights every time you want to take a photo. You may of course be more limited if shooting in jpg.

 

[Reefwatcher24/7]

What kind of cell phone do you have? On my LG G5 I have manual mode. That setting is just like an actual high quality camera where you can adjust all the settings and shoot pics in JPEG/RAW mode. The RAW setting makes it possible to edit photos a lot after they're taken, if needed. If you Google to read about the settings and learn to use the ISO and shutter speed in manual mode plus adjusting white balance anything your trying to take a picture of will be amazing! I can actually take awesome pictures of the night sky with stars and so much more now. Will post pics later for you if needed.