Light – Colour Temperature

Colour Temperature

The colour temperature can be seen as the colour tint of the light emitted from a light source. The colour temperature is expressed in Kelvin (K).

Hues

The range of hues and the corresponding colour temperature.

A rising and setting sun has a red hue. Standard daylight is white. Strong led light, e.g. modern car head lights, have a blue tint. An overview of the values of colour temperatures in different light situations.

Sunrise and Sunset

Sunset with a colour temperature of 2000 K.

Shadow

Photographs taken in full shadow have a colour temperature of 7000 – 10000 K and have a blue tint.

Sun

Photographs taking in the full morning sun have a colour temperature around 4000 K with a yellow hue.

Light Bulbs

Light bulbs (approx. 3000 K) will produce a orange hue.

Multiple Colour Temperatures

A situation with a combination of colour temperatures from the shadow in front and the direct sunlight on the background.