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Young House Love » Random » Take That Blue Light

| By John Petersik | January 6, 2012 | 95 Comments

Take That Blue Light

We’re not the best photographers, but we are trying to get better as we go. And that’s why we find ourselves doing things like this in the middle of homespun photoshoots.

BlueLight John With Blanket

See how neon blue it looks behind me in that picture? That’s because when shooting our artificially-lit kitchen, any natural light looks like that. Usually not a problem, except when some window light shines through and makes a subtle blue splash on the freshly painted cabinets that we’re trying to take pictures of. Sherry doesn’t always notice these things, but they drive me crazy. See the blue-ish light reflecting off the doors and the side of the peninsula? It’s taunting me.

BlueLight Before

So with the help of my trusty blanket (which blocked the light coming in from the living room) and Sherry behind the camera, we got this shot instead.

BlueLight After

It’s subtle, but it makes me very happy. According to Sherry “it’s exactly the same thing.” And I might have been called a dork. But no sir, John Petersik sees the difference. And will not stand for pesky lighting inconsistencies. Not on my watch.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for RoseRose says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Hm, it’s definitely subtle but it is there – John’s not crazy. ;) I, of course, would not have noticed if it wasn’t pointed out with an “after” shot with which to compare. I will say that the hardware looks so much better in the after shot. Everything looks crisper and so much more “true-to-life” in color (I’m guessing! haha). The shadow in the corner by the front door is gone, the shadow/reflection of the glass … thing … (with the plant in it) is gone. I have been trying to learn more about how to take better photos, so this is cool!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    John, I can totally see the difference and I am just as OCD! You can definitely see the blue on the fridge and the cabinets in the first one.

    I just did the same thing last week by covering my darn livingroom window with a blanket over the blinds because the shadowing was weird :)

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Ashley EzAshley Ez says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Totally not crazy to me. I’m first assistant for a pro photog and on shoots it is always my job to be the first person to find all the crazy reflections, grab the proper reflector and have someone stand and hold the reflector in the most awkward position possible. Then there is adding in more lighting…. On set days when we have 15+ locations….it gets crazy. And bystanders often ask “What does that guy with the gold thing really do??”

    Just to throw it out there…you could totally have covered up your cabinets on the opposite side of the room with a white blanket to prevent that black reflection going horizontally through the center of the fridge. : )

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 6, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      Oh my gosh, this tip is going to send John over the edge! Haha. Love it.

      xo,
      s

  4. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:37 pm

    Do you use a custom white balance for your photos, or one of the pre-set ones? That might make a big difference…

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 6, 2012 at 7:04 pm

      We use a custom set one. Still get the blue stuff when another room’s light interferes though!

      xo,
      s

  5. Avatar for WrenariaWrenaria says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    I totally see the difference! Like John, I am a little crazy about that kind of stuff in my own photos too, so I am in complete support his neurosis.

    That being said, I probably wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t posted the perfected picture to compare it to.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    January 6, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I definitely see it, but I tend to notice things other people wouldn’t, haha.

    I’m actually glad you shared this though, because it totalyl explains why the new CFL we bought called “daylight” looks more like “bug zapper blue” in our living room. I actually thought that’s what was behind John holding the blanket.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Heidi P.Heidi P. says

    January 6, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    Wouldn’t have noticed it on my own, but John’s right! The 2nd picture IS a lot better! Speaking of snuggies, have you guys read/heard about the snuggie texting on this http://itjustgetsstranger.blogspot.com/
    blog? He’s a friend of mine, and although it’s a little lengthy, it’s pretty dang funny. And maybe a little sad. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 6, 2012 at 7:05 pm

      Haha, so funny!

      xo,
      s

  8. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    January 6, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    You could also fix the problem in photoshop. Shadows and highlights or burning could help get rid of the effect. That being said, a blanket is probably a quicker and easier solution.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    January 6, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    I tottaly can see the difference too.. I’m adorkable too
    Keep using the blanket, Linus < you know.. from Snoopy

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 6, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Haha, Linus is my favorite!!! No wonder I married John. He’s my Linus. It all makes sense now…

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for BarbBarb says

    January 6, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    I’m on your side, John. The first one has a blue sheen and the second is clear as a bell. White, white, white!!!!

    Keep on keeping on!!!

    Have a great weekend. I have a list a mile long of honey do’s for my husband. Be afraid Glenn….be very afraid!!!

    B.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    January 6, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    I see the difference! Although I have to say, I like the first one better. More natural; you’d see the reflections/shines from the window in real life. :)
    The second one it just seems like there’s no window coming from that angle where you’re holding the blanket.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for RandaRanda says

    January 6, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    No worries John, you may have been called a dork, but I suspect that next year’s Christmas gift will include a badge for “Photography Samurai”! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 6, 2012 at 7:02 pm

      Haha- I’ll have to get on that!

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for JillJill says

    January 6, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    I saw a big difference. Good job J-fizzle.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    January 6, 2012 at 8:38 pm

    Big difference. I probably wouldn’t have noticed the blue without the comparison, but subtle details make all the difference sometimes. :)

    Reply
  15. Avatar for TirsaTirsa says

    January 6, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    Definitely see the difference between the two! I hate those shadows and glares in my pictures. Thanks for the blanket idea – now I know how to fix it. :)

    Reply
  16. Avatar for chellechelle says

    January 6, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    I’m with you, being OCD [well kinda] things like this can drive me crazy, way to be picky John =]

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Emily AndersonEmily Anderson says

    January 7, 2012 at 8:14 am

    OK. Totally unrelated to this post but I had to share this somewhere…I just watched this video this morning (it’s hilarious) but the baby looks so much like Clara! In fact I initially watched because I thought it was Clara. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/baby-video-whos-your-favorite_n_1190150.html
    Her long lost Australian twin?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 7, 2012 at 9:20 am

      Haha- so cute! We totally see it!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    January 7, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    Wow, it really does make a difference. There is also no shadow from the glass containers on the counter once you blocked the light! That is something I would never even think of, or notice until comparing the 2 pictures.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Mary SMary S says

    January 7, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    There is almost no difference in those photos to me…but if your powers of detection are so refined can you please come clean my baseboards? Cause they look ok to me but I know they are really dirty. I am with Sherry on this one but must say having a perfectionist in the house can come in handy. You go OCD Man.

    Reply
    • Avatar for RoseRose says

      January 9, 2012 at 4:28 pm

      Haha. Mary S, that baseboard comment cracked me up! I know what you mean too.

  20. Avatar for SandySandy says

    January 7, 2012 at 9:53 pm

    I’m with John on this one! That’s what transforms a good picture into a great one. Nice light blocking moves.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

    January 8, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    Team John! Totally see it.

    And that, dear John and Sherry, is what I consider a fake comment, because I am totally uncool, and would never in real life say such a thing. But of course in blogland it’s easy to pick up and repeat such utterances. Thanks for all your work! (Dorkily looking forward to Feb 22 when I might get to meet you in Portland!)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    January 8, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    I love that this stuff bugs you. It bugs me too. More than it should. Embrace your OCD and make those cabinets the “right” white!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    January 9, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    I see it! Big difference!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for SallySally says

    January 9, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Now that you mention it…I can totally see it. But if you’d just posted the first picture, I’d be thinking about your cabinets instead.

    This is what keeps makes YHL great – your attention to detail in your photos and editing your posts. Lots of bloggers post photos and descriptions of their cool renovations. But I read YHL because you bring a whole other level of professionalism!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 9, 2012 at 5:46 pm

      Aw thanks Sally, that’s so nice of you!

      xo,
      s

  25. Avatar for stacey erinstacey erin says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Well done John! Color temeratures are so pesky and can totally ruin an otherwise great shot. Such a pain, but this reader appreciates your efforts!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for JulianneJulianne says

    January 10, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    I just found one of your old posts through your recent Monthly-Round-up, and Sherry Mentioned that pesky blue light too… :)
    https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/take-it-away/

    Two peas in a pod! You guys are so cute.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Young House LifeYoung House Life says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm

      Haha- so funny!

      xo,
      s

  27. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    February 26, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Totally not the same thing…sorry Sherry…

    Great tip! :)

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Liz@interior decorating classes[email protected] decorating classes says

    July 12, 2013 at 10:41 am

    I was searching for a solution to this problem and found this post. Great idea. I will try it!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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