Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/mixed-light-portrait-color/

# Control Mixed Lighting in a Portrait Before Correcting Color

Identify the different light sources falling on the face. A single white-balance adjustment cannot independently correct two differently colored sources illuminating separate areas.

Portrait lighting2 min readUpdated 19 October 2026

## Put the checklist to work

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Quick answer

## The short version

Identify the different light sources falling on the face. A single white-balance adjustment cannot independently correct two differently colored sources illuminating separate areas.

## A capture or editing plan

Take a test with all visible room lights, then switch off or block one source at a time where practical. Compare the face, clothing and background separately. Choose a dominant light and reduce unwanted mixtures during capture. If the location cannot be changed, keep a reference frame and plan a local correction rather than assuming one global slider will solve the whole picture.

## When to change the approach

Do not remove all color from the portrait merely because the lighting is difficult unless a black-and-white deliverable is actually wanted.

## Worked planning example

Planning example: A window lights one cheek while a warm lamp lights the other. A global adjustment makes one side neutral and the other less convincing. Turning off the lamp provides a simpler capture for later color work.

## If the first attempt fails

When one side of the face remains a different color after white balance, inspect which sources illuminate each side. A single global adjustment cannot independently neutralize two different light relationships. For a new capture, switch off or move away from the conflicting source where practical. If editing the existing file, keep local adjustments modest and compare neutral objects before concluding that skin color alone is the problem.

## Before you finish

1. Identify each source reaching the subject.
2. Test with one source removed.
3. Review skin and background separately.

## FAQs

What should I check first for mixed lighting portrait photography?

Identify each source reaching the subject. Test with one source removed. Review skin and background separately.

## Sources

Sources for technical facts and documented capabilities. Worked scenarios are hypothetical planning examples.

- Adobe: [Portrait lighting techniques](<https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/portrait-lighting.html>)

## Related

- [Test white balance on a copy](<https://restorebunny.com/tools/white-balance-editor/>)
- [Check Catchlights Without Manufacturing a Different Expression](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/portrait-catchlights-review/>)
- [Browse all photo guides](<https://restorebunny.com/guides/>)

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