As a photographer, light is very important to me. And the kind of light I’m dealing with is important to know. Does the light reveal true colors or is there a color cast? Is it “warm” or “cool”?

Old fluorescent lights are particularly bad for getting healthy looking skin tones because they tend to give everything a slightly greenish hue. An incandescent bulb will give everything a yellowish-orange tint. And things seem bluish on an overcast day.

Things are even worse underwater. The deeper you go, the fewer colors you will be able to capture. Reds drop out first, then oranges, yellows, and finally greens until it’s all just a murky blue. (Which is a real shame because God created a crazy variety of colorful sea creatures!)

So what is the answer? There are several ways to help see the truth. One way is to use a digital feature called White Balance. You can set your camera for fluorescent light before you take the photo, and it will automatically remove the green cast. Or you can wait until after you have taken the shot and adjust the white balance using software, which can help in many situations.

The best option, however, is to bring your own neutral light source, like a flash, studio lighting, or an underwater light rig. With your own light, you can guarantee true, vivid colors.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When I’m out in the world, it can be hard to know the truth of things. Different news sources and opinions can give information a sort of color cast so that it is no longer exactly true.

How do I solve that problem?

I go to my own light source: God. God created light and He created truth. He knows everything and told me what I need to know in His word (which He summed up with one simple word: love.) He sent His Spirit to live in me and explain His word to me (again, love.) He is the neutral light source I need to switch on every day.

The best part is that when I spend time with my True Light Source, I can reflect that light on to other people as well. I can shine pockets of light and truth all around me by reflecting His love.

And if I still have any doubts about what is true, I can white balance my world by reaching for His handy tool: love.

Dear God,

Thank you for creating light and colors and eyes that can see them. Thank you for allowing me to reflect your light of love back into the word to participate in the battle against darkness. Remind me that I have no light of my own though. Without you things will be murky and skewed. Draw me daily into your bright presence.