Color temperature describes the warmth or coolness of visible light and is measured in degrees Kelvin. Scientifically speaking, all light is based on black-body radiation. A black-body radiator emits energy that appears as a light source. The color of that light depends on the temperature of the energy being radiated. For example, an incandescent light bulb emits a warm white light due to its corresponding Kelvin temperature.
Understanding color temperature is vital for filmmakers and photographers because it’s the foundation for all post-production work involving light and color. White balance, color correction, and color grading all start with the temperature of light. Learn the essentials of color temperature so you can properly balance your color in-camera for different lighting conditions. As any filmmaker will tell you, smart lighting in the field will make color correction and grading that much easier down the road.