White Balnce, applied.

This is the original image. To correct the white balance, I used the method of white balance in photoshop. Here is how to do it:
# Select an image with white balance issues
# Image->Adjustments->Levels
# Click on the eye dropper on the lower right (the far right one that says "Set White Point"
# In the image click on something that should be white
# It will automatically correct the image with that point being plain white
So that is what I did. I click on the part of the picture of the white on the sign ( on the top left, the white in the middle of the blue). This set the white balance. Here is the corrected image.

White Balance and Color Temperature

Color temperature is a characteristic of light important to photography. It is a measurement in degrees Kelvin indicating the hue of a specific type of light source. Low color temperature implies warmer light (yellows and reds) while higher color temperatures impllies (more blue) light. Different lights give off different temperatures. White balance is telling your camera that a certain color is white. Even if the light appears blue, you're saying "hey, that's white not blue." The human eye views many shades of white, as white. But the camera can not decipher what is white if it has a different hue to it. So, there is a setting on the camera in which you can point your camera to the object in the light you want to be viewed as white.
Here are some common color temperature, measured in Kelvin.

1500 K Candlelight
2680 K 40 W incandescent lamp
3000 K 200 W incandescent lamp
3200 K Sunrise/sunset
3400 K Tungsten lamp
3400 K 1 hour from dusk/dawn
5000-4500 K Xenon lamp/light arc
5500 K Sunny daylight around noon
5500-5600 K Electronic photo flash
6500-7500 K Overcast sky
9000-12000 K Blue sky

Here is an example of unrealistic white balance, and the same photo with the white balance correct on the camera:

1. Incorrect.

2. Correct.

I hope you now understand white balance and color temperature.

Environmental Portrait

An environmental portrait is a portrait taken in the subject's natural environment. In an environmental portrait, the subject is shown in a setting that shares information about the person's life or interest.

This is an example of an environmental portrait. It shows ballerinas in a ballet studio, where they actually would be dancing, as opposed to just having a blank or unrealistic backdrop.

More Types of Portraits:

Candid: A candid portrait is a portrait taken without posing or communicating with the subject before taking the photo. In a candid portrait, the subject can appear to either be aware or unaware of the photographer's presence.

Posed: A posed portrait is a candid portrait in which the photographer has somehow communicated with the subject, to change what they are doing, like a change in body position or expression, in front of the camera.

Formal: A formal portrait is typically planned out. Communication between the subject and photographer have been discussed, such as clothing, position, expression and background.

Rules of Thumb for Portraits:

1. The body of the subject should not be turned directly toward the camera

2. Avoid bright colors or bold prints on clothing

3. The body of the subject should not be turned 90 degrees from the camera