What does the term "white point" define in photography?

The term "white point" in photography refers to the color that is perceived as white in an image or a particular lighting situation. It is an important concept used to establish a reference for color balance, ensuring that colors are accurately represented in the final image. By defining what the camera or image processing system considers to be white, it helps in reproducing other colors correctly and maintaining the overall color fidelity.

In the context of photography and image processing, the white point can significantly impact how the rest of the colors in the photograph are rendered. When set correctly, it ensures that under different lighting conditions, colors appear true to life and consistent across various devices, such as monitors and printers. This concept is crucial for achieving natural-looking photographs and for professional photo editing.