Pillar #4 - Color and Contrast in Photographs

1. Pillar #4 – Color and
Contrast
Digital Photography

2. Color in Photography
• Definition of Color:
• the quality of an object or substance with respect to light reflected by the
object, usually determined visually by measurement of hue, saturation, and
brightness of the reflected light; saturation or chroma; hue
• Color in nature exists as part of the visible spectrum of light
existing from Red to Indigo and everything in between
• White is not a color, but actually a mixture of all colors equally
• Black is not a color, but actually the absence of color (light reflection)
• Gray is tinted version of black/shaded version of white

3. Color in Photography
A. Color as part of the subject
• The inherent color of the subject is
enough to make it stand out by itself
without any other color needed
• Simplifies the use of color to just the
subject
• Something about the sheer beauty or
internal relationship that carries enough
importance

4. Color in Photography

5. Color in Photography
B. Color between subject and surroundings
• The color of the subject itself is not
pronounced, but between subject and
foreground or background
• Makes the subject stand out and draws
attention to the important aspects
• Enhances the color as a design element by
complimenting or contrating multiple
elements

6. Color in Photography

7. Color in Photography
• Absence of color in subject
• Specific condition where the subject lacks color
and or vibrancy creating a unique and alternate
situation
• Can be used to draw attention to the detail of
the subject when it is more important that the
subject (color) itself

8. Color in Photography

9. Color in Photography
• Absence of color in surroundings
• Allows the beauty of the subject to stand
alone where it may otherwise be drab or
unpronounced
• Contrast between objects strengthens the
importance of the subject and the
presence of color

10. Color in Photography

11. Color in Photography
• Absence of all color
• Monochromatic (B&W)
• Must utilize a strong degree of contrast
between lights and darks to be used
effectively

12. Color in Photography

13. Contrast
• The apparent change in details in close proximity
to one another or overall in a visual area
• Due to change in size, color, texture, placement, and
content
• The apparent change in intensity due to
noticeable change in intensity
• Highlights and shadows

14. Contrast as a Compositional Technique
• Include multiple similar elements
of different colors to draw
attention to the one that stands
out
• Does not often occur on its own
• Typically a single element that is
different

15. Problems
• Identify 3 potential problems
in the image to the right:
1)
2)
3)
Be prepared to share in group
Discussion.

16. The Challenge
• Capture images that demonstrate the
use of color in subjects, surroundings,
and the absence of color to design an
appealing image
• Capture an image of something that
you can manipulate the colors in
Photoshop to create something
extravagant and amazing