Visibly professional, hobby in actuality - E9
Photography 101 Series (E9) - Color vs Black and White 👀
This is going to be a more philosophically inclined article compared to my usual actionable articles, but such is the nature of any art form. So buckle up, this will be an interesting ride!
Though we have always seen the world in color, our cameras were historically only capable of capturing photos in black and white. Though color films were available as early as the 1900s, they were expensive for everyday citizens, who stuck with black and white film up until Kodachrome film was introduced to the market. Also remember that photography was a very expensive hobby, let alone a profession (still true to this day!) and not everyone could afford to buy a camera, let alone buy color film to shoot and process color photos.
As fascinating as the history of photography in its formative years is, the switch from film to digital happened a long time ago. Film photography required a lot of technical skill to not only shoot, but also to develop the film reel after shooting - not to mention, no preview of how your image was going to look before you developed the reel! Switch to the 21st century, and now everyone can afford to buy a smartphone that comes with a camera built-in, which takes instantaneous color photos without prerequisite technical knowledge, and also shows you a preview of exactly what your photo will look like.
But as professionals, we stick to our guns! Professional cameras produce far better photos by all metrics compared to the average iPhone, but require technical know-how to efficiently utilize their full potential. All this to say that understanding the quintessence of both black and white photography and color photography will grant you a newfound appreciation for photography as a whole, which I am certain, will lead to you taking more professional photographs.
The Essence of Color Photography ⭕
Color photography faithfully reproduces the hues and tones present in the world around us. It was historically facilitated by color-sensitive film which was succeeded by digital image sensors, capable of capturing both color and monochrome photos. The evolution of photography from monochromatic (black and white) to color allowed photographers to truly showcase the world as they saw it - in color.
Where monochromatic photos are impactful and rely on the viewer’s imagination to animate the photo, color photography portrays the multi-dimensional reality of the world around us.
Color vs Black-and-White Photography
Color and black-and-white photography are two distinct approaches to capturing images, each with its unique visual language and emotional resonance.
Color Photography: Color photography is a celebration of the world's vividness and diversity. It conveys not only the shapes and forms of a scene but also the emotional impact of colors. The presence of colors can evoke specific moods and associations; for instance, warm tones might convey coziness and intimacy, while cool blues might evoke tranquility or melancholy. Another notable advantage to color photography is the ability of the photographer to display their creativity more directly and effectively through their images.
Black-and-White Photography: Black-and-white photography, on the other hand, strips away color to focus on form, contrast, and composition. It simplifies the visual elements, allowing viewers to concentrate on the interplay of light and shadow, textures, and the essence of the subject. Black-and-white photos often have a timeless and artistic quality, emphasizing the abstract and the emotional.
The Art of Capturing a Good Color Photo
Now that we've explored the essence of color photography and its relationship with black and white, let's delve into the art of capturing captivating color photos:
Understand Color Theory:
Understanding the color theory, including concepts like color harmony, complementary colors, and the emotional impact of different colors will allow you to take a more professional approach towards shooting photos.
Find the Right Lighting:
There is no photo without light! Understand concepts like the quality and direction of light. Soft, diffused light can bring out rich, natural colors, while harsh, direct light can create strong contrasts and vibrant colors.
Use Color Balance:
Adjust your camera's white balance settings to ensure accurate color representation under different lighting conditions. This prevents unwanted color casts, such as the bluish tint in shady areas or the warm tones during sunset.
Compositional Elements:
Incorporate color as an essential element in your compositions. Look for scenes with a strong color focal point or create color contrasts that draw the viewer's eye.
Color in Post-Processing:
In post-processing, use editing software to fine-tune and enhance color vibrancy, saturation, and contrast. However, be mindful not to overdo it; subtlety often yields more appealing results.
Storytelling with Color:
Consider the narrative potential of color in your photographs. Think about how specific colors can convey emotions, cultures, or themes. For example, the warmth of golden-hour sunlight can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
Experiment with Color Combinations:
Explore the visual impact of color combinations. Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) create dynamic contrast, while analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) offer a harmonious and soothing effect.
Control Depth and Focus:
Use depth of field to your advantage. A shallow depth of field can isolate a subject against a blurred background, making the colors pop. Alternatively, deep focus can showcase a scene's full range of colors and details.
Practice Patience:
Sometimes, capturing the perfect color photo requires patience. Wait for the right moment when the lighting, subject, and colors align harmoniously.
In summary 🥂
One of my favorite quotes from the world of color photography say:
"Color photography is taking a lasting snapshot of what we once saw"
Art is highly subjective. But photography isn't, since everyone can relate to a visual depiction of the world. This is why photography is the most celebrated and practiced art form. And the most widely and regularly practiced photography is color photography. But as professionals, you must understand that it is your vision, creativity, and understanding of color theory that breathes life into your images. By mastering the art of capturing color, the viewers of your photos see the world through your eyes, feel the emotions you aim to convey through your photos.
