Color photography



Canon EOS D-30, Tamron 70-210mm f-2.8, Multi-segment metering, 1/350 sec at f-2.8,  Autofocus.

To make a good color photograph, you need to have a better understanding of light. Without light, we wouldn't see any colors. Our visions can detect different wavelengths of light, allowing us to see different colors. We see white when all visible wavelengths of light are present, and black when none is visible. When some of the wavelengths are present we see color. You need to know how light affects colors to make better color photographs. Light is constantly changing and the direction of light has a great effect on color. You must also get to know all the characteristics of the films you want to use. Different films record colors differently, and films don't record colors as we see them.

Each color changes the mood in a photograph. Strong colors for example, dominate other colors. They grab the viewer's attention immediately. This is why you must be more careful when working with strong colors. If you want these colors to be noticed and part of your main subject, then you don't have to be too cautious, otherwise even a small area of a strong color can become distracting and perhaps ruin a good photograph. It is usually not a good idea to have too many strong colors in one composition. Colors begin to compete with each other and will take the attention away from other detail in the photograph. Colors with opposite characteristics such as blue and yellow work much better together. Here each color stands out without affecting the other, so you can create a powerful and balanced color photograph. Muted colors don't have the big effect as strong colors. However, they can be used to create a different mood such as soft portraits. You can have control over muted colors by adjusting exposure. Overexposure gives a lighter effect while underexposure gives a darker one. Shooting into the direction of light also mutes colors. In fog or rain muted colors can be used to create a soft landscape. When the majority of a scene is dominated by highlights, you can create a sense of warmth or brightness. The opposite is true when the scene includes mostly shadows. You can create either mood by over or underexposing your shot. Some of the best color photographs are made when just a touch of color is introduced into the scene. In a mostly muted colors, or in highlight or shadow scenes, a simple color can dramatically change the whole mood of a photograph.

Experiment by photographing a subject which includes different colors from different angles in changing light, and record how color is affected. Use different color films and compare them to see which film gives you the best result. It doesn't matter which film you choose. Film is a matter of personal preferences. Some like bold and unrealistic colors of Fujichrome Velvia, while other prefer the more realistic colors of Kodachromes. If you use print films, keep in mind that color quality will be reduced since print papers absorb some of the light.