PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSED

by John Peters A.R.P.S.



  

CONTRAST

Contrast is the degree of difference between two colours or between the lightest areas and darkest areas of an image. Controlling contrast (often referred to as controlling or altering the dynamic range of a scene) can be quite involved. We can use Graduated Filters, highly technical and expensive cameras, burning / dodging, contrast control as part of editing and more. See PAINT.NET for a detailed explanation of elliminating the need for certain filters that increase contrast or darken certain areas of a photograph.

TOP TIP I often use free editors to deal with contrast issues. Use Faststone or Paint.net for example, select 'F' or 'P' accordingly. In my opinion, contrast control should feature in everyones editing as it can make such an improvement to a photograph, whether taken with a phone or a camera.

Image highlighting a high level of contrast, Cessford Castle

One of my first images taken for landscape competions, taken originally on film negative (1980's)and produced from two negatives in a film darkroom. No camera/lens combination could cope with detail (backlighting) in the foreground and record suitable detail in the sky. A composite photograph was the solution with a cardboard landscape mask moved under the enlarger during exposure (quite hard to do under a red light). I took a few attempts at this until I was happy with the final image. A lot easier now with the digital process.