Add an Element of Art Design Into Your Photos - Tonal Contrast
December 02, 2014
•
Leave a Comment
A common way to add impact or direct viewers’ attention to the main subject in an image is through the use of tonal contrast. This refers to the difference between dark and light areas in a photograph. The greater the difference, the more attention that area attracts. Varying the tonal contrast in an image can be done locally to focus on the center of attention, or applied to the entire image for adding overall impact. Initially, the photo “Towards the Light” looked fairly bland, but once it was converted into black and white, the tonal contrast became more apparent. By contrasting the light shapes against the darker areas, the geometry of the stairwell is accentuated and directs the viewer towards the light.
Tonal contrast can be provided naturally, as in the previous photo, or through the use of applied lighting. In “Building Blocks”, a flashlight was used to light up and create high tonal contrast on the blocks and part of the arch. This localized contrast focuses the attention onto the blocks, which are used to form the arch.
Overall impact can be added to an image by applying high contrast to the entire photo. The shapes and textures of oyster mushrooms are highlighted in “Mushroom”. Here, there is maximum contrast between the lightest white and the darkest black areas, enhancing the curvaceous shapes of the mushrooms and giving an abstract or pop art look to the image.
Look for areas of high contrast when you’re photographing, or add tonal contrast with lighting sources or in post-processing. This is another method to create impactful images.
Keywords:
abstract,
art,
contrast,
dark,
design,
image,
impact,
light,
lighting,
photography,
tonal contrast,
visual
Comments
No comments posted.
Loading...
|
Subscribe
RSS
Recent Posts
Art Luggage - Palm Fan Suitcase
When Life Gives You Lemons
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2022
Giving Thanks 2022
ArtWalk in the Square 2022 Art Show
Travel to 3 Flower Parks in Japan - Day 2
Sakura 2022
Happy Mother's Day 2022
Travel to 3 Flower Parks in Japan - Day 1
Happy Easter 2022
Archive
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
|