Capturing Colour

Phil Malpas

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781000211924
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Photography

Basics Photography 03: Capturing Colour gives readers a comprehensive introduction to the subject of colour and how to master its use in the process of photographic image-making. The topics discussed range from basic colour theory to the colour temperature of light and how to use colour to maximize the impact of compositions. A full and intimate understanding of colour is vital to the creation of dramatic, emotive and powerful photographic images. The way we choose to use colour will greatly influence the success of our image-making.

Filtration

Abandoned House, Scotland
The colour contrast in this image is caused by the sunlight shining through the curtains on the left, light that was far warmer than the film was expecting. This adds to the atmosphere and the use of filtration to try to correct it would have been a mistake.

Photographer: Phil Malpas.

Technical summary: Ebony SV45TE 4×5 field camera with Schneider Super-Angulon 90mm f8 lens, exposure 15 seconds at F32, Fuji Velvia 50 rated at ISO 50, no filtration.

An ability to successfully and confidently utilise filters is an essential skill for those wishing to excel in colour photography. Ironically when filters are used properly a key aim is to produce an image where it is impossible to tell that one has been used. The main reason for selecting a filter in a particular situation is to enable the film or digital camera to capture the subject as the photographer sees it. Filters are used to overcome specific limitations in the photographic process and aid the communication of the photographer’s vision to the viewer of the final result.

The filters discussed in this section are of two main types. There are those that actually change the colour of the final image and those that are used to reduce the subject contrast range in order to capture full colour throughout the composition.

Of these, the neutral density graduated filters, which are used to reduce contrast range are useful for both film and digital users. The remaining filters are not required by those using digital cameras. Digital users can utilise white balance to deal with any colour correction they need to achieve. In fact the auto white balance functionality of most modern digital cameras would partially negate the impact of colour correction filters anyway.

There is one special filter that falls outside the two main categories and that is the polarising filter. An essential tool for digital and film users alike, the polariser can enhance an image in ways that cannot be achieved in any other way.

There are numerous filters and filter systems on the market today, produced by manufacturers from all over the world. It is important to purchase the highest quality filters you can afford, any compromise here will directly affect the quality of your results. In general the most expensive filters are the best quality and will be more likely to achieve the objective of being unnoticeable in the final image.

The most important thing to remember is that even using the most expensive filters will not drag a fantastic result from a poor subject. Filters will help you to realise your vision, they will not create it for you!

Filter systems

There are two major approaches to filtration available, each of which has a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with it. A lot depends on your individual requirements as to the best approach to take, particularly the number of lenses and the type of camera you use.

Circular, screw-on filters

Many filters are available in circular form and have a filter thread equivalent to a particular diameter in millimetres. Each lens that you own will have its filter thread diameter marked in millimetres near the front element. If you own a number of lenses with different filter thread sizes, you will need to purchase multipl...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• How to get the most out of this book
• Introduction
• Colour theory
• Vision
• Light
• Photographic colour
• Filtration
• Using colour
• Processing and printing
• Colour captured
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• Acknowledgements, contacts and credits