I'm guessing you would prefer staring for 80 hours at the bottom picture instead of the top picture. On their own, each of these images might have unique characteristics with their own appeal to any given viewer, but as a general rule, the image on the bottom will draw attention quicker. Why, you ask? Contrast is the answer!
Contrast is a feature our eyes have been able to perceive since our very early stages of development. Starting even as far back as micro-organisms, the single-cell creatures that could better determine the contrasts between light and dark values had a better chance of survival. Knowing when there's a threat, and avoiding predators was something that must have been critically difficult for creatures that couldn't make those distinctions, so it makes sense that the better ability would be passed down through the generations as a result of natural selection.
An easy way to think about contrast is the shift in value levels, and how quickly the shift happens. The more separation between the darkest dark value level and the lightest light value level in an image will determine how much contrast is in the image. The space between the light and dark areas will also change how we see contrast, the closer together the lights and darks are, the more contrast there will be. If there is a lot of space between the light and dark areas, usually in the form of a gradient, the contrast will remain at the same level, but will be a much smoother shift. I will explain more about this in Thursday's post, so check back then!
An easy way to think about contrast is the shift in value levels, and how quickly the shift happens. The more separation between the darkest dark value level and the lightest light value level in an image will determine how much contrast is in the image. The space between the light and dark areas will also change how we see contrast, the closer together the lights and darks are, the more contrast there will be. If there is a lot of space between the light and dark areas, usually in the form of a gradient, the contrast will remain at the same level, but will be a much smoother shift. I will explain more about this in Thursday's post, so check back then!
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ReplyDeletePictures with low contrast colors (like a yours) are not as perfect looking, but in general, these colors perfect for seasonal and landscape images. Sometimes I use https://macphun.com/intensify to add more contrast features to my photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia, thanks for the comment! I'm usually using Adobe Photoshop to make adjustments, but I hadn't heard of macphun before. It looks very interesting, so I think I'll have to read more about it.
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