Colors in Images - A Somewhat Technical Post

During yesterday's photography work I had two situations where the composition elements were interesting, but the hues captured within the images were uncomfortable.

Mixed Light Sources - Knowing last night would feature a full moon, I planned ahead to create an image capturing my favorite activities under the special light. Arranging the scene was easy. What proved to be more challenging was the mix of colors of light. In the composition there was moon light, light from inside the tent, light from a distant street light, and then very low levels of light. Each light source was a different color temperature.

The finished image worked, but the color version still has not passed the uncomfortable level for me. The mix of colors of light needs more attention.

As I worked the image and moved the color sliders around, I recognized that color was the struggle - not the rest of the scene. By eliminating color entirely from the photo, I have the scene I wanted in its purest form.

Color Details - A second example of color issues was based on the color of water in a series of images recorded earlier in the day.

As I sat along the Cedar River watching and listening as water poured over the dam, I was also attempting to capture the scene by drone.

When working the files on my computer I struggled with the color of the water. With color data included in the files, viewers see an accurate view of the greenish/brown water - a dominating factor in the final picture. Since the color was a distraction, I again removed the color to feature just the moving water. My mind, and probably yours, can fill in the colors to our preference.

In both situations where color was problematic I simply eliminated the distraction. I may come back to the files and work with them again in full color. Then again, I do like the monochrome look of each. Maybe they are fine as they provide the basis for each scene while inviting viewer imaginations to fill in the details.

Note: After stepping away from the files and then revisiting them, my eye is more accepting of color variables in the images. Some are more pleasing than others, but I can accept them - with color - if I have to. I do like the looks of the black and white versions too!