Color temperature is closely related to white balance. If it is slightly off, it can make the picture look cooler (more blue) or warmer (more orange/red) than it is in actuality. Color temperature is especially important when accurate color recording is necessary. Alternatively, color temperature can be purposely thrown off to change the meaning of the photo.
Take for example the work of the well known landscape photographer, Macduff Everton. Here is his image called: "Dawn, Lake Periyar, Kerala, India"
Imagine how different this image could be perceived had it been taken with a slightly different color temperature or white balance? Completely changes the meaning and feeling of the image.
In class on Feb. 7, after a lecture on additive and subtractive color, we'll do an exercise together that illustrates the idea of additive RGB colors. By using the multiple exposure function on the Nikon D300, we took (3) 4 second frames at F22, ISO 200. Those 3 frames are then combined into one raw file in the D300 when on multiple exposure mode. During each exposure, someone popped a SB600 flash gelled with a different color. The flash was hand held off camera, set to manual mode and full output 1/1. During the first exposure, a red gelled flash was popped, then we moved the subject over slightly and popped a green gelled flash, then moved it over yet again and popped a blue gelled flash. The gels we used were from the free rosco sample packs, taped to the flash.
The resulting image, below, shows that yellow is made when red and green overlap, cyan is made when green and blue overlap and when red and blue overlap, magenta is created.
This image, shot by current students in class Feb 7, shows clearly how yellow is created when red and green are mixed.
Additive (RGB): (Monitors, TV screens) White Light is produced by mixing colors. RGB (red, green, blue): Emitted Light. Your computer screen uses RGB. The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue. The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing, representation, and display of images in electronic systems, such as televisions and computers, though it has also been used in conventional photography.
Subtractive (CMYK): (Printing) Black is produced by mixing colors. CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black): Reflective light, Used for printed media. The CMYK color model, referred to as process color or four color, is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in most color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key black.The CMYK model works by partially or entirely masking certain colors on the typically white background (that is, absorbing particular wavelengths of light). Such a model is called subtractive because inks “subtract” brightness from white.
Imagine you have 3 projectors on at the same time. One is projecting a beam of green light, one projects and beam of red light and one projects a beam of blue. When they cross and overlap, all 3 beams together become white. Just red and green make yellow. Just blue and green make cyan. Just Red and Blue make Magenta.
Color Physics: What happens when you mix RGB? (Red, Green and Blue light)
Additive vs. Subtractive Color | RGB and CMYK
Using the eye dropper tool in Photoshop, look at the Numeric RGB color values of the colors on this chart:
The ultimate goal of this class will be to present a portfolio of images shot in color and printed 11x14" or larger. Start thinking now about what you might like to focus on and shoot within that idea for the class assignments if you can.
You can shoot ANYTHING!!! Just make sure your final series is within one idea, subject, place, etc. We are aiming towards a series of approx 15 images that are beautifully printed and cohesive in overall theme.
This assignment will be started in class and you will need to finish it for HW. You can shoot indoors or out. Subject matter is your choice. Click to enlarge:
