DIAGRAM 1-4. Combining all three additive primary colors in equal parts forms black. Combining any two creates one of the subtractive primary colors.

yellow

red green

The Camera. Like the human eye, the digital sensors in our cameras are sensitive to red, green, and blue light. (Films are also sensitive to some or all the spectrum.) Unlike human eyes, however, cameras are totally objective; cameras record the actual color of the light striking the image-recording medium. This can cause discrepancies between what we see with our eyes and what we see in our images. For example, we may look at an area of white or gray in a shaded scene and see it as white or gray because our eyes have compensated for the actual bluish cast in the scene. An image of the same scene captured either on film or a digital sensor, however, will record the actual color of the light; the white or gray will be recorded as bluish in color. This might be acceptable for artistic or abstract images but definitely would not be flattering when photographing people.

Understanding the color of light, being able to describe it, and learning to “see” color are key components of becoming more discerning with regard to the final portraits you create or receive from your photo lab, as well. It will also help you in your postproduction and/or development of RAW image files. You need to be aware of what goes into creating exceptional color so that your clients receive the most professional portraits possible.

PROFESSIONAL VS. AMATEUR

Before we introduce the qualities of light, let’s take a look at an amateur and a professional photograph side by side. As visual artists, it’s important to be dis-