Contrast

Contrast is one of the most effective composition techniques to add interest to your image. However, there are many different types of contrast that you can take advantage of.

Tonal Contrast: Probably the most obvious type of contrast in photography, tonal contrast is the difference between the light and dark areas of a photograph. An image with primarily bright tones with dark accenting tones is said to be high key, while an image with primarily dark tones with light accenting tones is low key.

Color Contrast: Color contrast shows the difference between colors with opposite characteristics (see the color wheel). Color contrast is enhanced when there is a large proportional difference in amounts of each color used.

Contrast of Sharpness: There are different techniques used to create contrast in sharpness. The first being depth of field. Utilizing a shallow depth of field, you can create an image in which the foreground and background are out of focus, while the subject of the photo is in focus. A slow shutter speed can also create contrast in sharpness by allowing movement blur in either your subject or background.

Some great examples of contrast can be seen here.

For your assignment, you will write a five paragraph essay detailing the types of contrast and their impact on an image. Due at the end of class.

After completing the essay, create two images that exemplify contrast. Post them to your blog.