Contrast in Photography - using color, texture, lighting, scale, age, size, etc.
The Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan, shortly after completion with abandoned buildings waiting for demolition in foreground.
contrast
noun |ˈkänˌtrast|
the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association: the day began cold and blustery, in contrast to almost two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine | a contrast between rural and urban trends.
• the degree of difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, or other image.
• enhancement of the apparent brightness or clarity of a design provided by the juxtaposition of different colors or textures.
• the action of calling attention to notable differences: use knowledge of other languages for contrast and comparison with English.
• [ in sing. ] a thing or person having qualities noticeably different from another: the castle is quite a contrast to other places where the singer has performed.
verb |ˈkänˌtrastkənˈtrast| [ no obj. ]
differ strikingly: his friend's success contrasted with his own failure | (as adj. contrasting) : a contrasting view.
• [ with obj. ] compare in such a way as to emphasize differences: people contrasted her with her sister.
When one mentions contrast in photography, it is often thought the speaker is referring to contrast in the light, as in the difference between light and dark, but contrast, aside from referring to light, can also refer to comparing or contrasting parts of a composition in terms of size or scale. It can also refer to dramatic differences in texture or consistency or color or age.
noun |ˈkänˌtrast|
the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association: the day began cold and blustery, in contrast to almost two weeks of uninterrupted sunshine | a contrast between rural and urban trends.
• the degree of difference between tones in a television picture, photograph, or other image.
• enhancement of the apparent brightness or clarity of a design provided by the juxtaposition of different colors or textures.
• the action of calling attention to notable differences: use knowledge of other languages for contrast and comparison with English.
• [ in sing. ] a thing or person having qualities noticeably different from another: the castle is quite a contrast to other places where the singer has performed.
verb |ˈkänˌtrastkənˈtrast| [ no obj. ]
differ strikingly: his friend's success contrasted with his own failure | (as adj. contrasting) : a contrasting view.
• [ with obj. ] compare in such a way as to emphasize differences: people contrasted her with her sister.
When one mentions contrast in photography, it is often thought the speaker is referring to contrast in the light, as in the difference between light and dark, but contrast, aside from referring to light, can also refer to comparing or contrasting parts of a composition in terms of size or scale. It can also refer to dramatic differences in texture or consistency or color or age.
History in Granite chapel, Felicity, Calif.
Dragonfly on cattail stem, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cerro Pedernal with crescent moon, Coyote, Northern New Mexico
Madsen grain elevators, Carlton, Oregon
Couple silhouetted at sunset, White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Torrey Pines Beach, San Diego, California
Stop sign and falling snow, Espanola, New Mexico
Fashion shoot (Alt Fashion) at a spillway of the John B. Robert Dam off Juan Tabo Ave., Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hot air balloon contrasted with parked cars at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Mime Mark Wenzel and unidentified woman on bench, Balboa Park, San Diego, from the series "Goofing Around with mime Mark Wenzel"
ATVs on southeastern California san dunes
Railrunner commuters using pedestrian overpass, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Jet ski at Abiquiu Dam, Northern New Mexico
High power transmission towers, Central California
Ferret meets pig or pig meets ferret, Prosperous Pets pet store, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Fisherman leaves lovely wake, Abiquiu Dam, Northern New Mexico
Pelicans searching for breakfast, Baja Mecico
Venetian blind shadows, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Snow and yucca plant, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Elderly couple stare in wonder a model in fashion photography shoot, San Francisco, California
University of Florida geology students on a "dig" near Abiquiu Dam in Northern New Mexico
Rio Grande bosque
Photo manipulation of mobile home, Northern New Mexico
Abiquiu Dam boat launch ramp, Northern New Mexico
Girl with Popsicle at the Day of the Dead Marigold Parade in the Southwest Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Birds over Espanola, New Mexico
An isolated man checks in cell phone while waiting for a Fractal Foundation presentation at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico
A grandfathers compares the size of his hand to his newborn grandson's foot
Magokoro Japanese restaurant still life with exquisite sunlight filtering through window, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bird flies in front or rising sun, Espanola, New Mexico
Hare Krishna festival, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. This image was used on the cover of California Living Magazine
Birds flocking over Northern New Mexico
Willamette Valley, Oregon, tractor in vinehard
Red shoes on dry grass, Albuquerque, New Mexico
To contact Bob Eckert for assignments, consultations or workshops, please email [email protected]
or use the contact form on the About page
or use the contact form on the About page