Contrast

**Contrast** is the visual ratio of different tones in an image. This difference is what creates the textures, highlights, shadows, colors and clarity in a frame or photograph.

## Types of Contrast

### Tonal Contrast

The most widely used type, tonal contrast positions light tones and darker tones next to each other. Not just limited to black-and-white, tonal contrast can also work well in color to highlight the subject while keeping the composition of the image simple. A good example of tonal contrast is a silhouette.

### Colour Contrast

Color contrast is a term used in color theory that describes the difference between different color hues. Tonal contrast — a different type of contrast adjustment — describes the difference between the lightest and darkest tones in the image. Both types of contrast are needed for a balanced image and knowing how to adjust each during the editing process is very important for the overall quality.

Understanding color contrast often coincides with understanding complementary colors — the colors on opposing segments of the color wheel. Colors that are directly opposite of each other on the color wheel will offer maximum contrast.

## History

Tonal contrast refers to the brightness of the elements within an image. If a frame consists of extremely bright and dark areas, then it’s considered high contrast. When it has a wide range of tones that go from pure white to pure black, it’s medium contrast. No pure whites or blacks and a range of middle tones means it’s low contrast.

High-contrast images feel fresh and dramatic, stirring up strong emotions. The differences in light and dark can also guide the audience’s attention right where you want it. The lighting technique Chiaroscuro, common in many silent films and film noirs features very high and low contrast shots

## Implementation

The lighting in different locations (or lack thereof) will help you to achieve higher contrast in your shots. Outdoorsyou’ll have more natural light sources, but less control over that light. In the studio, you’ll have more control, but that requires you to work to create contrast instead of finding it.

For outside shots, it is a good idea to shoot when harsh light is prevalent, particularly bright, sunny days. This lighting casts stronger shadow and thus adds more contrast. Scout locations that may also help your conceptual contrast needs, like a lush, green forest that frames a single dead tree.

For indoor shots, contrast is created with lighting equipment and the right positioning.

### Exposure

Take multiple shots of the same scene or subject with different exposure levels to see variations with low, medium and high contrast. Adjust ISO to raise the light sensitivity of shots to amplify contrast. Shooting in manual mode will help you more intimately learn your camera settings and how to produce better high-contrast results.

Shooting slightly underexposed can help you in the editing booth. Doing so will help to retain the quality of the dark backgrounds and bright spots of your original when it’s time for post-processing.

## See also

* Contrast Cut
* Chiaroscuro

## References

1. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/photography/discover/high-contrast-photography.html
2. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/hub/guides/what-is-color-contrast