Tonal Contrast

Did you know that Tonal Contrast is not only present in black and white but in color photos as well?  It’s really about highlights and shadows or blacks and whites.  Our ability to perceive these differences in tone is why we can recognize shapes and lines.

Images with High Tonal Contrast are primarily light and dark elements with a sharp difference between them.  They are dramatic and strong.

Drama?  Did someone say drama?  Yes as you might’ve noticed, I do enjoy a bit of drama in my images; therefore, I couldn’t resist capturing these big, billowy clouds for this example.  Usually we don’t get these kinds of clouds until springtime so I’ve been a happy camper with all the opportunity for interesting skies.

Cloud View

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Silent Sunday

Right Back Where We Started From

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Expanding Horizons – Size Contrast

One of the types of contrasts I’ve been focusing on lately is contrast in size of elements within the frame.  Notice how huge the cloud is and notice the inclusion of smaller elements like trees and ponds in the frame.  This contrast in size provides interest to the eye and conveys “majesty” or “awe” in an image.  (Or at least attempts to lol.)

If I were to photograph the large cloud only, against a hill with no trees for example, it most likely wouldn’t be as interesting as showing it with smaller elements because you wouldn’t fully appreciate the cloud’s magnitude.  You might’ve noticed size contrast in my last post of Drakes Beach in which the tiny people were shown against the huge sheared cliff shoreline.

I hope you enjoy the image and found the post helpful!  Have a wonderful Thursday!

Expanding Horizons – Size Contrast