Interpretations
While processing a recent image, I discovered an interesting behavior in adjusting white balance. Of course, the normal procedure is to get white balance adjusted so the image looks “normal” to our trichromat vision. Trichromat meaning that our eyes respond to three types of color receptors.
I have always thought that the arrogance of defining “normal” and perception is an interesting theme to play against since we know that not every living creature on this planet sees objects the same way. There are even variations within our own species. Since we humans have these fancy recording devices, and it is unlikely any non-human will be visiting this website anytime soon, I suppose it is only natural to try appeal to the majority. 
However, there is also some biology involved in that appeal and what is generally considered aesthetically pleasing. Our own evolution has a lot to do with how and why we perceive colors the way we do, which Franz Lanting touched on in the recent issue of Outdoor Photographer.
Lightroom White Balance
Lightroom‘s Develop module contains a small eye dropper that gives you a tool to select a neutral area (supposedly grey) to correct the white balance of an image – not unlike many other processing tools. Well, I didn’t really have any grey color in this particular shot, but saw when hovering over the yellow of the flower, that the image in the navigator preview window took on a complimentary color cast of purple. Hover over the green, and similarly the complimentary color of red is cast over the image. Since yellow trout lilies are the primary subject, it seems the naturally asthetically appealing choice is to have purple there to play off it. So not only does the white balance dropper help us correct to neutral, but it also can be a complimentary color cast tool as well.
I think this particular approach to processing an image is not unlike using different light balanced film. Perhaps some of you may have used Tungsten balanced film in a daylight scene? For certain images and subjects, it can have a pleasing effect. More importantly, it provides us a visual suggestion to seeing something in a different way. The suggestion of the complimentary color in relation to the primary subject is an added bonus.
I believe it is important for us to be able to step out of our own shoes once in awhile and explore different interpretations. Maybe it will appeal to us, maybe not. Trying is the most important part. It teaches us more about ourselves, perhaps a little bit about our evolutionary history, and certainly how the world is not always revolving around our own definitions of how things are. If any pentochromats happen to see this image, I would appeciate you dropping me a line to let me know how it works for you. Of course, you trichromats are welcome also.
Tags: color, complimentary colors, macro, trichromat
http://t.co/1xjuh7fT - posted on 22 hours ago
Mark, I’d experienced this white balance “feature” in Lightroom due more to accident then any creativity on my part, but I’d never associated its use for complimentary color cast. Yes, random accidents are often my genius!
Your photo results are wonderful and I noted with interest you used your 200mm Macro. I’m still learning the “personality” of mine.
This is really a cool discovery, Mark. I have Lightroom, but haven’t really scratched its creative surface. I use it mainly as a cataloging tool. Guess I need to spend some time with it.
Interesting that you point out that not all beings see or visualize things the same. Indeed, I think in a more nuanced way, neither do all human beings! In the second post I ever made on my blog (“Get Real”), I touched on this, in my “apology” for why I don’t worry about things like “normal,” or “realistic look” in my photography. What I am striving for is either what I personally saw or sometimes, when post-processing something I “see” on screen that I didn’t see on site.
Pretty image. I think being able to manipulate (or control) the colors is one of the aspects I like best about working digitally. I was never able to do my own developing and printing with film, so could never have this much control over the final image before.
I see on your image info it says “in camera double exposure”. How in the world do you do a double exposure in-camera digitally (or is it two exposures layered – which is the only way I know of, but then it’s not an in-camera)?
Roberta – Nikon DSLRs have a multiple exposure function similar to the way it was done with film cameras exposing the same frame. You can either do it upon exposure where the camera will combine your specified number of exposures into one, or you can separately join two different images using an “Image Overlay” function which offers a bit more control over the emphasis of one frame over the other. In this image, it was just using the multiple exposure feature – 2 exposures – one in focus, the other out of focus. I think it is one of the most powerful, underrated creative tools in Nikon DSLRs.
Wow…That’s really cool!
Thanks for the tip, Mark. Of course the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. And I am really liking the effect on the image. Very artsy. Very cool. Since I take my images through LR 2.0 and PS CS4, I may try this sometime soon. Again thanks and great job!
Great image Mark and a wonderful post that illustrates it all very well.
And, … that is a great tool to use when working with a art consultant who is using some kind of whacky color chart in search of complimentary colors.
Quick and easy on my end!
Michael
I find this to be quite lovely. I love the complimentary tones. The photo that is the basis of the image is beautiful with or without the unique color cast.
Thanks Lana, Ed, Michael, Laurie!!
This is enough to make me think again about restoring Lightroom. When it mysteriously disappeared one day—along with access to all those files, I swore off the program. This is a tempting feature.
The timing on your post is perfect for me. I do a great deal of processing on my equine work and, while I know many in photography circles frown on digital manipulaton, I often find the results are quite satisfying. Your example here proves the point; I could look at this one a long, long time.
Thank you for the comment Anita. I am not certain this feature is unique to Lightroom – but really haven’t tested out elsewhere. Perhaps it is a behavior of spot picking white balance in general?
Very creative Mark, I love this shot, the colors are intense but rather cool at the same time, nice work !!
You have been posting a lot of fantastic work lately Mark. I dig this one a lot!
Thank you Richard.
Thank you Bernie.