Trichromat interpretations

Posted by Mark on May 5, 2009 in nature photography | 15 comments

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.

Being in sync

Posted by Mark on May 3, 2009 in nature photography | 8 comments

My last post wrote a little bit about how I find it difficult to photograph larger landscapes in the woods near my home.   It is a complex environment that is hard to get in sync with.   By “being in sync” I mean you are in a place where ideas and creativity seem to flow from one minute to the next.  I also referred to it as being “in the zone.”   It is hard to cover much physical area because from one step to the next you see another photograph waiting to happen.   Subject seem to appear everywhere.  I have noticed that some places do this for me, and others not so much.

Feature rich environments

I have begun to question whether it is the place being a feature rich environment that suits itself to so many different photographs, or is it my state of mind and mood at the time that allows me to take it in?   I have been in places where I just seem to wander aimlessly, trying to conjure up an image.   The light may be just right, I am feeling OK, but nothing flows.    I may spend hours upon hours and either come home completely empty handed, or end up deleting everything I did shoot.

On the opposite end, I may arrive somewhere to photograph something specific, and end up making little progress on the intended subject because I end up seeing so many other images.   For example, I went to a spot about an hour north of where I live known for red trillium.   I visit it every year despite having many, many red trillium pictures.   Yet every year I seem to return with a different view, different approach.  It is worth going back because the flowers emerge in different spots, different clusters that allow for a lot of different compositions.   They grow over such a large area, it is hard to cover it all.   On top of that, you are usually working with a light-imposed time constraint.   It is like a photographic currency – good light, wind, weather conditions, subjects, time, creativity – spend them wisely.   As the light becomes more harsh, it is more difficult to work scenics or large groups of flowers.   Same for wind and the other variables – each ultimately limiting the opportunities.

Maple and Pine

Although I started the morning photographing red trillium, as I worked the area, I seemed to find other subjects that fought for my attention.  The entire area is a pretty rich environment – from dense hardwood areas to towering pine forest.   A very steep hillside plunges downward towards the Black River.   So I got lost in capturing that aspect with framing between two trees – a composition that I have become fond of.   Soon after that, I found a wet maple leaf that was stuck to a piece of red pine bark.  Soon after that I found another thing…

I think the red trilliums were whispering about feeling neglected.  “Hey bub, exactly what did you come here for?  To photograph that leaf? Is that what you are going to spend your currency on?”  I think I may have even said it once or twice to myself.   However, when you recognize that you are finding subjects and becoming in sync with the place you are in – you don’t want to disrupt the flow.   I knew the trilliums were there – but I didn’t know about the leaf and bark, or the view between the trees.   I believe those surprise finds keep your motivation and energy up.  It helps fuel your creative momentum.

Red Trillium & Spring Beauty

I did eventually return to the trillium.  By then, the light was intermittently harsh and the wind picked up quite a bit.   I had spent my photographic currency on other subjects.   I still felt the momentum however, and was willing to wait it out for the clouds to roll in, the wind to die down – and I still paid homage to what I came for.   It was like showing up to a casino for blackjack – diverting yourself to a poker table, winning big, and then return to blackjack with a bigger pot to draw from.   Being in sync may have added photographic currency to my wallet.

I ended up coming home with not only red trillium images unique to what I already had, but many more that serve as reminders of being further connected to this place.   It felt good to be in sync – and I think I am a little richer for it.