InFocus - Analysis

Every issue we will take an image or two to pieces or select a theme. We will discuss what makes or breaks the image. Images used are with the owners permission.

In Color?

Here we have an image that was submitted for a project by one of our students, Kenton Franklin. Kenton apologised for the poor color quality of this image and asked us to work out why this happened.

So many photos go into the waste bin because of their poor quality on return from the photo lab. Many will blame the camera, the film, the weather or their own inexperience at taking photos.

It is true that all these examples could lead to poor photographs but judging the photo on the merits of the enprint is a mistake. It is also true that poor composition also plays a part in consigning a photo to the trash but the colour of an image may be the fault of someone else...the processor.

Even though an astounding amount of research and development goes into the manufacturing and processing of film, this can all go by the wayside if your processor is having an "off-day". And processors can have plenty of these. The colour reproduction of an image is one major clue to this ailment.

Inspecting the Image

The first inspection that should be made is the negative. Remember that the negative is the original photo, NOT the print. The print is only a copy. In the case of colour however it does take a trained eye to spot whether or not there is a colour shift on the negative. Careful study of negatives that have delivered normal prints can help to train your eye. Probably the best way to determine whether or not a negative has poor colouring or what is referred to as a colour cast is to get the image reprinted preferably by a different processor. If the colours on the reprints are normal, then it was the printing in the original stage that was wrong..

Although this example is more acute than most, the colour of a photo can change quite dramatically from one printing to the next. There are many factors that determine how the final print will look each time a negative is printed. It would not be uncommon to have slight colour variations every time a photo is printed..

These factors include:

• The type of photographic paper; different processors use different brands. Some brands of paper suit some brands of film better than others.
• The age of the processing chemicals; some labs have a more efficient system than others as to how often the chemicals are replenished or replaced. This can play a major role in the final quality of an image.
• The processing equipment used; there are different types of processing machines and ways in which the negative is colour matched to the paper.
• The operator; in mini labs there is usually only one machine operator. The way he/she operates the machine can drastically alter the finished image

Although any of the above scenarios could have caused this photo to look the way it did, none of the above was the case. Questioning Kenton further revealed however that the image he sent us (via email) was scanned and posted on a website by his processors before he ever got the printed version of the image. So now even digitally reproduced photos from commercial processors can be less than impressive.

Kenton sent us this photo that he scanned himself from the print he received some time later. It is a vast improvement over the original photo he had submitted to us.

The moral of the story is don't rely on the colour reproduction of one print (or scan) to determine a photograph's quality. If you find that your photos aren't reproducing the colours that were photographed, ask your processor to reprint them. If the colours are obviously "off" your processor should not have any problem reprinting (or re scanning) the photos with no extra charge.

More info...

If you want to learn more about all kinds of photography, take a look at our complete full length courses. All are tutor assisted with examples, full text and projects.

• Basic Photography Course For the beginner, this tutor assisted level 1 course assumes you have little or no knowledge of photography. Suitable for both digital and film users.
• Digital Photography Course This course shows how to capture digital images, use manipulation programs to add effects and enhancements, and print and display your work. Includes image restoration.
• Glamour Photography Course This level 2 course assumes you know your way around a camera. It takes you further with studio lighting setups, home studio, model portfolios, posing guide, multiple lighting guide, model releases, make up and more.
• Freelance Photography Course This level 2 course is essential if you want to make money with your camera. Imagine being paid to be do something you love doing, well you can now with School of Photography.com.
• Black and White Photography Course Have you ever wanted to learn how to develop film at home? Then go on to make your own prints using an enlarger in a darkroom? Then this level 2 course is the right start for you.
• Landscape Photography Course Find out how to improve your landscapes with this level 2 course. Packed full of illustrations, examples, full text and projects.

To search our site and free tips easier we have added MSN search.

Subscribe! Enter your email to join SOP News 2 today!

If you have an RSS reader, you can get updates automatically sent to your computer via our RSS feed.

Copyright

There are no 'public domain' images or content on this site. All original images, diagrams and content on this website, brochures and newsletters are © School of Photography.com and/or its contributors and MAY NOT be copied or reproduced in any form or medium whatsoever, with the exception of the RSS feed , without prior written agreement from School of Photography.com

School of Photography.com is registered in the Republic of Ireland. E&OE.