So, you’re starting out to edit pictures on your own but not quite sure when to make an image black and white, colored, or transparent. What should you do?
When do you make an image black and white, colored, or transparent? It all depends on the photo background. Most photographers make an image black and white if the subject’s background is too distracting. Some make it colored if the subject still pops despite the vivid background. Still, others turn their images into transparent when printing on paper with textured design or adding an image to a textured background.
Okay, those tips may sound too general. How can you be sure that a certain background is distracting or not? How do you make an image transparent the right way? In this tutorial, we’ll show you how.
Turning Your Image Black and White
For a lot of photographers, especially the newbies, turning images to black and white seems to be arbitrary. It’s fun to see how an image would look like if turned into black and white. Sometimes, it looks good, but usually, it doesn’t. And, it’s not just a matter of preference. There are things you need to consider if you plan to turn your image to black and white.
Emphasize the Contrast
When color is removed from your photo, the differentiation will lessen between your subject and its background. Therefore, before you do this, make sure that your subject has distinct elements to make it still pop despite turning the whole photo into black and white. Otherwise, your subject will fade into the background.
Set the Mood
I guess we can all agree that turning an image to black and white can set a serious and powerful tone to any image. It’s the power of monochrome that creates a darker, more dramatic, more somber mood to any photo. So, if you intend your image to be dark in mood, think about shooting with the intention of converting it to black and white.
Create a Texture
When you turn your image to black and white, you also achieve that sense of simplicity that colored pictures don’t usually provide. Sometimes, too many colors can distract your audience and lose their focus on the subject. On the other hand, a black and white photo can tone down the whole photo. It will then help you emphasize the textures you want to stand out.
Get that Retro Vibe
Another thing that makes the black and white images timeless is that it reminds us of the time when colored photos are not yet discovered. These kinds of photos, in turn, look “cool” and retro. They give you that classic, vintage feel that colored photos can’t deliver.
The Rule Breaker
In every rule, there is always an exemption. This is that exemption. Have you ever taken a vivid picture and intended to keep it that way but suddenly had to urge to turn it black and white? I guess anyone could relate to that.
There are times that when you shot a colorful photo, and you will feel satisfied with how it looks. But sometimes, too many colors can provide some type of distraction that you don’t want. When that happens, just give it a shot and turn the image black and white. Who knows? Maybe it’s just that edit that would make your shot a “picture-perfect” one.
Related: When to Add Filter on Photos Properly on Mobile Photo Editors
Keeping the Colors
There have been some arguments about whether to use black and white or color on images. That will base solely if your image relies on color or there other interesting aspects that can be emphasized. Take the following points as a reference.
Determine the Impact of Color
For example, would you turn a rainbow to black and white? This doesn’t mean, though, that all colorful objects shouldn’t be turned into black and white. It’s still your choice. But as a general rule, most highly or diversely colored subjects should remain just that – colorful.
Use the Color Wheel
When thinking of the combination of colors to use in an image, use the color wheel. The color that is directly opposite to another color is the perfect contrasting color for your image.
Take for example the red color. The color opposite to it is green. When used in the same photo, these complementary colors will create a striking vibrant image.
Include a Pop of Color
Add a bright splash of color that will stand out against the rest of the image. It will create a powerful impact because it creates a strong focal point that instantly catches the eye. So, whenever you take photos, look out for neutral-colored scenes that have a pop of color in them that you could capture in your composition.
Find a Colorful Background
A colorful background makes a great backdrop for your photos. Make sure to take advantage of these when you see one. But this doesn’t limit to interesting wall graffitis. Even a photo of a dandelion with a bright blue background would make the cut.
Related: Adding an Aesthetic Background: How to Choose the Right Background Image
When to Make an Image Transparent
Image editors often make an image transparent in Photoshop when printing on paper with textured design or adding an image to a textured background on a website. This will let the textures show through in the transparent areas.
Almost all image editors today are capable of making an image transparent. If you want to remove an image’s background, flatten the image by saving it in a different format such as PNG.
Conclusion
Sure, deciding on whether you make your image black and white, colored, or transparent is up to your taste and style. But wouldn’t it be good to also consider the things discussed in this article to guide you in choosing your type of edit?
Besides, it’s not only you who would see the finished product. You would want it to be pleasing to your audience’s eyes, as well.
So, go ahead and experiment. But, also know when to stop and be satisfied with what you’ve accomplished.
Related Questions
When did color photos become standard?
Color photography for the average person became popular in the early 1960s. Up until then most film used was black and white.
Where was the world’s first colored photograph taken?
And it wasn’t until 1906 that glass plates sensitive to the entire visible spectrum were available. Today, the three physical plates that together made up the world’s first color photograph reside in Maxwell’s former home in Edinburgh (now a museum).