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Rotolight’s new NEO, AEOS RBGWW flashes output 16.7 million colors

17 Oct

Lighting manufacturer Rotolight has announced updates to its NEO and AEOS ranges of continuous/flash lighting units that add RGBWW LEDs and touch screen controls.

The NEO 3 and AEOS 2 lights use five-color LEDs to offer a mass of cutom color options as well as a collection of 2500 pre-programmed filtration effects. Both units now have a color range of 3000-10,000 Kelvin, while the NEO 3 more than doubles its maximum output from the 1652 lux of the NEO 2 to 4541 lux. Rotolight claims this makes the NEO 3 the most powerful on-camera LED available. The AEOS 2 can manage 9230 lux – a step up from the 5750 lux of the original model.

As well as continuous lighting both units have a flash mode, and they can use their RGBWW LED mix to flash in the same number of colors as they can put out in continuous mode. The NEO 3 can sync with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000sec, and can output a maximum burst of 10,700 lux at 1m – to deliver an exposure of f/10 at 3ft with ISO 100 according to company figures. The 17,800 lux AEOS 2 can manage f/13 with the same settings, and offers the same max sync speeds.

The AEOS 2

Thankfully the NEO 3 uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery, so you no longer have to fill it with AAs. It can be powered via AC as well, of course, and the AEOS 2 also offers both power options.

Rear view of the touch screen on the NEO 3

The units have Elinchrome’s Skyport system built-in for wireless triggering, can produce 100,000 full-power bursts per charge and boast a ‘0sec recycle time’. A new touch screen is said to make operation much easier and a new app allows control of both units and firmware updates via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.

Rotolight has also introduced a new adapter that allows users to use Bowens-mount modifers, while the AEOS 2 incorporates the SmartSoft feature from the company’s Titan models that offers adjustable diffusion, focus and spread.

Both lights are being launched via a Kickstarter campaign, and are due to ship in March next year. The price of the NEO 3 starts at £352/$ 479 while the AEOS 2 starts at £825/$ 1119.

Press release:

ROTOLIGHT UNVEIL NEO 3 AND AEOS 2 LIGHTS IN EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Award-winning British LED lighting company, Rotolight, is today announcing the next generation of its hugely popular LED lighting products: the Rotolight NEO 3 and AEOS 2. These exciting new products combine the ‘shoot what you see’ benefits of continuous light, with a world-first High-Speed Sync RGBWW flash, providing photographers and filmmakers with unlimited creative possibilities. These two ground-breaking fixtures are available now for pre-order exclusively through Rotolight’s Kickstarter campaign, which will run through until November 16th, 2021.

Rotolight NEO 3

A pocket-sized powerhouse, the Rotolight NEO 3 is the brightest on-camera LED light ever produced. Experience unrivalled power and industry-first innovations in a compact form factor you can take anywhere. Available as an individual light, a three-light kit and with a new, bespoke, high-performance, rechargeable lithium battery, the NEO 3 is a creative companion you can rely on.

Rotolight AEOS 2

Meanwhile, the Rotolight AEOS 2 offers image-makers unmatched versatility. Uniquely lightweight with an ultra-thin design, this new LED from the world’s most innovative lighting brand is the thinnest and lightest 1 x 1 panel ever made at under 1.4kg. With the Rotolight AEOS 2, it has never been easier to achieve beautiful soft light on the move.

For the first time, both of Rotolight’s new products will allow photographers to flash in any one of 16.7 million colours or 2,500 digital filters, whilst zero recycle time ensures you’ll never miss a shot.

New Touchscreen

Access key features and effortlessly recall your favourite settings at a moment’s notice thanks to a new full-colour 2-inch touchscreen display. The intuitive display allows users to save precious time on any shoot with its easy-to-use interface and powerful, feature-rich menu.

Rotolight iOS & Android App

With an all new Rotolight iOS and Android native app, you’re always in control. Easily switch between lighting modes to remotely adjust colour, power, SFX and much more. Create custom groups and projects on up to 20 lights simultaneously; right from the palm of your hand.

Smartsoft Box™

Effortlessly switch from a beautiful soft output to a harder light source at a moment’s notice with the world’s first intelligent softbox designed for AEOS 2: SmartSoft Box™. Electronically adjust your light’s diffusion, focus and spread without the need for gels via the touchscreen display or Rotolight app.

Rotolight Universal Speedring Adaptor

A new Rotolight Universal Speedring adaptor unlocks an endless suite of Bowens-mount modifiers for the Rotolight NEO & AEOS range, making achieving great soft light easier than ever before and demonstrating Rotolight’s commitment to the brand’s loyal global user community.

“The NEO 3 and AEOS 2 are a huge leap forward in lighting technology, and we’re extremely excited about launching on the Kickstarter platform to bring these state-of-the-art products to more people than ever before,” says Rotolight CEO, Rod Aaron Gammons. “For new users, this is a fantastic opportunity to join the Rotolight family, while for our existing customers it’s our chance to say thank you for a decade of support with an exclusive opportunity to be the first in the world to own these revolutionary products.”

The NEO 3 and AEOS 2, are available now exclusively on Kickstarter until November 16th, and will ship from March 2022. View the early bird offers and back the campaign now at Kickstarter.

Note/disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project before backing it. Pledges to crowdfunding campaigns are not pre-orders. DPReview does not have a relationship with this, or any such campaign, and we publicize only projects that appear legitimate, and which we consider will be of genuine interest to our readers. You can read more about the safeguards Kickstarter has in place on its ‘Trust & Safety’ page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Spring colors: Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM sample gallery

28 Mar

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The Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM is a very compact, medium-aperture zoom lens for the company’s mirrorless RF mount. With an innovative design and advanced optical makeup, it offers the promise of high image quality in a package not much larger than most standard zooms. So how does it perform?

We’ve been shooting with a production sample for a few days, and you can view our gallery from the links above and below.

View our gallery of samples from the Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Tips For Editing the Colors in Landscape Photos Using Lightroom (video)

16 May

The post Tips For Editing the Colors in Landscape Photos Using Lightroom (video) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

In this video from Nigel Danson, you’ll gain some invaluable tips for editing the colors in landscape photos using Lightroom.

While Nigel uses Lightroom Mobile to show you his editing tips, these tips also apply to Lightroom classic.

The features that Nigel discusses to improve the colors in your landscape photos include the:

Temperature slider
Contrast Slider
HSL Panel
Split Toning Panel
Curves Panel
Gradient Adjustments
Calibration panel

So try out some of these tips for editing the colors in landscape photos using Lightroom and share your results with us in the comments section! Furthermore, if you have some tips for editing colors in landscape photos, please share those with us too.

1. Find a suitable subject

Autumn Colors 01

With the right approach, you can achieve some of your best scenic autumn shots.

The first thing to think about is what subject you are going to shoot. There are a number of great subjects that vie for your attention including scenes of vibrant landscapes, a tree, leaves or water and the landscape. These subjects are suitable because they show the true spirit of autumn and the best of the season when the leaves change color and become more intense.

Other ideas for subjects include capturing a building, landmark, footpath or bridge within a colorful landscape. Combining these elements with fall foliage illustrate the season beautifully.

2. Light

Autumn Colors 02

Don’t limit yourself to shooting on bright and sunny days. Overcast conditions are also great for recording subtle, even tones as the light is soft with less contrast. Rivers are particularly enticing to shoot when there is cloud cover, particularly when adding warmth with autumn colors.

3. Location

How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography

Location is everything when it comes to achieving your best autumn pictures. You could focus a photography vacation around the colors of autumn, or spend a day or two chasing the season’s hues.

Some of the best regions in the world include New England and the Colorado Rockies. Whilst some countries such as the UK are not renowned for their autumn splendor, there are many parks, woodlands, and areas of outstanding natural beauty that you can visit for a shoot.

4. Shoot a wide view

Autumn Colors 04

One great way to document the autumn colors is to capture a wider field of view. Photographing trees as part of a larger landscape, using colorful leaves in the background or to frame your subject works really well. This approach gives a more visually interesting image than a picture of a building or landmark on its own. It also helps tell the viewer the time of year the photo was created.

5. Isolate patterns of color

Another technique is to shoot the colors of autumn in isolation. Beautiful shades of red, yellow, brown and orange can look great. Look out for patterns amongst leaves which could include single and complementary colors or interesting shapes. By focussing your lens towards a particular section of a forest canopy or an attractive collection of leaves, you can add order and impact to your images whilst creating some visually pleasing results.

6. Use backlight

A great technique to use when shooting fall foliage is to shoot directly towards the sun. Shooting into the light can result in stunning images as the backlit leaves of autumn glow and reflect the vibrant colors. Be aware of flare when using backlight and shooting into the sun. By partially shielding the sun behind a tree it can help to reduce any unwanted flare.

7. Shoot with sidelight

Autumn Colors 05

Another way to shoot autumn is to use sidelight to your advantage. Capture the canopy of colors side-on to the angle of the sun. The complementary colors of oranges and yellows combined with a blue sky can work very well together. The warmer tones from the foliage offset the coolness of a blue sky perfectly.

8. Look down

Autumn Colors 06

When exploring wonderful scenes of autumn color, it is easy to forget to look down. Don’t be disheartened if the trees are bare and the leaves have all fallen; you can still capture the colors of autumn on the ground. This is evident in late autumn when the forest floor is as colorful as the treetops. Depending on the type of tree, there are often varying elements of fall color from these leaves, which are definitely worth photographing.

9. Fog and mist

How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography

Finally, incorporate any signs of fog and mist into your autumn photos. These dramatic conditions can lift a picture by adding a touch of mood, atmosphere, and mystery to a colorful scene. Capture the morning mist rising from a lake, a forest cloaked in fog or subtle mist over a city or landscape for a visually stunning element that will improve any autumnal scene.

How to capture the colors of autumn in your photography: conclusion

Autumn is an awesome time of the year to be out with your camera capturing beautiful photos, particularly when exploring locations in search of color. So grab your camera and get out to your nearest park or woodland. Enjoy the autumn and see what you can create.

What other tips do you have to photograph the colors of autumn? Share with us in the comments and share your autumn images too!

The post How to Capture the Colors of Autumn in Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint.

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How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

19 Aug

The post How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Nisha Ramroop.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

Your camera is capable of capturing intense, true color that is almost everywhere you look. So how hard could it be? Answer: It is actually quite easy to capture color. However, you need to practice a little more awareness when it comes to creating images with that extra “oomph.” Here are a few tips to help you capture vibrant colors in photography.

1. Keep it simple/details

As with other types of photography, simplicity is an art on its own. While details are can be essential too, sometimes scaling back on the amount of details is required. Thus, when working with vibrant colors in photography, your story may have more impact when you include only the key elements as opposed to having too much going on.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

You can achieve simplicity in different ways. The first is by minimizing the number of colors in the frame. Yes, there are instances when many colors work well together in an image, but at other times it gets confusing. You need to direct your viewer’s eyes. Another way to keep it simple is to avoid too many details in your composition. It has the same effect as too many colors. When working with vibrant colors, simple works better.

2. Experiment with color combinations

Starting small is usually better with bolder colors. You can focus on one main color and build from there. When you start adding other colors in, determine if they work well together. Fortunately, you do not have to reinvent the color wheel and have tried-and-true color harmonies to use to your advantage.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

Color harmony is a combination that is visually appealing to the eyes. Some of the options include complementary colors (those directly opposite each other on the wheel) and analogous color (those next to each other).

Both of these harmonies exist in the natural world. A sunset of oranges and blues is an example of complementary colors. Whereas a green tree against the midday blue sky is more along the lines of analogous color. When you are working with color combinations, spend the time to make the final image pleasing to the eyes.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

3. Make colors stand out/playoff

Your scene may be full of color, vibrant and busy. If this is what you want to portray, then all is well. On the other hand, what if there is a subject in that chaos that you want to isolate? You can use color to make that happen. To do so, one of your options is to desaturate/tone down the colors that are not contributing to your subject’s story.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

Another is putting a bright color against a dull one to help it to stand out more. Also, adjusting the hue and lightness of the colors next to your main color can help it pop.

Here are a few easy ways for you to help your colors play off each other:

White Balance

Pay attention to your use of white balance when working with bold and strong colors. Your camera has several white balance options to deal with different lighting situations (Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent, etc.). Each of these affects the overall color of your image. They either move your color to the warmer side (by adding yellow) or to the cooler side (by adding blue). Thus, white balance can enhance your colors or change the hue altogether.

vibrant-colors-in-photography

Note: If you do not want your colors to end up looking too blue or yellow, you have the option of manually adjusting your white balance color temperature.

Saturation

By default, Saturation is used to enhance the color intensity of every color in an image. However, you can use editing software and use Saturation selectively. When trying to make colors play off each other, you can increase the intensity of one color while desaturating other colors in the scene.

Vibrance vs Saturation (the same level applied)

Vibrancy

When you change the Vibrance in an image, it is a little more specific than Saturation. Vibrance only adjusts the intensity of the duller colors in your image. When playing off colors, this tool can be very effective.

How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success

Conclusion

When working with vibrant colors, be aware of your palette. Keep your compositions simple by minimizing the number of colors and details in your image. Work with the color wheel and learn about the various harmonies that exist. When you pay attention to all the colors in your image, you get a better sense of how they work together. You also understand the way each color affects and plays off the other. Most of all, have fun experimenting while you learn about color!

Do you have other tips for using vibrant colors in photography? Share with us in the comments section!

The post How to Use Vibrant Colors in Photography with Great Success appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Nisha Ramroop.

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Video: UV light brings out the ethereal colors of everyday objects

08 Feb

The Weird Lens Museum seems not only to be interested in odd lenses, but also unusual light sources for still life set-ups. Curator Mathieu Stern has published a video showing experimental work with off-visible-spectrum specialist Pierre Luis Ferrer in which they use a handheld UV light to illuminate fruit and everyday objects, making for strange, ethereal patterns and colors.

The inside of a kiwi seen with ultraviolet light.

With the lights off in the studio only the UV light is used on the subjects, which causes some materials to glow in a spectacular way. Different substances react to UV light and can glow in a range of colors, as seen in the kiwi example above.

UV lights don’t cost more than $ 10-20 for handheld varieties, so head to your nearest hardware store (or favorite online store) and pick one up to see what interesting results you end up with. Remember to pick up a pair of protective UV glasses though to keep your eyes safe; UV flashlights are a relatively weak source of UV light, but it’s better to play it safe, especially when it comes to your eyes.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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How to Replace Colors in Your Images Using Photoshop

15 Jan

The post How to Replace Colors in Your Images Using Photoshop appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

Have you ever taken a photograph and wondered what it would look like in a different color? Or perhaps you find a particular color distracting and want to swap it for a more subtle tone? Maybe you want to ramp up the impact, using more vibrant colors to make your image pop?

With the help of Photoshop, swapping the colors of different elements in a photograph is quick and easy. Here are two ways to switch the colors in your image to make them more dynamic.

Method one – Using the Replace Color Panel

The Replace Color panel is a simple tool designed to tweak color selections. When you select a specific color in the image, the Replace Color function grabs similar colors, allowing you to change them within the same action.

Step 1 – Preparing your image

First, open your image in Photoshop. To edit non-destructively we need to duplicate the layer. That way, we can go back to the original image at any time. Select your image in the Layers Pallet, then go to Layer -> Duplicate Layer. Alternatively, you can right-click on your image in the layers panel and click Duplicate Layer or drag your layer onto the New Layer icon.

Step 2 – Selecting a Color to Replace

With your duplicate layer selected in the Layers Pallet go to Image -> Adjustments -> Replace Color and the Replace Color panel will pop up. Check the Localized Color Clusters and Preview options. The cursor will automatically be converted to an eyedropper icon, so click on the color in the image that you want to replace. This highlights the color in white in the preview thumbnail, so you can see how much of the color is selected.

Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Replace Color to open the Replace Color panel

Click on the color in the image that you want to replace. This highlights the selection in white in the preview thumbnail

Step 3 – Adjusting the range

The next step is to add further shades of your chosen color to the selection so it looks more natural. With the Replace Color panel still open, hold down the shift key and click on more shades of your selected color in the image. This adds new shades of your selected color to the preview thumbnail.

If you accidentally select an area, hold down the alt key and click the area again to deselect the selection. You can adjust the edges of the selection with the Fuzziness slider, this dictates the sharpness of the edges in the selection.

Step 4 – Swapping the color

In the Replace Color panel, use the Replacement Hue slider to adjust the color of your selection. Once you’re happy with the color, use the Saturation slider to increase or decrease the intensity of the replacement color. You can also adjust the Lightness slider which tweaks the shade of the replacement color.

Use the Replacement Hue slider to adjust the color of your selection

To make sure the edges of the selection have adequate coverage, you may need to readjust the Fuzziness slider.

Once you’re happy with your results, click OK. Your adjustments will be applied to your image and you’re good to go!

Method two – Using the Color Replacement Tool

The Color Replacement Tool is an alternative to using the Replace Color panel. With the Color Replacement Tool, you can apply a replacement color to a more targeted area in the image.

Step 1- Preparing Your Image

Just like in the first method, we need to duplicate the original layer so we can return to the original image if required. Select your image in the Layers Palette then go to Layer -> Duplicate Layer or right click on the layer in the Layers Pallet and click Duplicate Layer.

Step 2 – Selecting the Color Replacement Tool

Accessing the Color Replacement Tool is a little tricky. Click and hold the cursor over the Brush Tool on the left toolbar and several brush options will appear. Select the Color Replacement Tool.

Step 3 – Setting your foreground color

With the Color Replacement Tool selected, set your foreground color to the color you want to replace your current color with. So if you want to change a red subject to blue, select blue as your foreground color.

Set your foreground color to the color you want to replace your current color with

Step 4 – Applying color with the Color Replacement Tool

With the Color Replacement Tool selected, brush over the area of color you want to replace. You can adjust the settings of the brush (size, shape, tolerance) in the top menu bar.

With the Color Replacement Tool selected, brush over the area of color you want to replace

Conclusion

Color is a wonderful and versatile element of composition. But sometimes the right color scheme is elusive. That’s where the Color Replacement tools come in handy. Now you’ve read the guide, why not give it a go? Post your results in the comments below!

The post How to Replace Colors in Your Images Using Photoshop appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.

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Wacom announces the Cintiq 16HD, a Full HD graphics tablet that displays 16.7 million colors

09 Jan

Wacom has announced its latest creation, the Cintiq 16HD, a mid-range pen tablet that takes inspiration from Wacom’s much larger (and more expensive) Cintiq Pro lineup and packages it in a more compact and affordable form factor.

The Cintiq 16HD falls right between Wacom’s Cintiq 13HD and Cintiq 22HD graphics tablet. Its display, as it name suggests, is a 15.6 inch 1920 x 1080 pixel touchscreen display with the ability to produce upwards of 16.7 million colors — 72% NTSC color coverage and 100% sRGB. The screen has a brightness rating of 210 cd/m², a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 176-degree viewing angle.

The pen tablet features built-in legs that provide a natural tilt angle and a recessed connection so it lays flat when the three-in-one power port is plugged in.

Included with the Cintiq 16HD is the Wacom Pro Pen 2, which works with the tablet to offer 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity — four times that of its predecessor, the Cintiq Pro 16. The pen features two side buttons and lag-free tracking. It uses Electro Magnetic Resonance (EMR) technology, meaning no batteries are needed to keep the pen operating.

The Wacom Cintiq 16HD works with both macOS and Windows operating systems and is currently available for pre-order for $ 649.95. In addition to the graphics tablet and Wacom Pro Pen 2, it comes with a detachable pen holder, three replacement nibs, a nib removal tool, a 3-in-1 cable, and the required power cable and adapter.

Wacom offers a limited one-year warranty in Japan, Asia Pacific and China and a two-year limited warranty in the USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Keeping Colors Consistent in Photography in 3 Easy Steps

30 Nov

The post Keeping Colors Consistent in Photography in 3 Easy Steps appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

In this video by Gavin Hoey from Adorama, he discusses ways of keeping colors consistent throughout your photography process.

Keeping Colors Consistent in 3 Easy Steps

Using these 3 quick steps in your photography workflow will make your process much easier and save you time.

1. Begin with the Right Computer Monitor

Begin with a great monitor, because a bad monitor makes editing your photos difficult. A monitor with at least 100% of the sRGB color space will work. Even better, is a monitor that displays 99% of AdobeRGB color space, such as the BEN Q SW2700.

You will need to color-calibrate the monitor. Get the best out of your monitor using a color calibration tool. Using something like an X-Rite i1 Display Pro Display and Monitor Calibrator. See more on using it here.

2. Getting Colors Right In-Camera

Set a custom white balance using a color checker passport. Open up to the grey side. Get the model to hold it in front of them. Fill the frame with the white card, use the custom white balance mode in camera (varies from camera to camera) and take a photo. Your white balance should now be correct.

Setting in-camera means you can show your subjects the photos in-camera.

Also saves you time in post-processing. The image may then look a bit wrong when looking through the view-finder. Just check the image when you take it – it should look correct.

Next, take a picture of the color checker passport fully-open to the color side, and under the same lighting conditions. We will use this to make the profile. This color setting will be used for the entire shoot.

3. Set-up Your Custom Profile in Photoshop

With the shoot done, it is time to make the Photoshop custom profile for post-process editing.

Bring the RAW file of the model holding the color checker passport into Photoshop. Open it as a DNG (Digital Negative) and save it somewhere that is easily accessible. Close the file.

Find your DNG file and drag and drop it onto the Colour Checker Passport application. The application will do all the work for you. All you need to do is click ‘create profile’ and save it with a unique name for that particular shoot/set-up. It is saved as a new color profile.

Next, open your RAW file into photoshop. Go to the ‘Profile’ Tab and select ‘Browse.’ Go to your saved profile and select it.

How do you use this profile for all the images across your shoot?

Go back to Camera RAW. Choose the icon in the top corner of the panel, and select ‘set as new camera RAW default.’ All of the photos you open will now apply the new color profile, keeping your entire shoot consistent.

You may also find the following articles helpful:

How to Choose the Right Monitor for Photo Editing

Setting Your White Balance with a Gray Card – a Tip from Phil Steele

Setting The Mood By Adjusting Your White Balance

How to Use the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport to Obtain Perfect Color

How to Make Custom Camera Raw Profiles for Lightroom & Photoshop

The post Keeping Colors Consistent in Photography in 3 Easy Steps appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

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How to Use Complementary Colors for Color Correction of Your Images

25 Nov

Two days before my wedding, I got sunburnt on a fishing trip. It was also my bachelor party.

Al Shallal Ice Rink in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – before color correction

Al Shallal Ice Rink in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – after color correction

My wife’s cousin, the makeup artist for the big day, took one look at my bright red nose and dragged me into a changing room. She sat me down and pulled out a jar of green powder.

“Is that green powder?”

“Yep – green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, so this cancels out some of that shine.”

Those probably weren’t her exact words – but it was something like that. However, it stuck with me. She added a dash of green powder and my nose was slightly less red.

Using Complementary Colors for Color Correction

We are always striving to use color theory in new and captivating ways. Using complementary colors in your images, and creative adjustments to color balance and split toning can take your images to the next level. You most likely adjust white balance, including temperature and tint, somewhere at the start of the editing process. The ‘Temperature’ slider gives your images a cool or warm tone. The ‘Tint’ slider gives a green or magenta tint.

You use these sliders to add to the overall mood and tone of the image. Those values are fine-tuned throughout the editing process while making other adjustments. Recently, I made use of my knowledge of color theory (and that critical lesson on my wedding day), for an entirely different purpose.

Lightroom White Balance Slider at Default Settings

I currently live and work in Saudi Arabia. To the surprise of many people, I also play ice hockey out here for The Red Sea Sabres. We practice in Jeddah and play in international tournaments every year. On Saudi National Day, our team was invited to play in a friendly scrimmage against the re-emerging Saudi National Team. It was part of an effort to showcase ice hockey in The Kingdom (the details of the entire story are in the blog post linked in my bio).

When we arrived at Al Shallal Ice Rink, the ceiling lights had been tinted green in honor of the Saudi Flag. There was also a large mist looming over the entire ice surface. It was kind of like playing ice hockey on Venus. We were also part of a larger ice skating and Saudi National Day showcase, and there were heaps of photographic opportunities everywhere I looked.

Shooting backstage was fine, as you can see from the before and after images below that have only a few adjustments to the RAW cuts. However, backstage was under ‘normal’ fluorescent lighting and not the green tinted light hanging over the ice.

Original RAW file

And after minor corrections in LR

Tint Slider

My import screen filled with heavily tinted green photos.

You may already add small amounts of tint to your images for artistic purposes or to balance color after shooting under lighting conditions that cast an unwanted tint to your images. However, I had never seen anything like the RAW files I captured that night. As I watched my import screen fill with a tapestry of heavily tinted green photos, one word popped into my head…’magenta.’ I moved the tint slider toward the magenta side of the spectrum and the green cast faded.

Before the ice hockey scrimmage, an ice skating exhibition took to the ice – before color correction.

And after color correction.

Usually, I don’t go above +20 on the magenta slider, but the photo above required +130!

Split Toning

To help adjust skin tones and overall colors of jerseys and ice, I adjusted the split toning to add even more magenta to the image. However, I struggled to fully-correct the skin tones, but they looked better than the pale green faces staring back at me on import!

‘Split Toning’ helped remove more unwanted green from skin tones and even out the color of the ice.

Some of the images required a tradeoff. As with the image below; the foreground is backstage under fluorescent lights, and the background is on the ice under green colored lights. You can see that the player’s skin tone is off from the heavy magenta tint on his neck. However, it’s such a compelling image I allowed the tinted skin tone in exchange for the overall shot to be balanced.

This image could be further corrected in Photoshop using a localized correction on the player’s neck to correct his skin tone further.

Conclusion

Color, mood, and tone have a dynamic relationship in every image. If you are a self-taught photographer like me, you probably missed out on formal training in color theory. I have a picture of the color wheel on the wall in my editing office. That way, I am always reminded of the subtle but powerful difference using complementary or anchoring colors can add to an image. Alternatively, in this case, how adding a significant imbalance to one side of the spectrum can rescue images.

If you have been challenged by colored lighting conditions or have some images you’d like to share with us, please do so in the comments below.

The post How to Use Complementary Colors for Color Correction of Your Images appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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Posts Tagged ‘Colors’

ROTOLIGHT UNVEIL NEO 3 AND AEOS 2 LIGHTS IN EXCLUSIVE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

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1. Find a suitable subject

2. Light

3. Location

4. Shoot a wide view

5. Isolate patterns of color

6. Use backlight

7. Shoot with sidelight

8. Look down

9. Fog and mist

How to capture the colors of autumn in your photography: conclusion

1. Keep it simple/details

2. Experiment with color combinations

3. Make colors stand out/playoff

White Balance

Saturation

Vibrancy

Conclusion

Method one – Using the Replace Color Panel

Step 1 – Preparing your image

Step 2 – Selecting a Color to Replace

Step 3 – Adjusting the range

Step 4 – Swapping the color

Method two – Using the Color Replacement Tool

Step 1- Preparing Your Image

Step 2 – Selecting the Color Replacement Tool

Step 3 – Setting your foreground color

Step 4 – Applying color with the Color Replacement Tool

Conclusion

Keeping Colors Consistent in 3 Easy Steps

1. Begin with the Right Computer Monitor

2. Getting Colors Right In-Camera

3. Set-up Your Custom Profile in Photoshop

Using Complementary Colors for Color Correction

Tint Slider

Split Toning

Conclusion