Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

One interpretation of what does this have to do with editing software could be When we are editing, how do we know if we are representing colors "correctly?" Do we just put all our trust into the color picker/WB tool?

You might be surprised at how involved the subject really is, including the role of color in optical illusions.

Artbob touched briefly on some of the artistic considerations earlier: "Does it affect our editing. Yes. In what ways? Usually not noticeable consciously, but in hundreds of ways that a very good photographer or artist uses to more clearly express an emotion or concept."

Click The Role of Color in Art.

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amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

On my color calibrated monitor the original image appears to me to show a gray shoe with teal laces and trim. Then I noticed the horrible color cast on the hand holding the shoe. Way too much cyan/blue in that image, so I assume it was shot with a severely incorrect camera white balance. The "corrected" version looks much more accurate to me.... the hand holding the shoe in the corrected version is much more like I expected skin tones to appear.

When we are editing, how do we know if we are representing colors "correctly?"

You definitely can't know for certain... unless your computer monitor is calibrated AND you know you don't have any form of color blindness. (An optician can test your eyes and tell you.) You still have to take into account limitations of your computer monitor. Most monitors are unable to display the full dynamic range of an image (there's more detail in both shadows and highlights than can be seen on screen). And many monitors have a limited color gamut, as well. Best test is to make a print on smooth matte paper using a calibrated, high quality printer.

Even if you do all you can to produce an accurate image, you're still at the mercy of the viewers' abilities to see the image... how accurate their monitor is, or isn't... whether or not they have some form of color blindness, when viewing a print.... etc. Can't do anything about those factors other than make your images as accurate as possible to YOUR eyes.

I do test important images in various web browsers, some of which are color calibrated, while others are not. But this isn't necessarily how the viewer will actually see my images.... I simply can't do anything about that.

I often see images here and on other forums and websites in general that appear too dark or over-saturated.... and have to assume that the person who created those images is working with an uncalibrated monitor that's causing them to mis-adjust their images. They very likely won't even be aware they're doing that, unless and until they view their images pritned or displayed on someone else's calibrated monitor. Those people most likely see MY images brightness and colors badly skewed on their uncalibrated computer monitors... but that's out of my control.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I read a well-intended (non-snarky) question one time where a viewer asked the OP if he'd been tested for cataracts. But along with your excellent observations and information, Alan, should be the consideration that some photographers do their editing very deliberately. They like whatever look it is they are presenting. The more experienced UHH users understand that not everyone will enjoy their viewpoint

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Color is in the eye of the beholder! And then......there is display calibration, white space definition and a plethora or other factors. Is the sky blue? It depends.......

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

In the first shot I see light grey, light teal laces and trim, with areas that have a pinkish cast to them.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

At the Angola State Penitentiary, I think, in the 1930's a new prisoner was asked by the guard escorting him, "What color is this?" pointing to a white wall. Naturally the prisoner would say "white" but the guard would hit him with a club and say, "I say it is black." Then the guard would repeat the question and if the prisoner would say "white" again, he would be hit him until the prisoner would say the wall is "black". This was their introduction to prison with the thought that the guard was always right.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Good points about "objective" color. There's also the very important aspect of looking: SEEING. Since the mind, not the eye or the camera lens, does that, it is good to check out the various basic aspects of visual perception. They are universal to general looking (we see faces, contrast first, e.g.), and so can be used with all elements of photography.

rcarol

I personally believe that this subject has garnered far more attention than it deserves.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

B&W.

Nikon1201

Grey and aqua

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Why do you get to determine how much attention the subject deserves? This thread is interesting to several of us. It's not like there are only so many spaces available each day on UHH for new topics

rcarol

I'm not determining how much attention this topic gets that why I said "personally". Clearly, you feel otherwise, so keep up the good work.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Apologies. I just don't get why people feel the need to make those kinds of negative statements. All you have to do is unwatch and proceed elsewhere.

Boris77

Shades of grey with a magenta tint, and Teal.
Obviously.
Boris

Nikon1201

Fun is fun , it doesn’t always be about my camera and other stuff. Lighten up.