Module 5: Light & Color

This module outlines the principles of how light and color function in photographic practice. It introduces the color spectrum, color temperature, and the evolution of color theory, including additive and subtractive systems and the CIE color models. You will examine how filters, white balance, and color temperature are used. The module also includes practical exercises to develop visual perception and demonstrates multiple approaches to black and white conversion, using color channels and tonal adjustments.

Module 5 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

Having control of light and color are fundamental aspects in creating mood, atmosphere, and impact in your photos. In Module 5, you’ll:

Learn color theory and how it affects the way the viewer interprets your images.
Control white balance and color temperature by understanding the available settings and tools.
Enhance color and dynamic range perception with a range of techniques including pre-visualization.
Analyze black & white images and learn several conversion methods.
Practice black & white digital conversions with a diverse range of post-production techniques.

What You’ll Learn

Modern & Historical Color Theory
Explore Maxwell’s triangle, additive and subtractive systems, and more.
White Balance & Color Temperature
Manage white balance and color temperature, including photographic filters.
Perception & Pre-visualization
Techniques for evaluating contrast and dynamic range, planning the look before capture.
Black & White Image Conversions
Learn multiple methods for achieving black and white images in post-production.

What You’ll Do

Black & White Conversions
Experiment with several conversion methods to achieve the desired look.
Color Temperature & White Balance
Test custom white balance settings & analyze results for maximum control on your images.
Perception & Pre-visualization
Use several techniques to enhance your ability to see light, contrast and color.
Light & Color Control
Have full understanding of light & color to control how viewers see your images.

Module Topics

In Module 5, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Light & Color
The Color Spectrum
Color Temperature
Early Color Theory Development
Maxwell’s Triangle & Modern Color Theory
Additive & Subtractive Color Systems
The CIE & Lab Color
Photographic Filters
Useful Filters In The Digital World
The Mired Scale
Wratten Filters
Managing Color & White Balance
The Color Temperature Meter
Digital White Balance
Custom White Balance
A Color Reality Check
Seeing Like a Camera
Color Perception
Depth Perception
Dynamic Range
Some Useful Tricks
Squint

Look Through a Filter
Close One Eye
Make A Fist
Rotate The Image
Squat
Pre-visualization
Setting Shadows & Highlights
Black & White Photography
A Brief Personal Tour
B&W Photography In The Digital Era
Method One: In Camera B&W
Method Two: Camera Raw Saturation
Method Three: Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
Method Four: Greyscale Color Mode
Method Five: Photo Filter
Method Six: Black & White
My Favourite: Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer
Utilising Color Channels
The Red Channel In RGB
The Green Channel In RGB
The Blue Channel In RGB
The L Channel In L*a*b

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 5, you will:

Understand light and color theory and how to manipulate them to achieve the desired look.
Control white balance and color temperature both on camera and in post-production.
Learn pre-visualization and sharpen your perception methods through several practical techniques.
Understand a diverse range of black & white conversion methods and their attributes.
Be confident to convert color images into black & white achieving professional level results.

Guidance Every Step Of The Way

Our expert tutors will guide you step by step. The aim in this module is to provide a clear understanding of how to manage color and tone accurately and consistently in image-making and post-production. With their guidance, you’ll confidently handle all color related decisions for any photography project.