Does Color Impact an Image?

By: Meadows Stevens

All artists have different methods of creating a signature look for their images- color, motion, purpose, objects. Whether an artist creates editorial images with vibrant, saturated color, or a documentary photographer who primarily shoots in black and white, us as spectators can lose sight of how color adds onto the image.

But then the question arises, does color impact the image? How does it turn around a photo ? Sometimes the meaning gets lost in the hues and saturation, but then again, color is what can give an image life. 

Color Theory tells us that it impacts how emotions and perceptions arise based on what our minds have conceptualized. As simple as “Blue is sad” or “red is angry,” photographers often put more thought into their work than you think. The choice of solely exhibiting black and white work is also a method of intriguing people in the contrast of their work; the abyss of shadows and bright white lights is a story of its own. 

Viewing some of my favorite work, i paid more attention to detail of light, composure, and (obviously) color. Pink can be translated to femininity, nurturing, and compassion- a powerful color when paired with strong mujeres. Thalia Gochez often shines light to powerful women in her community and photographs them in raw, natural beauty. Monica similarly uses saturated colors to portray her subjects in authentic ways- both are unmatched, talented photographers who inspire me to stay true to my roots.

Black and white is an underrated aspect of shooting that derives emotions from hues of shadows and light; separating the subject from the background, or even blending it, changes the perception of the image beyond first glance. Without the distraction of color, there’s much more to an image left to be revealed.

So, does color impact the image? Obvious answer is yes, but as does color, the absence of it also amplifies the photo on a different level. next time you see a b&w image, take a moment to reflect on why that notion was made, and how color (or the lack of) would change the vision.

Ciao!