What is contrast in photography? Understanding the differences in expression based on strength and weakness

There are various methods of expression in photography, and one of the most representative is contrast. By utilizing contrast, you can add storytelling elements to your photos or effectively convey the impression of the subject. In this article, we will introduce basic knowledge about contrast as well as examples of its application in different scenes.

What is contrast?

In photography, contrast refers to the differences in brightness and color within an image. By using contrast as a form of juxtaposition, you can add depth, charm, and a sense of narrative to your photos. For example, contrast can highlight the three-dimensionality and presence of a subject, emphasize texture and depth, or create a mystical atmosphere—thus effectively conveying the photographer's intentions.

Types of contrast in photography expression

There are four main types of contrast in photography expression. Each has its own characteristics and unique effects. Let’s take a closer look at each of these contrasts:

Brightness contrast (Tone contrast)

When we talk about contrast in photography, it is often referring to brightness contrast, or the difference in light and dark. This is the contrast created by differences in gradation from white to black.
For example, imagine a portrait shot by a window. The subject’s profile is softly lit by the natural light streaming through the window, while a soft shadow falls on the indoor side. The balance of light and shadow, or the gentle contrast in brightness, naturally enhances the subject's three-dimensionality and presence.
Brightness contrast can be adjusted by manipulating the camera's exposure settings and the direction and strength of light during shooting. It can also be controlled through image editing software.
When shooting on a sunny day, you typically get strong contrast, while on cloudy days or during sunsets, you can create photos with a softer contrast. Additionally, using lighting equipment like a flash or reflectors can help you adjust the contrast.

Color contrast

Color contrast is created by the combination of different colors. One particularly important relationship is that of complementary colors. Complementary colors are those located opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, or blue and orange. By combining these colors, each one enhances the other, producing more vivid and striking photographs.
Combining cool colors (blue, green) with warm colors (red, yellow) is also effective. For example, a red sunset reflected on the sea or red and yellow flowers blooming in a forest provide a clear contrast. Such color contrasts appeal to our emotions and give the photo a richer expression. In landscape photography, focusing on natural color contrasts such as autumn leaves and the blue sky or fresh greenery and cherry blossoms can create more memorable images.

Texture contrast

Texture contrast is an expression that highlights the differences in surface textures. For example, you might combine smooth silk fabric with rough woven textiles, glossy flower petals with rough rock surfaces, or smooth glass with rusty iron. By combining these contrasting textures, you can express the tactile sensation and three-dimensionality of the subject more realistically.
To effectively express texture contrast, lens choice and the direction and strength of light are crucial. Using a macro lens with high close-up capability to capture the details of the subject and emphasizing shadows with side lighting can make the differences in texture stand out.

Contextual contrast

Contextual contrast is a more conceptual form of contrast that utilizes the meaning and background of the subject. For example, contrasts between historical architecture and modern city landscapes, a single wildflower growing in a concrete jungle, or a person in their living space represent this form of contrast. These contrasts not only offer visual interest but also communicate changes in time, society, or environment.
To effectively express contextual contrast, choosing the right subject and background and paying attention to composition are key. The way you position contrasting elements within the frame, the lighting conditions, and the distance you use to frame the shot all greatly impact the story and impression the photo conveys. Combining this with brightness or color contrast can lead to more striking compositions.

Impression Differences Based on Brightness Contrast Strength

Contrast, depending on its strength, can create different impressions and moods. Let’s take a closer look at how both strong and weak brightness contrasts affect a photograph.

Strong contrast (High contrast)

Strong contrast refers to a large difference between the light and dark areas of an image. This expression creates a powerful, tense, and dramatic impression. For example, you might see a streetlight glowing in the evening twilight or a portrait shot with a strong light source that creates a pronounced contrast between light and shadow.
In nature photography, strong contrast can also create impactful expressions. For instance, the contrast between brightly lit branches and dappled sunlight filtering through trees creates a vibrant, energetic photo full of life.
Such high contrast can express not only visual beauty but also emotions like energy or solitude.

Weak contrast (Low contrast)

On the other hand, weak contrast refers to a smaller difference between the light and dark areas of the image. This expression has a soft, peaceful, and calm effect. For example, a landscape shrouded in morning mist or fog has soft contrast and creates a dreamy, poetic atmosphere.
In portrait photography, weak contrast is also a valuable tool. Shooting in soft light, such as on a cloudy day, results in gentle contrast, making it easier to capture subtle changes in the subject's expression and the texture of their skin.

Contrast vs. Tonal range

Another term often heard alongside contrast is "tonal range." These two terms are similar, but they have different meanings.
First, "contrast" refers to the difference between the brightest (white) and darkest (black) parts of the image. On the other hand, "tonal range" refers to how smoothly this transition from white to black is expressed.
Both appropriate contrast and rich tonal range expression work together to create natural, beautiful photos with "breathability." When choosing a camera or lens, it's useful to check for both aspects.

How to adjust contrast

Contrast can be controlled to some extent by the camera settings and composition, allowing you to control the image according to your intentions. Let’s now take a closer look at how to adjust contrast effectively.

Change the direction of light

The direction of light on a subject can generally be categorized into front light, side light, and back light.
Front light illuminates the subject from the front, brightly lighting the subject and revealing fine details. However, it results in minimal shadows, making it harder to express three-dimensionality and depth.
Side light comes from the side of the subject, creating shadows and highlighting the three-dimensionality. For example, in portraits, the contours of the face and subtle changes in expression can be strikingly depicted, and in architectural photos, the structure and materials can be emphasized.
Back light illuminates the subject from behind, creating a silhouette and emphasizing the contours and light effects. However, it can make the fine details of the subject harder to see, so it requires some experience to shoot effectively.
The direction of light will affect the shadows and contrast of the subject, so the choice of angle is also important.

Be mindful of the time of day

Throughout the day, the strength and quality of sunlight change, which significantly affects the impression of the light.
In the early morning, you get delicate and soft light. The low angle of the sun and the scattering of light in the atmosphere give the photo gentle contrast and warm tones.
Midday light on a clear day is strong and creates a high contrast. On cloudy days, the sunlight is weaker, resulting in a softer overall impression.
During sunset or just after sunset, the "magic hour" or "blue hour" features beautiful gradients of the sunset. Not only is the landscape itself beautiful, but when shooting backlit, the contrast and warm light create an emotionally rich atmosphere.
By combining light direction and time of day, you can further enhance the mood you want to convey.

Adjust the exposure settings

The camera's exposure settings are essential for adjusting contrast.
Increasing exposure compensation will brighten the image overall, creating a soft, gentle effect. It’s effective for capturing the details in dark areas and creating a light, airy atmosphere.
On the other hand, decreasing exposure compensation creates a calmer, subdued photo with darker shadows, emphasizing contrast with the bright areas.
By intentionally pushing the exposure beyond the correct level, you can create more creative expressions.

Be creative with composition

Contrast also affects composition. For example, a composition where the brightness gradually changes from the foreground to the background will give a sense of natural depth. Additionally, changing the balance of light and dark across the frame can add movement or tension to the photo.
The contrast between the subject and the background is also an important element. By placing a dark subject against a bright background, the subject can stand out more vividly.
Learning basic composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, symmetrical composition, or diagonal composition, will help you shoot more effectively.

Add creative expression in editing

Basic adjustments to brightness and contrast can be made in image editing software. For instance, after balancing the overall light and dark areas, you can use dodging or burning to emphasize or subdue specific parts of the image.
Advanced editing, such as using tone curves to adjust the brightness of highlights, midtones, and shadows, or using color grading for color tone adjustments, is also possible.
If you shoot in RAW, you can perform more flexible editing during post-processing. Don't just rely on shooting—use the editing stage to unleash your creativity.

Using contrast in different scenes

Finally, let’s explore how to effectively use contrast in different types of photography.

Portraits

In portrait photography, being mindful of lower contrast can help express the subject’s skin texture naturally. For example, if you want to emphasize the softness of a person’s expression, avoiding strong contrast and opting for a more gentle effect is recommended. Additionally, creating background blur (bokeh) can help make the subject stand out.
Using side light to enhance the shadows of the face also works effectively. This can create a more intense, dramatic effect. However, be cautious, as sometimes it may result in too cool of an impression if not done properly.

Landscapes

In landscape photography, you can create a sense of depth by emphasizing the contrast between the foreground and background. For example, making the foreground darker and the distant mountains lighter will create a more dynamic, three-dimensional landscape.
For subjects like trees and buildings, using backlight or side light to create a striking silhouette is recommended. During sunset, the silhouette against the warm-colored sky makes for a beautiful, striking contrast.

Snaps

In snap photography, effectively using the contrast of light and shadow can add drama. Especially in urban areas, sunlight pouring between buildings creates dramatic shadow patterns.
On sunny days or when shooting under strong lighting at night, there is a tendency for overexposure (blown-out highlights). In such cases, it’s a good idea to adjust the exposure compensation to the negative side to prevent overexposure.
Backlit silhouette shots are also highly recommended for snaps. Whether it’s the silhouette of a building or a person, everyday scenes can be transformed into artistic compositions through shadow and contrast.

Utilizing Contrast for Creative Expression

Contrast in photography is more than just the difference between light and dark; it’s a crucial element that significantly broadens the scope of your photographic expression. By paying attention not only to light and dark contrasts but also to color and texture, you can find effective contrasts and compositions. Experiment with lighting, strength, and composition, and observe the changes they bring to create new discoveries.