Color processing can be a tricky subject, especially when you want to make sure your landscape photos look natural but still stand out. Whether it’s light, contrast, or the subject itself, each plays a big role in how colors are rendered in your final image.
Coming to you from Alister Benn, this helpful video explores how to approach color processing in a thoughtful way. Benn explains that color isn’t just about adjusting sliders. Exposure, light, and contrast all interact with color in significant ways, often before you even touch the temperature or saturation controls. He begins by discussing the common addiction to golden hour, the warm light that occurs at the beginning and end of the day. While it’s a popular time for shooting, it’s not the only way to get great results. Benn makes a compelling point that good light can be found at many different times of the day, and it's the interplay between light and your subject that truly brings a scene to life.
Benn walks through an example image, showing how he starts with a neutral color space before making adjustments. The reason for this is simple: contrast affects color significantly. By starting neutral, Benn can control how much impact he wants the colors to have without going overboard. He points out how common it is for people to over-saturate or push colors too far, often in a bid for external validation. In this video, the goal is to bring out natural colors in a way that feels expressive without looking forced. This thoughtful approach is a refreshing reminder that impactful photography doesn’t have to rely on heavy-handed editing.
Another key takeaway is how contrast and exposure influence color saturation. Benn demonstrates how darkening an image can make the colors richer and deeper, without even touching the color sliders. Similarly, adding contrast through highlights and shadows can bring out more definition in the colors. This method, Benn argues, offers more control and subtlety than relying on the saturation or vibrance sliders alone. It’s a technique that encourages you to think beyond the obvious adjustments and get a more intuitive feel for your colors.
Later in the video, Benn discusses how temperature and tint can be used to fine-tune the mood of your image. He illustrates how cooler shadows and warmer highlights can create balance, and he explains how to avoid making the image feel unnatural. These adjustments are often slight but critical in achieving a more nuanced look that enhances the emotion of your photograph. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
