The Art of Balancing Color and Texture in Photography

Alicia Rose
Feb 2
6 min read

“Color is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.”

-Elliot Erwitt

Creative Choices

When it comes to the decision making process in editing one’s own photography, it can easily spiral to a constant back and forth game of when an image is ‘finished’. Chasing after the perfect coloring, lighting, or dramatic effects that the photographer experienced in real life and want so desperately to relay to the viewer. It is easy to become lost in such an immersive process, but there comes a time when you need to take a step back and let the art speak for itself.

At times, we can begin editing an image only to feel frustrated that it is not having its intended effect or matching the beauty that one witnessed in person. I often find that when the colors in an image are not adding life or capturing interest, then they are actually taking away from the profoundness that a shot may encompass. Instead, adjust your focal point and recognize that the textures or structure within may be what is truly impactful. That is where the awe may lie.

Black and white photography forces the viewer to notice the patterns or lighting in an image, creating a unique shift in their perspective. By taking away one element, color, you completely alter the purpose and intended effect an image may have.

Understanding the Role of Color in Photography

Color is a powerful tool. Capable of telling beautiful stories and creating emotions within the viewer. It can influence mood and viewer perception of what their eyes are feasting on. Different colors and color palettes will dramatically affect both the initial reaction that the viewer will have, as well as the lasting effect of an image. For example, warm colors and tones will seem comforting, inviting, perhaps even giving off a warmer temperate, while cooler colors and tones will seem distant, cool, or tranquil, evoking a sense of serenity or of melancholy. Using a vibrant palette versus a more muted option will have a passionate, exciting emotional impact as opposed to a more soothing and sophisticated response.

Color theory is an integral part of photography and is utilized in all forms of art1. Understanding the dynamics of color theory and implementing it into your practice will enhance your art and your ability to notice it out in the field. Whether your focus is street photography, landscapes, or portrait work, color is always at play.

Not only can different hues and tones affect viewers emotionally, but can also differentiate elements in complex scenes to enhance subject recognition and context. By enhancing certain colors, the attention can be placed in specific areas of an image. Changing the direction of the viewers attention can be the difference between a general image of a landscape or individual and a powerful image that captures the viewer to engage in a mentally stimulating experience.

At times, color is essential. It can completely shift the mood and tone that an image relays. It can create chaos or peace, confusion or understanding. There are other times, when color can detract. In those cases, we lean on other aspects to create dynamism and place emphasis on the true nature of the image.

Exploring Texture and Pattern in Photography

When one is out in the wild, so to speak, and witnessing landscapes, action, or people first hand, it is an experience that holds depth and touches on all of five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Your eye captures a scene, a moment, that you want to freeze in time. The camera is lifted, and the image is taken. Later, when looking at what was captured, the most important details are lost. The power of what you saw is not appreciated. Play around with the settings; is it the lighting or contrast that is detracting? The saturation? The lack of direction? If the power lies in the texture, the patterns, or tactile sensations, then place the focus on such features.

Texture can add depth and dimensionality as it relates to the surface quality, the physical feel, or general appearance of a subject. Adding or focusing on textures can give an image a tangible, almost touchable feel and creates visual interest beyond color information. The viewer has the opportunity to imagine what the colors may have been or to completely disregard them as a whole.

By placing emphasis on the feel or structure within an image, the mood and story that is told shifts. Ruggedness, softness, smoothness, all convey character and context. A rugged or rough texture may evoke a feeling of tension, might, or edginess within the viewer. They may sense the grittiness in the scene or the power in silent strength. In contrast to a smooth texture that gives the sensation of peace, quiet, comfort, or lightness.

One must ask themselves, what is the desired perception? Recognize the reaction you wish a viewer to have, and determine where the attention needs to be for that to occur.

The Decision-Making Process: Color or Texture?

The choice lies with the photographer, with their artistic intention guiding the decision-making process. What story or emotion is the photographer aiming to express? How can one alter the still life to create dramatic effect? Where does the emphasis lie?

Assess the characteristics of the image and determine whether the appeal lies in its colors or in its form and surface, perhaps even in both. Choosing to utilize color can allow the artist to determine the mood for the viewer, while focusing on textures can still affect the overall mood, but allows for more individual interpretation as the colors are unknown. If the appeal does lie in both, but utilizing color and texture together creates confusion and chaos without that being the objective, then work to focus on each one separately to understand which should be favored.

Of course, one cannot leave out the influential factor of lighting. This can completely alter the decision made, as both natural and artificial light interact with color and texture. Often times in my own work, I want the focus to be on where the light is placing focus, and in turn I choose to focus on textures and lighting without color to detract from the natural emphasis already in place.

When Black and White Photography Becomes the Tool for Texture

I have often found myself enraptured by the scenes I photograph, only to become disappointed in their appearance once they are uploaded from my camera card. Despite my efforts to adjust lighting, colors, and textures, the same gratifying effect is no longer there. Instead, I am left with a feeling of defeat and disappointment. Feeling as though my efforts were all for naught, and my desire to share my experiences with others were not possible.

Enter: black and white. Completely removing color to instead bring the viewers attention to the lighting, structure, or general subject of what was captured. By enhancing the contrasts already within, one can reveal hidden details otherwise ignored. Tonal variation should also be implemented for further emphasis on certain areas or textures.

Technically speaking, adjustments in exposure, contrast, and grain can all be influential to a photograph that does not use color to tell its story. Lighting, both when the image is captured and in post-production, is hugely important, as it tells the viewer where to look. It adds to the storyline and gives insight into what seized the photographer, or artists, interest to begin with.

Black and white was the origin of photography, which is why it lends an ageless and classic feel to current work that utilizes it. Some believe that it holds more depth than its colorful counterparts because it allows the viewer to interpret the composition with less information provided. A layer of visual distraction is stripped away, thus increasing perceived depth and emotional, dramatic impact.

Benefits Achieved by Understanding This Choice

By understanding the differences that each emphasis can yield, photographers are able to create stronger statements with their work. The intended mood and message of the art may be better communicated. Overall, the end product has a more defined story and intention.

Creativity is empowering and joyous to both the creator and observer. Having a deliberate visual focus can elevate viewer engagement and understanding, or may prompt even further interest and questions. Do some soul searching. Understand your photographic style, techniques that speak to you and your work, where you find the most joy. Versatility is a wonderful tool. Play around with what you capture and recognize the differences that each change has when you take a step back to appreciate the image.

-Alicia Rose