What you really see

So what do you really see? 

We are usually unaware of the visual effects around us every day.  Our interpretation of colour in the world can be influenced by the context, the lighting, our experiences and expectations.   Sometimes these effects can trip us up, but with understanding they become new tools. 

This article explores some fundamental principles of colour and vision, especially in relation to digital photography.  It investigates the way colours are observed in various scenarios and seeks to explain the differences between screen and print.

I would like to thank Mark Fairchild, one of the worlds top colour scientists for his help and support while putting this together.  A version of this article was published in issue 220 of On Landscape, an online landscape photography magazine based in the UK.

what-you-really-see