Contrast is the second element of the six-element makeup of Luminosity; Contrast; Geometry; Colour; Atmosphere and Connection that comprise any image.
“The greater the contrast, the greater the potential. Great energy only comes from a correspondingly great tension of opposites.” Carl Jung
Contrast is the difference between the lighter and darker parts of an image, whether “global” i.e. across the whole image, or “local” i.e. parts of the image. Higher contrast can add drama and attraction whereas low contrast can make an image appear bland or uninteresting - unless that’s the intention for creative effect by the photographer. Here’s an example:
This is an image taken at Stonehenge in February. The left shot is the original RAW file which, compared to the right, looks rather washed out. There is little differentiation in shade between the sky and grass, the stones appear rather monotone and uninteresting, and there is little detail to give greater interest. This was processed in Adobe Lightroom and hopefully you can see the difference on the right: more detail in the stones, the grass, and the sky; deeper shadows giving greater differenatiation between and within the stones; and overall the image is more dramatic and eye-catching, portraying a little more of the neolithic atmosphere that was felt in the moment of taking it.
There are different ways contrast can be used: here are three examples:
Rugged and dreamlike…
This image demonstrates contrast not just in the distribution of light across the image, but also in the softness of the waves against the roughness of the rocks. The intended lack of detail in the waves is created by a long exposure of 10 seconds, itself enabled by the use of a No. 10 ND filter. These waves contrast with the highly detailed and darker rocks. This is intended to catch the eye, providing more interest than if the waves were detailed. What do you think? Could it have been improved further?
Ancient technology…
This example is more subtle. Here, the Stonehenge megaliths are contrasted against the grey sky, and the variety of greens of the lichens and greys of the surfaces of the stones are highlighted further by the enhanced details of the stones with their original workings, nooks, crannies and deterioration over time. Does it work?
Hardy birch…
I’ve posted this image before (Nov 2020 Blog: Unfettered ) and here, it demonstrates how contrast can add drama to an image. The sun-lit leaves are highlighted, enhancing their detail against the rugged rocks in the shadow. This almost provides a 3D effect as a result, which again adds greater interest than a more monotone effect. This shot couldn’t have been taken had the sun not shone on that tree at that particular moment - sometimes luck plays its part!
So in summary, contrast can be seen to be an essential consituent of most images. A balance of global contrast - across the whole image, local contrast - emphasising different elements of an image, and highlighting details of subjects, surfaces and textures which will almost guarantee a more impactful image with added dimensions. If you’re a photographer, try reviewing a few of your favourite images and see how much they meet the test of these dimensions…