~A Visually Delicious Color Palette~
Task: Improve Color, Contrast, and Subordinate Distracting Elements
A Summer Harvest Book Cover
I envision this photo being used to illustrate the bounty of the summer harvest. It would be effective in a cookbook highlighting fresh ingredients, as a cover for a book on backyard gardening, or perhaps an article highlighting the bounty of fresh tomatoes you might get in your August CSA (community-supported agriculture) delivery.
From a design perspective, I was attracted to this photograph for its luscious yellows, oranges, and reds, and the teardrop-shaped highlights on the water. With its repetitive shapes and warm color palette, the overall design was pleasing. But the color fidelity needed help. A bit of retouching was also in order.
The Direction of the Retouching
The first task was to improve color and contrast. The contrast move made all the difference in enhancing the vibrancy of the colors.
Next, I turned my attention to elements that seemed to distract from the main subject, in particular, the colander. The lines were demanding; they needed to be subordinated. Lightening the tones and reducing the sharpness did the trick.
The natural markings from the stems are barely noticeable in real life. But in a larger-than-life reproduction, they needed to be toned down.
To complete the image, I added more teardrop-shaped highlights creating a nicely-balanced composition.
The Takeaway
Food photography should always have a visually delicious color palette. There is no reason to settle for less than luminous color. If the subject matter and composition is perfect for your project, but the color is less than, ChromaQueen can help.
Interested in using this photo for a cookbook, garden book, or puzzle design?
It would make a really good jigsaw puzzle.
Puzzle enthusiasts love a challenge!
Reach out with the details of your project.
Photography & Retouching: ©Martha DiMeo 2020
