Visual Contrast

Visual contrast is a big part of fashion photography as it is very effective way of instantly attracting the consumer. Whether its using large vs small objects, colour outcome vs mono outcome, movement vs static positioning, there is always reasoning and story behind why the photographer has chosen to do this this specific way.

Contrast performs several vital functions such as visual power, strong visual communication and also visual interest.

The purpose of visual contrast is to keep refreshing the brain after every page-turn and to intrigue and attract attention. Visual contrast is used in all sorts of advertising such as magazines and digital platforms.

In a recent seminar focusing on this topic I created my own version of images using Adobe Photoshop, that contrasted one another capturing the difference in colour palette . I did this by inverting the colours to show the props in more detail. I found this pleasing to the eye as it is not just two basic photographs placed next to one another, it is two similar but still strikingly different.

Then after creating my own it inspired me to look further into the use of visual contrast in the industry. After a couple of hours browsing Pinterest I'd found these set of editorials by Celine that I thought would be good to talk about in my blog but also because I really liked the look of them.

In this particular Celine editorial this photographer has used many areas of contrast throughout the two images. The first, quite obvious difference is the distance away from the camera because the model is positioned further away in the left than the right. This is to show the difference in angles and to show more detail in the left against the minimalistic detail in the right.

The colour palette of the two images are different with the left being quite a busy array of turquoise patterns whereas the image to the right is a solid back drop of bubble gum pink. I think the choice of colour creates difference first impressions of the photo however being so different they still work as a pair.

There's a lot going on in the first photograph, including the chair, this is to add a bit of story/narrative to make the photo a slightly more interesting. Because this image has more going on, it makes the one next to it appear plain and minimal and that it lacks a story. This is the effect of visual contrast as it then leads you to think more about why this second photo is cropped.

I feel this example is a successful pair as they definitely aim to show structure and shape. I like the use of the white borderline in the first image because it clashes with the smooth curves of the feet, as do the heels of the shoes with them being geometric shapes. The close up of the feet works well with the body shot as it again shows variety of angles keeping the eye entertain and guessing.

Overall, I feel that both the examples of visual contrast I have looked at work very well against each other and have had a lot of thought put into them to make them so effective. I myself have enjoyed researching the topic as it is something that really inspires my own photography.