I Hate Selective Color

There was a time, not too long ago, that I enjoyed seeing images in "Selective Color" - most of the photo in black and white while some select portion is in color. Maybe it was because the first few times that I saw it done, it was done well. Or maybe it was because I had no idea how to do it, so there was some challenge to it. Now, however, I can hardly recall the last time that I saw an effective (or even pleasing) use of this type of editing.

Where It Fails

Our eyes naturally fall to areas of focus, light and color in a photograph. When you work with these elements in post processing, you must always ask yourself; "What story am I trying to tell?", "What am I trying to draw attention to?", and "How is this edit going to add or subtract from my goal?"

Often we learn a new skill and we want to try it out. Selective color is really a fairly easy thing to learn.. and it can really add something different to our work. SO, we find some photo with some bright colors and we are off to make some new art. Just because we CAN, it does not mean we SHOULD.

This first photo is a great illustration of this point. I often see children's photographers do this... color a single item of clothing or maybe just the eyes or a favorite toy. The remainder of the photo, including the child, is in black and white. This only pulls attention AWAY for the child and toward the object that is in color. In this photo, it is easy to miss this playful expression and amazing eyes.. I have seen many otherwise amazing shots ruined by the use of selective color. There was just no good reason to use it, but the photographer wanted to add something to the shot.

Where It Works

Where selective color works is for those rare occasions when you really do want to bring attention to a specific item within a photo.. for say.. the purpose of advertising. 

In cases of promotion and advertising, it is often less about the subject as what the subject is wearing or doing. "Of course there is a beautiful woman in this photo.. and she is wearing OUR BRAND!" That is what somebody is getting paid for you to notice. Selective color can be used effectively in this instance. 

In this second photo, Lakota ( our beautiful model), is barely noticed peaking out of her  surroundings.. but you sure see that hat! An effective use of selective color.

Unfortunately, promotion/advertising is seldom the goal of so many photographers who use selective color to enhance their photos. I cringe when I see a beautiful bride reduced to black and white while a simple bouquet takes all the attention. 

Dramatic Impact

Even though over-used (like HDR and many other gimmicks), I am not saying that it can never be used to add impact to a shot. As I mentioned earlier, light - focus AND color are tools to draw the viewer's attention. But as the artist, it is up to you to ensure that you are using your editing to enhance, to tell the story, and to bring attention to the most important parts of the scene. If your viewer is engaged more by the use of the selective color than the subject, then you have probably gone too far.

Revisited..

Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts.. I welcome yours...