Objectives

Chapter 7 provides the essential information needed for making color negatives, transparencies, and prints. It begins with a discussion of color theory for the photographer. Additive and subtractive methods of color mixing are then covered. It explains how color films work and provides information on selecting suitable films for different conditions. The color temperatures of different kinds of natural and artificial light and what affect these differences will have on color images are presented. Color balance and filtration for correcting problems with color balance are covered. A great deal of information about color filters, their designations, and how they are used is also presented. Procedures for making test strips and trial prints in color are described, as are methods for evaluating color images and making adjustments in exposure when using color filters.

After reading this chapter you should be able to:

1. Understand both additive and subtractive color mixing.
2. Understand how color film works.
3. Understand the color temperatures of different light sources and know how to choose the right color film for various lighting conditions.
4. Understand color balance and how to use filters to make adjustments in color balance.
5. Properly adjust exposure when using color filters.
6. Make and evaluate test strips and trial prints for color prints.
7. Understand the difference between reversal film and negative film and how to make color prints from transparencies as well as from negatives.
8. Prepare a color print for display.