Have you ever seen a photograph where everything is black and white except one colourful object? This beautiful photography technique is called Colour Splash Photography. It creates a dramatic effect by highlighting a particular colour while turning the rest of the image into black and white.
The best part is that you don’t need an expensive DSLR or professional photography equipment to create this effect. You can achieve stunning colour splash photos using just your smartphone and a few simple editing techniques.
In this guide, we will explain how to do colour splash photography on your phone, which apps you can use, and some useful tips to make your pictures look professional.
What Is Colour Splash Photography?
Colour splash photography is a creative editing technique in which one specific colour or object remains visible while the surrounding areas are converted into black and white.
For example, imagine a photograph of a red rose where the entire background is black and white. The red colour immediately attracts attention and makes the subject stand out.
This technique is popular in creative portraits, street photography, food photography, flower photography, and product photography.
1. Choose the Right Subject
The first step is selecting an interesting subject for your colour splash photograph. Choose something with a strong, noticeable colour that contrasts with its surroundings.
Some great photography subjects include:
* A red rose in a garden.
* A yellow umbrella on a busy street.
* Colourful balloons against a grey background.
* A person wearing a bright red dress.
* Fresh fruits such as oranges and strawberries.
* A colourful motorcycle or car.
Try to keep your composition simple. A clear subject makes the final photograph more attractive.
2. Capture a Good Photo Using Your Phone
Before editing, you need a good-quality photograph. Open your smartphone camera and select the highest available image resolution.
Follow these photography tips:
* Use natural daylight whenever possible.
* Keep your phone camera lens clean.
* Avoid unnecessary objects in the background.
* Tap on your subject to focus correctly.
* Maintain a steady hand to prevent blurry pictures.
* Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
Remember, good photography starts with capturing a good image. Editing can improve a photograph, but it cannot completely fix poor composition.
3. Use a Colour Splash Editing App
You can create this effect using several smartphone editing applications. Some popular options include:
Snapseed: This photo-editing app offers selective editing and black-and-white adjustments. You can use its tools and masking options to isolate colours.
Picsart: Picsart provides creative editing tools and colour splash effects that make it easier to highlight particular objects.
Lightroom Mobile: Lightroom offers advanced colour adjustments and masking features. It is useful when you want more control over your final image.
App features and availability may vary depending on your phone and app version.
4. How to Create Colour Splash Photography Step by Step
Here is a simple editing method you can try:
1. Open your preferred photo-editing application.
2. Import the photograph you want to edit.
3. Find the black-and-white or monochrome effect.
4. Apply the effect to the entire photograph.
5. Look for a masking, brush, or selective editing tool.
6. Carefully paint over the area where you want the original colour to appear.
7. Zoom in to correct the edges and remove unwanted colour.
8. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness if necessary.
9. Save your edited photograph in high quality.
The key is to keep the selected colour natural. Avoid making it excessively bright or saturated.
5. Experiment with Different Colour Splash Ideas
Once you understand the basic technique, experiment with different subjects and creative concepts.
Here are some ideas to inspire your next smartphone photography project:
* Nature Photography: Highlight colourful flowers while keeping the garden black and white.
* Portrait Photography: Keep the colour of a person’s clothing while converting the background to monochrome.
* Street Photography: Highlight a colourful taxi, bicycle, or umbrella in a busy street.
* Food Photography: Make colourful fruits or dishes stand out against a monochrome background.
* Travel Photography: Highlight colourful buildings, traditional outfits, or interesting objects from your journey.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners sometimes make a few mistakes while creating colour splash photographs.
First, avoid selecting too many colourful objects. The purpose of this technique is to draw attention to one main subject.
Second, don’t leave unwanted coloured patches around the edges of your subject. Always zoom in and check your editing carefully.
Third, avoid excessive saturation and contrast. Natural-looking colours usually produce more attractive results.
Finally, choose photographs with good lighting and clear subjects for the best outcome.
Conclusion
Colour splash photography is a simple yet powerful way to make ordinary smartphone photographs look creative and eye-catching. You don’t need expensive cameras, studio lighting, or professional editing experience to get started.
With the right subject, good lighting, and smartphone editing applications such as Snapseed, Picsart, or Lightroom Mobile, you can create impressive colour splash photographs from anywhere.
So, take out your phone, experiment with different colours, and start creating your own unique photography style. Sometimes, one little splash of colour is all it takes to turn an ordinary picture into something special!
