Do your photos sometimes seem lackluster, or are you puzzled by why some images stand out more than others? The key element you’re missing could be toning. This technique is essential as it adds depth and directs a viewer’s gaze within your photo, yet it often goes unnoticed by many photographers.
In a straightforward video by Kyle Cong, he illustrates how toning can effectively address various composition challenges that even seasoned photographers face. Cong breaks down the concept of toning into three easy parts: highlights, midtones, and shadows. Highlights are the brightest areas, nearly pure white; shadows are the darkest, close to black; and midtones serve as the essential link that balances the composition. Cong points out that photographers may find toning challenging since, unlike painters who control every brushstroke, photographers often capture scenes without consciously managing their tonal ranges.
Cong offers practical examples showing how absent tonal elements can detract from your photo’s depth and balance. For instance, he presents a portrait that lacks highlights, appearing drab and flat compared to a more vibrant and dimensional version created with flash. Another example highlights how the absence of midtones not only obscures details but also diminishes form. He emphasizes that merely recovering shadows during post-production is often insufficient, as it turns shadows into midtones without genuinely enhancing the tonal range.
The video delves deeper into how minor toning adjustments can significantly impact mood. Cong explains that even slight variations in shadow and midtone ratios can completely change whether a photo feels atmospheric or realistic. He cautions against excessively bright highlights, showing how too much brightness can result in distracting hot spots and overexposure. Achieving the right balance greatly hinges on your creative vision and the narrative you wish to convey through your photography.
Cong also discusses how skillful contrast can guide a viewer’s eyes within an image. He illustrates that contrasting tonal extremes naturally capture visual attention and stresses the importance of thoughtfully placing these contrasting areas. Misguided tonal decisions, like highlighting unimportant elements, can sidetrack and confuse viewers, shifting focus away from your intended subject. Through clear before-and-after comparisons in architectural and urban settings, Cong makes it easy to see how compositional choices greatly affect how your message is perceived.
As the video wraps up, Cong effectively summarizes the relationship between dimension and contrast. He offers guidelines for determining whether your main objective for a particular photo should be to create depth or to enhance contrast, which is particularly useful. Be sure to watch the video above for Cong’s complete insights.
