Joe,

Thanks for responding with the very eye catching photo.

This photograph brings up the topic of color as subject in a composition. Color is traditionally thought of as a component of composition or a necessary requirement in photo-realism. A predominant tone or hue can be used as the primary focus and thus subject by playing upon its context and psychological effects.

It is not a new idea, but one that has really come of age in with digital photography. The photographer now controls color beyond set parameters previously dictated by laborious technique prior to ever making an exposure.

Your photo begins to explore color in photography as a subject. The blue of the seascape is the first thing that most viewers see when observing the image. The gradients, shades and tonal range of the blue make it a focus for evaluation of the photograph and thus elemental to the subject. Certainly, there are other colors, there are rocks, and waves, spray and foam, but blue predominates. The setting is appropriate and the blue defines the intent. Everything in the photo offset, highlights and points out just how much of good old "true blue" adds to this photograph. The color is thrust to the foreground at every point.

Technically it sounds and looks like what you are doing is actually adjusting the Lightness component of the L*a*b color space model. One primary advantage of L*a*b is the ability to adjust an image without actually changing the color. The perception of the color changes while the components or mix of color stays the same. This will make a huge difference when it is printed or displayed. That is because the range of difference in color in the printing process and in computer monitors. Thus, we calibrate!

Thanks again for your contribution. When this thread re-visits Color as Subject, we will refer to your photo and post again!