A modest proposal

I think this is a wonderful site and am having fun sharing my images and partaking in some discussions. I've noticed the predominant background color is white. I really think it's distracting to the quality images posted here. I notice it most on black and white images. The white background competes for the eyes' attention and almost makes the overall image look less contrasty and darker than it really is. I think a neutral gray color would probably be best as black would have the exact opposite effect. Just putting the suggestion out there. What does everyone else think?

It would be really neat if we could pick the background color of the image area when we post.

There are a few photoblogs around that let you 'dress' the site yourself, choosing from a selection of possible background colours. This can work quite well, as I do agree that some images are shown to thier best effect in different ways, and often the person running the blog will recommend a background if they think it will help a particular picture. I don't know how easy that is, or whether this option would diminish the site's 'branding'.

A pale grey might work well as a compromise - easier on the eyes perhaps, and easier to implement.

matt

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Originally Posted by thapamd

I think this is a wonderful site and am having fun sharing my images and partaking in some discussions. I've noticed the predominant background color is white. I really think it's distracting to the quality images posted here. I notice it most on black and white images. The white background competes for the eyes' attention and almost makes the overall image look less contrasty and darker than it really is. I think a neutral gray color would probably be best as black would have the exact opposite effect. Just putting the suggestion out there. What does everyone else think?

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Hello Thapamd,

First of all, I'd like to say that I really enjoy your work. I haven't spent much time on the board recently but I noticed your submissions and I appreciate what you are doing.

About the issue that you are bringing; I agree that the white background probably isn't the most appropriate choice. I'd say that a neutral gray background would probably be the most suitable color for that matter. I usually put a black border arround my pictures before posting them here which I think works well most of the time.

Seb

I agree with Seb. Any black and white work with a black border works alot better. Though a grey would be nice, this site is alot easier to view with a white background.

I think for reading purposes, white works best. Less strain on my old eyes.

I'd suggest you put this in the "Site Feedback" forum.
For the record I like the white.
Brian