ABSTRACT
Contrast is the degree of difference between the lightest and darkest tones of the subject or photographic image. A high-contrast photograph is where the dark and light tones dominate over the mid-tones within the image. The highest contrast image possible is one that contains only two tones, black and white, and where no mid-tones remain. A low-contrast image is one where midtones dominate the image and there are few if any tones approaching black or white. Each subject framed by the photographer will include a range of tones from dark to light. The combined effects of quality of light and lighting direction give the subject its contrast. It is contrast that gives dimension, shape and form to the subject photographed.
