Color as a Matter of Light - Essay Example

Many people are aware of colors from painting or as paints. In this regard, when we mix yellow and blue, we get a shade of green. On the other hand, when we mix 100% red and green light, it will create yellow. When we take into consideration the colors that the monitor produces we realize that they are generated by the light beams, based on the RGB model. It is referred to as the ‘addictive color model’. When it comes to printing inks or paint, it is based on the CMYK model which is referred to as the ‘subtractive color model’ (Albers 2006).

RGB color model is a color that is based on light. These three colors are the three primary colors with green replacing the color yellow. When the three colors are combined, then it becomes possible to produce any other color. This color model is only used with a source of light and does not apply to printing (Albers 2006).

CMYK color model is the color method that is based upon pigments. The initials stand for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. K stands for black. When the four colors are used, it becomes possible to achieve other colors. CMYK model cannot reproduce the same amount of color as the RGB color model. This is the reason why when printed yellow-green at times appears slightly muddy. This is the method employed by printers the world over. It is also an intelligent way of mixing paints (Albers 2006).

Color space is a helpful conceptual tool for comprehending the capabilities of color in a digital file or device. Thus, when one is trying to make a reproduction of color on another device, the color spaces reveal whether one will manage to retain the highlight or shadow detail, the saturation of color as well as, by how much either of the two will be compromised.

The process of keeping color consistency in digital photography runs from the minute one takes a photo uploads it to the computer, converts the same to jpegs, and prints it using a variety of output technology. The process of editing an image involves the existing profile of the image. This is what is referred to as a working color space. Three primary working spaces for editing images exist. They are sRGB, AdopeRGB and Adope Photoshop: ProfotoRGB (Albers 2006).