Colorblind vs Photography

Is it possible to be colorblind and still be a good photographer? And I don't mean having to shoot black and whites.

I don't see why not. It might just be from a different perspective.

There is no shortage of colourblind photogs out there. Many commercially successful ones too.

Great question, and I look forward to some informed input. I'm vaguely reminded of a regular member here with the same issue, but the name is escaping me. Hopefully someone with experience can speak with you. The short answer is yes. Temperature and tint with white balance may present challenges, but the same problem can frustrate people who aren't colorblind.

Aren't there different varieties of colorblindness with color shifts in one direction or another? If you have a specific kind, it might be relevant to the discussion.

[EDIT: I realize now that you may be asking the question in the abstract as you didn't specifically state it was your condition, so I shouldn't presume that you are colorblind.]

I'm colorblind. For that reason, I seldom make color adjustments when Post Processing unless my wife is looking at the monitor and giving input.

One of the pleasant surprises has been the 1D IV in this regard. It reproduces the colors as I am seeing them. I recall what the scene or bird, etc. looked like when I took the photograph, even if I don't know the exact color of things.

I try not to think about it too much. It sort of boggles the mind. I have a color deficiency as opposed to being red/green colorblind. I get greens, browns, tans mixed up as well as purples, blues, pinks and grays. An example: I know grass is green as long as it's getting enough water and sunshine and the outside temperatures are adequate. What I don't know is if what I see as green is what other people see. That's why I try not to think about it too much.

I too am colour blind, just slightly but enough to see the world in a different way.

That is what it comes down too. seeing the world you way and being proud enough to stand up and say yes this is my view.

and sometimes it pays to shoot in b&w.

As Award winning Surf Photographer Ray Collins has stated:-

"Colorblindness Is Just As Much A Strength As A Weakness"

"As far as being colorblind, Ray doesn’t allow himself to see it as a handicap. “Color is secondary to the lighting.” he explains. He’s right, too, “…you can’t have a photo without light.” Instead of seeing his colorblindness as downfall, Ray turned it into an advantage, compelling him to focus more on composition."

I've seen Ray evolve over time from his first foray into photography, to where he is now.
His images are compelling.

PineBomb wrote in post #18136122
Great question, and I look forward to some informed input. I'm vaguely reminded of a regular member here with the same issue, but the name is escaping me. Hopefully someone with experience can speak with you. The short answer is yes. Temperature and tint with white balance may present challenges, but the same problem can frustrate people who aren't colorblind.

Aren't there different varieties of colorblindness with color shifts in one direction or another? If you have a specific kind, it might be relevant to the discussion.

[EDIT: I realize now that you may be asking the question in the abstract as you didn't specifically state it was your condition, so I shouldn't presume that you are colorblind.]

I am indeed colorblind and yes there are varying degrees, colors, shades, tints and hues we can or can not see. Colorblindness is like a finger print. No two colorblind people see colors the same.

I'm 56 so it's not like it just happened last week. I've lived this long and my saying is this... You can't miss what you never had.

The funny thing is, as much as taking the actual photograph, post processing is just as fun and interesting to me. I really look forward to my time spent in PS and Lightroom. I feel I do a really good job on processing images with one exception. I tend to try and stay away from skin tones. Those are very, very hard for me to do. Otherwise, everything else seems to turn out good.

Phoenixkh wrote in post #18136344
What I don't know is if what I see as green is what other people see.

Nobody knows that. Color blindness aside, your green might be my red, and we'd never find out. It's a classic question in philosophy.

I score close to normal on color-blindness tests, but I would really like to know what ultraviolet looks like!

An article I saw yesterday at cnn.com: The work of blind photographers

I try my best.

I do a lot of black and white, because I love it, and for some things, it's less stressful

That said, I do not shy away from color work, I enjoy it too.

I have a color deficiency that has been the source of much amusement by my family for years! I see colors, but not like my wife does (and yes, I check with her when I choose which shirt or tie to wear). Generally, I don't mess with colors in LR, I just trust that the camera got it right.

I have not always had this issue. It first came to light in college when I absolutely couldn't tell the difference between shades of yellow in a class I was taking. The professor had me go to the student health clinic to be checked and for the first time in my life, I couldn't see anything in those stupid circles with the colored dots.

All that is a bit irrelevant since I'm not a good photographer! ; )

Tim

Orogeny wrote in post #18136806
I have a color deficiency that has been the source of much amusement by my family for years! I see colors, but not like my wife does (and yes, I check with her when I choose which shirt or tie to wear). Generally, I don't mess with colors in LR, I just trust that the camera got it right.

I have not always had this issue. It first came to light in college when I absolutely couldn't tell the difference between shades of yellow in a class I was taking. The professor had me go to the student health clinic to be checked and for the first time in my life, I couldn't see anything in those stupid circles with the colored dots.

All that is a bit irrelevant since I'm not a good photographer! ; )

Tim

I don't think I've ever heard of a case when it just showed up. It's hereditary so I'm sure you had it since birth. I was 6 (50 yrs ago) when mine first came to light. I was in school and we were told to color the American Flag. I colored it wrong and was sent to the Principles office where I immediately received 10 smacks with the paddle for defacing the American Flag. My parents we're not happy.

dhornick wrote in post #18136823
I don't think I've ever heard of a case when it just showed up. It's hereditary so I'm sure you had it since birth. I was 6 (50 yrs ago) when mine first came to light. I was in school and we were told to color the American Flag. I colored it wrong and was sent to the Principles office where I immediately received 10 smacks with the paddle for defacing the American Flag. My parents we're not happy.

I had no problem with the test when I was in high school (the last time I remember taking it before college).

Tim

Orogeny wrote in post #18136832
I had no problem with the test when I was in high school (the last time I remember taking it before college).

Tim

Interesting, that's unusual. Like dhornick, I'm not sure I've ever heard of that before.

I'll have to google that!

Colorblinded wrote in post #18136879
Interesting, that's unusual. Like dhornick, I'm not sure I've ever heard of that before.

I'll have to google that!

It's good to be interesting!! ; )

Tim