How does the idea that “colors don’t exist outside of the brain” change the way you think about photography and editing? by Kathryn Mayo

2025-09-22 17:54:54 UTC

It honestly makes me more thankful that I can see all colors the way they are. To be able to experience color is really a privilege. This video was very interesting and I can't imagine what it was like to discover color photography first hand -- when I saw them combine the 3 different colored photos in one, I was amazed! I'm not sure it really changes the way I think about photography and editing, but it definitely gives me a deeper appreciation for it.

2025-09-22 18:22:21 UTC

It makes me realize that some of us take color for granted. For some they cant see colors for how they are or none at all and it makes me realize how privilege most of us are to be able to experience color. This video helped me have a deeper appreciation for the color around us.

2025-09-22 19:37:45 UTC

the idea that color doesn't exist outside of the brain makes me think about how different color interpretation is. I could think and feel one thing about color but someone else could feel something entirely different based on their experiences. It also gives me a better appreciation for something I take for granted every day.

2025-09-22 19:38:47 UTC

I agree that "colors" don't exist outside of the brain. Lightwaves are just out there bouncing around, and we can only "see" a limited range. I feel that human eyes are magical receptors. I understand that most of the color processing occurs in the brain, but the structures themselves are capable of filtering colors, much like the black and white photograph with filters by James Clerk Maxwell. I think this has influenced the way that I think about photography and editing because I feel that color is subjective and not absolute.

2025-09-23 02:01:53 UTC

This idea of colors only existing in the brain is so interesting to think about. I like how he posed the question if two people can view the same thing exactly and how we would ever know. I think color photographers have become very good at describing their perception of color, while also sharing intimate insights to their own mind. Where one may see and percieve a color based off their personal associations, it can be fun to try and disect an artist's work.

2025-09-24 06:07:38 UTC

I agree with the idea that "colors don't exist outside of the brain" since this would encourage photographers to intentionally use color to evoke specific moods, understand how lighting and context can affect perception, and use editing in a way to accurately represent the camera's captured wavelengths. Understanding color choice, a photographer can use color theory to intentionally create specific emotional responses since they know that colors are powerful tools for communication. And while editing, they can exaggerate color differences to emphasize the subjective nature of visual experience.

2025-09-24 21:37:57 UTC

It's so interesting that the person in the video lost all color processing after a car accident. And thinking about the idea that "colors don't exist outside of the brain" and that other animals have more cones but potentially less brain processing power, I think we should celebrate the uniquely human quality of color perception. Colors are subjective (as we've seen with the WhiteGold/BlueBlack meme) so that would be an interesting avenue to experiment with in photography.

2025-09-25 14:07:57 UTC

Thinking about the idea that “colors don’t exist outside of the brain” really changes how I see photography and editing. It reminds me that what I’m capturing isn’t an exact truth, but an interpretation of light that our brains translate into color. That makes me less focused on chasing what people may call a “correct” version of color and more interested in how the choices I make influence ones mood and storytelling.

It also makes me realize how subjective the experience of color is. Two people can look at the same photo and perceive it differently, so in a way, my edits are always about guiding perception rather than figuring out reality. This gives me more control to experiment with harmony, contrast, or even exaggerated colors without worrying about whether they’re “accurate.” Instead, I can focus on how the colors feel and what they express. To me, that makes photography more free and personal, almost like painting with light.

Colors

2025-09-26 06:51:36 UTC

It’s hard to conceptualize that our brains process color and that not all people “ see’ colors the same. It’s amazing at the speed our brains process processes the environment around us, we can move through life without glitching because our brains process our environment instantly. I am grateful for all the artists and scientists who can not only ask the tough questions but the perseverance to find the answers. I can only imagine how long it took to discover what area of the brain processes color.

2025-09-28 20:16:03 UTC

I think that for humans and other animals, color is in fact processed in the brain. What we see is the interpretation our brain has of the world around us, but I think in terms of physics, things absorb and reflect certain waves and that property that everything has is indeed color. What we see it as is up to our brains. I don't think this changes my perception of photography too much. When I think of film though, I think this changes my understanding of it. Film only records what light is hitting it and we will never see the exact "color" that the film recorded.

2025-09-29 03:10:57 UTC

The thought that color only exists due to our brain and how it processes light is quite fascinating and interesting to think about. Its interesting to look through a viewfinder with the knowledge that what one person might find an interesting subject due to its color, might be viewed differently all together by someone who views colors differently. Its definitely something to keep in mind when photographing in the future and capturing a subject differently due to knowing that color isn't always the selling point or focus of every photo since it can be perceived very differently by other people