Value is probably the most important aspect to consider in any image. If something in an image is the wrong value, our eyes will immediately see there is a problem. Depending on the discrepancy, it may be immediately apparent, but in others there will just be a niggling feeling something is off. Values are most readily apparent in black and white images. It is much harder to achieve the right values with colors because some colors have their own inherent values and the value a specific color in your image has can alter the appearance of hue seen.

Try to guess which colors are lighter, darker or the same value in each set. Then roll over the image to see if you were right.

 

As you can see from the above another way to refer to value is that it is the relationship of the brightness of one color in comparison to another. This is sometimes also also loosely referred to as contrast. Values are extremely important in regards to texture and surfaces as well, how objects interact and to create forms. Form is how light and dark give an image a three dimensional look. A sphere is not a circle, though it is made from one. What gives a sphere its three dimensional shape from a circle is the values found within it. You'll see more of this when we talk about it in the light tutorial.

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