I think you can tell, after looking at all the RSF stuff, I’m starting to like color gradient maps. I did it initially because of the lack of color in the RSF photos.
After some time messing around with gradients, I started to like you can effectively change the mood of the photo, by just choosing the tone of colors. Warm tones, cool tones, neutral tones, all evoke different reactions. Color plays a huge huge role in design. Fine and subtle color usage are now to me, a mark of good design.
Did some research, and it turns out comic artists and illustrators are masters at this. Looks at these OMGWTF excellent examples. Massive Black, Imaginary Friends, Hyung-Taekim. Pay special attention to how the careful use of colors perfectly complement the scene in every piece.
Man, if only I can light photos like this in real life. Would need to have a hundred different gel colors and combinations.
