If you’re a photography enthusiast, you may have heard of the Harris Shutter technique.
This photographic effect, also known as the “Tri-color Separation” or “RGB Separation”, adds a unique and colorful twist to your images.
Invented by Robert Harris in the 1960s, the technique involves taking multiple shots of the same subject with a color filter over the lens for each shot.
These shots are then combined in post-processing to create a final image with a rainbow-like effect.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the Harris Shutter technique and explore how it works, the equipment you’ll need to get started, and how to post-process your images to achieve the desired effect.
How The Harris Shutter Technique Works
The Harris Shutter technique is based on the principle of color separation.
When light enters a prism, it’s split into its component colors – red, green, and blue (RGB).
Similarly, when you pass light through a colored filter, only the color of the filter is allowed to pass through.
To create a Harris Shutter image, you’ll need to take three shots of the same subject, each with a different colored filter over the lens.
These filters can be red, green, and blue or any other combination of colors that you prefer.
Here’s How To Take The Shots
Mount your camera on a tripod and frame your subject.
Place a red filter over the lens and take the first shot.
Replace the red filter with a green one and take the second shot.
Finally, replace the green filter with a blue one and take the third shot.
It’s important to keep the camera and subject still throughout the process to ensure the images line up perfectly in post-processing.
Post-Processing Your Harris Shutter Images
Once you’ve taken your three shots, it’s time to combine them in post-processing.
You can use any photo editing software that allows you to work with layers and blend modes, such as Adobe
Here’s how to combine the shots:
Open all three images in your editing software.
Copy and paste the green and blue images as new layers on top of the red image.
Change the blend mode of the green layer to “Screen”.
Change the blend mode of the blue layer to “Multiply”.
Adjust the opacity of the green and blue layers to your liking.
The result should be a colorful and vibrant image with a unique, almost 3D-like effect.
Equipment Needed for Harris Shutter Photography
To get started with Harris Shutter photography, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
A camera with manual controls – You’ll need to be able to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO manually to ensure consistent exposure across all three shots.
A set of color filters – You can purchase a set of red, green, and blue filters specifically for Harris Shutter photography, or experiment with different colors to create your own unique effect.
A sturdy tripod – To keep your camera and subject still throughout the three shots.
Photo editing software – To combine the shots and adjust the final image.
Tips for Getting the Best Harris Shutter Images
Choose a subject with movement – The Harris Shutter effect works best with subjects that have movement.
This could be anything from a flowing river to a person walking.
Avoid overexposure – Since you’ll be taking three shots with different colored filters, it’s important to avoid overexposure in any one shot.
Use a low ISO and adjust your shutter speed and aperture accordingly.
Experiment with different colors – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color filters to create your own unique Harris Shutter effect.
Use a remote shutter release – To avoid any camera shake when taking the shots.
Harris Shutter Effect – Wrap Up
The Harris Shutter technique is a fun and creative way to add a colorful twist to your photos.
With a little bit of practice and the right equipment, you can create stunning images that stand out from the crowd.
So why not give it a try and see what colorful creations you can come up with?
