Subtractive synthesis is a colour reproduction method used in modern photographic materials and printing processes. It relies on the principle of combining the complementary subtractive colours-yellow, magenta, and cyan-to produce a wide range of visible colours. Each of these subtractive primaries absorbs its complementary wavelength of light (yellow absorbs blue, magenta absorbs green, and cyan absorbs red), allowing the remaining light to mix and form accurate colour representations in the final image.
In photography and printing, subtractive synthesis is employed to create rich, full-colour images on paper or film. By carefully layering or blending these three colours, photographers and printers can reproduce subtle tones, gradients, and natural hues that closely resemble the original subject. Understanding subtractive synthesis is essential for anyone working with colour films, prints, or digital printing systems, as it underpins colour correction, colour matching, and the production of high-quality, visually pleasing images.