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"Coloured backgrounds are frequently used because 'they make the picture
look good', or 'the color is complimentary to the specimen'. The concept
that the gross specimen should be treated as a jewel and placed in a bright
colorful setting does not hold for the most accurate work. If colors are
visually strengthened by the use of complementary backgrounds, then the
colors within the specimen are falsified. Evaluation is made difficult
in comparison to the evaluation of a similar specimen on a background
of a more neutral color." Halsman J (1955)
 Tip
- It is well worthwhile trying different backgrounds yourself to look
at the effect and read up on colour theory and visual perception.
The general conclusion of researchers has been that green or blue/green
is the best colour to go beneath specimens.
- Receding colour
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Rarely present in specimens so gives a good colour contrast.
However a neutral background can often be more effective black is useful
as is white. More care has to be taken with white to avoid overexposing
the background to avoid decreased saturation on the slide from flare.
After all we tend to use black or white for backgrounds in patient photography.
      
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Melanoma on green background |
Siliconoma on a black background |
Black white film can use black or white depending upon
preference and specimen to give greatest contrast. Dark specimen, white
background. Light specimen, black background. Also shades of grey.
Common colour alternatives are pale blue, yellow or whatever the pathologist
prefers. Not really advisable.
Photograph the specimen on glass with the background 18" to 24" away.
A good white can be obtained using a light box. (see lighting techniques)
Tip
- Not all coloured sheets of paper stay the same colour over a period
of time, they fade with exposure to light especially the sun. Also Pantone
sheets vary in colour with each printing batch!
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