Color is, arguably, one of the greatest tools that any photographer has at their command. It can evoke emotion, set the atmosphere, and even establish a connection with the viewer via the image. To use colors effectively first requires that a person fully understands the basics of color theory.
Color theory is the study of colors and their interaction. The very basic element of art and design is a set of principles that guide the use of color toward the construction of compositions that are aesthetically pleasing. For photographers, color theory is important in understanding how different colors work together and how they affect the perception of the viewer while capturing authentic lifestyle moments, and how to manipulate them for desired effects.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel is considered the backbone of color theory. It’s a circular chart indicating the different relationships of colors with one another. The color wheel is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary colors:
However, harsh light should not be ruled out either. High-contrast lighting conditions, which are typical during the midday hours or in some studio situations, can result in very strong differences between light and dark that can be used to very dramatic effect in the creation of bold images. When working toward a black-and-white image, always think in terms of light and dark and how these elements interact in forming the overall composition.
Primary Colors
These are red, blue, and yellow. Primary colors cannot be obtained by mixing other colors. They are the root of every other color.
Secondary Colors
These are colors that can be created from mixing two primary colors. Mixing blue and yellow produces the color green.
Tertiary Colors
These are created by mixing a primary color with the secondary color beside them in the color wheel. Examples of tertiary colors include red-orange or blue-green.
Knowledge of the color wheel enables a photographer to know in advance how different colors relate to one another, which in turn will help to ensure composition harmony that is at least pleasurable.
Color Relationships
The different color relationships with the color wheel can create certain emotional responses or different kinds of visual effects. Of these, major color relationships that photographers really need to be aware of are:
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors lie opposite each other directly on the color wheel. This may include red versus green, blue versus orange, or any other colors. A look combining both creates high contrast with vibrant colors, thus allowing some elements of a photograph to pop.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel—for example, blue, blue-green, and green. These colors are harmonious with each other and depict a more calm image with less chaos and better cohesion; thus, it is suitable to portray relaxation and unity.
Triadic Colors
A triadic color scheme is created by three colors that would fall, equidistantly around the color wheel, such as red, yellow, and blue. This will create good color balance with a more energetic color scheme and will normally be used to make dynamic and interesting photos.
Monochromatic Colors
A monochromatic color scheme involves various variations of one single hue, which differ in saturation and brightness; it assists in the creation of unity and can create elegance; this type of approach is used for the minimalist or dramatic type of composition.
Color Value, Hue and Saturation
Color, in the case of photography, can be viewed only when the concepts of color value, hue, and saturation are understood:
Hue
Hue is just the pure color itself, such as red, green, or blue. It is the attribute that makes it possible for us to distinguish one color from the other on the color wheel.
Saturation
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color; it is more commonly known as chroma. A color with high saturation will appear very vibrant and full of light, while a low, desaturated color appears flat and near gray. Saturation changes can greatly shift the feel of an image.
Value
It refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is mainly measured through the addition of white or black to the hue. High-value colors are closer to white, and low-value colors are nearer to black. Value is a very critical element for the development of depth and contrast in an image.
