Complementary colors in photography. On the influence of color on the semantic compositional component

Remember the photographs that, thanks to their color palette, really impressed you and caught your eye. Moreover, the presence of bright colors is not at all necessary; these photographs stand out among others thanks to the color relationship that the photographer himself builds.

To use and benefit from all the countless shades of color, we must have a good understanding of color theory. In this article, we briefly outlined for you the main postulates of color theory.

Let's start with the basics. Color circle

Most likely, you have heard more than once about the existence of the color wheel, perhaps you studied its structure in childhood in drawing lessons. We invite you to refresh your knowledge.

We need the color wheel to understand how colors interact with each other, how they are combined. This is exactly what it was created for.

Within the color wheel, there are primary, secondary and tertiary colors, which together form the color spectrum. Thanks to this division, it is much easier to consider the relationship between colors. All original colors are the brightest in the spectrum, adding to them White color, we get lighter, pastel shades, adding black, we get colors in dark tones, respectively.

Now we will look at primary, secondary and tertiary colors.

Primary colors

The most basic, basic colors are red, yellow and blue. Mixing them in different proportions, we get all the other colors of the spectrum, and by adding black and white, we get their additional shades.

Complementary colors

Complementary colors (in other words, complementary) are secondary, i.e. are created by connecting two primary ones. On the color wheel they are located opposite the primary color, which they do not contain.

• Red + Yellow = Orange (complementary color Blue)
• Yellow + Blue = Green (complementary color is Red)
• Blue + Red = Purple (complementary color is Yellow)

We get aesthetic pleasure when we see colors in a painting or photograph that complement each other. A correctly selected color palette can significantly increase the visual effect. In photography, by combining complementary colors, we achieve contrast, which makes the image more dynamic.

When photographing, try to look for these most complementary colors around you. Soon you will notice them everywhere.

Use the theory of the color wheel during staged filming and when composing a composition.

And when portrait photography this theory will be no less useful. In any photograph, the colors should be combined and look harmonious. When choosing an outfit for a model, think about what background you will be photographing her against, and, based on this, choose the color of the clothing. For example, a model in a yellow dress will look very impressive against a blue or purple background.

Similar colors

These are colors that are located next to each other on the color wheel.

For let's take an example green and blue-green, these colors are similar, as is yellow-green. Their combination gives a feeling of calm and harmony.

Warm and cool colors

The color wheel is usually divided into warm and cool colors. Warm colors are: red, yellow, orange. Cold, respectively: green, blue and purple. Interior designers very often use the properties of cold and warm colors. Cool colors can visually enlarge the space, while warm colors give a feeling of homeliness.

These facts can also apply to photography. When creating a composition, for an object whose color can be classified as warm, look for a background of the opposite, i.e. cold color. This will add drama to the photo. However, cold-colored objects do not always look harmonious against a warm background.

Knowing and understanding the physics of color, its psychology, and the ability to combine, you will be able to create expressive, spectacular photographs that attract the viewer’s eye. It is color that creates the entire mood of a photograph and makes one object stand out from the rest.

Hello, dear amateur photographers!

It's no secret that Good photo depends much more on the skills of the photographer than on his equipment. A fancy camera does not guarantee beautiful pictures. The secret of successful shots lies in understanding technical features photographs, and how they interact with each other.
Today we will talk about an important component - color.

Color affects our perception. It can be a tool for composition, creating balance and contrast. Subconsciously, we react to color faster than to shape or volume. Colors can “deafen” and “hit” like sounds, or they can convey harmony in a laconic but meaningful range.
Colors also have the power to evoke different reactions in the viewer because we associate our moods and emotions with different colors.
Psychologically, colors can be divided into strong and weak, calming and stimulating, heavy and light, warm and cold.
Colors appear deeper on a white background, and brighter on a black background.

Each person has his own subjective attitude towards color. However, there are general, characteristic aspects of the perception of color by most people. For example, red is recognized as the most active and heaviest color, followed by orange, blue, green and, finally, white. If you take identical squares of different colors, then red will seem the smallest, blue will appear larger, and white will appear to be the largest.

A curious fact about this psychological illusion of color. As you know, the Russian and French national flags have three color stripes of equal width: blue, white and red. So, on sea ​​vessels the ratio of these bands changes in the ratio 33:30:37. This was done so that from a distance all three stripes would appear equal.

Color circle

There is more than one model that describes the relationship of colors, but in photography the so-called color wheel is most often used. It consists of several sectors of different colors. There are three primary colors in a circle: red, yellow and blue. Orange, green and violet are called intermediate, they can be obtained by mixing the main ones.

The color wheel is the basis for understanding the interaction of colors. And here two simple principles apply:
- Neighboring colors in a circle form calm, harmonious combinations.
- Opposite colors form a contrasting combination.
At the same time, each of the contrasting colors seems brighter and more saturated.

There are several basic rules for working with color:

Selecting the direction of light
The shape and color of objects change depending on the nature of the lighting. By changing the direction and nature of the lighting, you can balance the colors.

Changing the shooting angle
By changing the position of the camera, you can greatly change the angle of illumination of the object and thereby significantly influence its color and shape.

The dominant color should be related to the main subject, and if the main color is not central to the composition, it is important that it supports and highlights the main subject. It is best when several colors are combined in an image into one whole.

Color accent

The strength of color depends on to a greater extent not only on quantity, but also on location. One yar A splash of color against a calm background can make a photo stand out. A weak color accent can be strengthened if it borders on a contrasting color.

The contrast of color photography is expressed in the saturation and variety of tones (colors). Sharp, contrasting colors (when balanced) add effectiveness and strength to a photograph. Contrast is enhanced when red is combined with cyan, green with magenta, and blue with yellow.

The nature of this phenomenon lies in the physiology of our vision. Human eye cannot simultaneously bring rays of different wavelengths into focus (the focal length for red-yellow rays is longer than for blue-green ones). Therefore, when we see colors all together at once, the eye muscles begin to “twitch”, trying to adjust the waves. This psychological disharmony creates a feeling of contrast.

Complementary (colors, the combination of which gives the color located on the circle between them):
Red Yellow
Blue red
Yellow - blue

Color harmony

Most of us use color thoughtlessly in photography. But once you take a selective approach to the tones in the frame and pay attention to the colors in the composition, you will see a qualitative change in your work.

We'll go back to basics color theory and tell you how to use color circle to mix and match colors perfectly. Then we'll focus on the use of color and in various ways creating vibrant, captivating images.

If you decide to practice, then bright clothing items will come in handy. They can be inexpensive. First we'll show you how to create special image in a portrait by adding one bright color against a dominant neutral background.

Then you can move on to experimenting with additional colors.
The third stage is to create striking effects by mixing shades of the same color. Finally, let's touch on the use of a great variety of different colors for fun rainbow photos.

And, importantly, you will learn how various options Lighting can dramatically affect the perception of color in photography.

You probably know that color can have a huge impact on our mood. And its proper use is great way add vitality to your photos.

The simplest experiment with color is to add an accent of one bright shade to counterbalance the predominant neutral composition.

In this case, red color works flawlessly. Also, any warm shade, such as orange or light pink, will look good as a focal point.

The model in the photo above has red lips and a matching scarf, which clearly stands out against the background of the black coat and gray walls. The outline of the eyes brings life to the frame.

After mastering the simple use of one bright color, try contrasting two shades in a portrait.

The easiest way to choose two shades in a photograph is to use a color wheel. Colors that are directly opposite, such as orange and blue or red and green, tend to complement each other well.

The visual perception of different colors can cause very strong emotional reactions.

For example, red symbolizes passion and danger, while blue promotes relaxation and has an instantly calming effect.

You can deliberately evoke certain feelings in the viewer by using several shades of the same color in the photo. Our example combines shades of green. This creates a calming effect.

Choose the right white balance

For the two portraits above, different white balance settings were used, which dramatically affects the changes in the color palette of the image. In the first case, setting the BB “tungsten lamp” made it possible to soften the tone of the model’s purple dress and give the portrait a cool mood. In the second, natural lighting was retained so as not to affect various shades in photography.

It happens that violating the rules and principles in photography gives an extremely pleasant effect. This also applies to color theory.

Try mixing and matching colors to see what happens. The more you experiment, the more you'll begin to understand what looks good and what just looks flashy.

In this portrait there were blue walls, a green dress, a purple scarf and yellow flowers, which, according to all the rules, should not happen in photography. But in combination with soft light, it was possible to create a quite attractive rainbow effect.

Designers usually use a blank with a palette of different colors and automatically get compatible shades.

For effective use Colors are crucial not only in correctly selected shades, but also in lighting.

Colors photographed under sharp focus sunlight, will look very different compared to those shot in dim indoor lighting. The key to how colors are perceived is the positioning of the light source. You can clearly see this in the three pictures below.

In each case, the scarf on the model looks completely different.

The use of backlighting gave new options for the perception of shades. You can mute colors to pastel shades and create different contrasts with side lighting. Moreover, the same principles apply to both artificial and natural lighting.

Front lighting

Placing the sun or other main light source directly behind the photographer will show colors as we perceive them in real life. That is, with all brightly and evenly lit tones. This is exactly what we see in the photo above with the model's rainbow scarf.

Backlighting

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Today we will talk to you, our dear readers, about color theory. Or rather, about one trick with complementary colors that not everyone knows. Most of you haven't heard of it at all. Technique of use complimentary colors is not new, artists have been using this technique for a very long time. However, when photographing, we rarely tend to think about this when we are shooting.

While a photographer doesn't always have the same freedom to choose colors as a painter, it's good to keep this in mind when taking photographs as it will help create scenes with certain color combinations that look better than others.

What are complementary colors? Complementary colors are arranged according to the principle of color opposition when they are in some color model. The color that is opposite the main color on the color wheel is called complementary. It is formed from adjacent colors within this model. Using these colors together provides contrast, which allows you to create more powerful images.

RGB color wheel:

For example, if you choose red as the main color, then using the color wheel you will get that blue lies opposite it, while blue and green lying on the sides of it give exactly the same blue color when mixed. Similarly, if you take green as a basis, then purple will be opposite, and if you choose blue, yellow will be found. Thus, cyan, violet and yellow will be complementary to red, green and blue, respectively.

If we take the red-yellow-blue model as a basis, the system will look like this:

How it works in practice

Thinking about what colors are associated with different situations can lead you to start combining different colors to achieve the desired effect. For example, Blue colour does not occur too often in nature. However, on a clear day, we have a blue sky as a dramatic backdrop, which is great for complimentary colors.

In the RGB (red-green-blue) color model we see that yellow is opposite blue, and in the RYB (red-yellow-blue) model - opposite orange. So, you need something yellow or orange that will appear against the blue sky.

And here green color found in abundance in nature, making red, purple and purple colors good candidates for contrast. It follows from this that objects that naturally have red and green parts and look good on their own as they do not require additional objects of other colors to be added for a vibrant effect.

Obviously, if you're shooting indoors, constructing your images using different backgrounds, you can take this principle into account in post-production as well.

In the image below, the bowl and background around the peaches were actually quite neutral in color, but the processing added a blue tint that provided a better contrast with the fruit.

You may find yourself in a situation where the colors in an image seem to be consistent with the principle of combining complementary colors, but you still feel like something is missing to enhance the effect. There's a good chance that one of your key colors could benefit from being more saturated, softened, brightened, darkened, etc. So in this situation, consider adjusting the saturation, brightness, or tint in your favorite photo editing program. .

The photographer’s task is to make the photograph harmonious. Using color theory is one way to achieve this. Color performs a number of useful functions:

1. influences the perception of photography as a whole;
2. gives the photo a special charm;
3. creates the mood of the photo;
4. allows you to create balance, harmony or contrast in the image;
5. selects the required object.

Types and combinations of colors

The color wheel is the main tool of any professional photographer, artist, designer.

The diagram shows 12 main and mixed colors– this is the basis. By adding black or white to the presented color models, you can get many different shades.

Also, the color wheel is traditionally divided into two halves: warm and cold.

Contrasting colors

Contrasting, or complementary, colors are located opposite each other on the spectral wheel. Each color can be contrasted not only with one contrasting color, but also with a couple. This is the so-called broken contrast.

Opposite shades complement each other: when combined, each of them becomes brighter and more saturated.

Contrast makes the image more dynamic and allows you to evoke interesting emotional reactions: for example, red will evoke passion, while blue will instantly calm you down.

There are several ways to use contrast in photography:

1. look for opposite colors around, try to capture good angles with them;
2. use contrasts when creating compositions for staged photography;
3. Use contrast in portrait photography: choose a contrasting color of clothing and background.

A contrast of warm and cold tones is also possible. Thus, “warm” objects look advantageous against a “cold” background. But with the reverse combination you should be very careful.

Similar combinations

Similar combinations are created using 2-3 tones located side by side on the spectral wheel. Neighboring tones bring harmony and calm to a photograph.

With this method, you should not choose saturated, bright colors. It is worth giving preference to pastel, light shades.
The advantage of the method is the ability to combine a huge number of different tones.

Monochrome combination

This type of photography is created by combining it with all its possible shades. The method allows you to convey play and subtle color relationships. Such pictures always look noble.

Other combinations

One of the most popular combinations is the classic triad - colors that form an equilateral triangle in the spectral wheel. This combination always looks vibrant, even when using pale tones.

The choice of equidistant colors, or analogue triad, is also popular. The first color becomes the basis of the composition and conveys the mood, the second emphasizes and plays up the selected tones, and the third subtly places accents. The method is used in comfortable compositions, as it gives the image softness.

One of the favorite options for combining colors is a contrasting triad. In this case, it is not the opposite color that is selected, but its two “neighbors”. These shades form an isosceles triangle in a circle. The advantage of the method is the creation of soft tension and the ability to use different proportions.

There are also more complicated options - combinations of tones in the form of a rectangle, square, pentagon. Such diversity can only be used by experienced and professional photographers. An incorrect combination of tones will lead to the opposite effect: it will place accents incorrectly, making the photo discreet or annoying.

Basic rules for working with color

When working with color, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

1. Choose your background wisely: White background Makes the color thicker and blacks more vibrant.
2. Place accents: one bright touch can change a photo beyond recognition. A weak tone can be enhanced with a contrasting shade.
3. Choose the right direction of light: the color changes depending on the nature of the lighting;
4. Vary your shooting angle: Color may vary depending on the position of the camera when shooting.
5. Decide on a dominant color: Most often, the dominant shade is associated with the main subject of photography.

All professional photographers prefer to use the color wheel. However, mindlessly following the rules will not necessarily bring the expected result. In photography techniques it is important not only right choice colors, but also developed artistic taste, color sense and experience. Feel free to take pictures, gain experience! Knowing the psychology of color, you can easily create masterpieces that attract the viewer's eye.