Colours instantly attract your attention, right? While photographing a scene, look for colour combinations that you think will make your picture stand out. You can use the colour theory aka colour schemes, one of the important composition techniques, to create striking images.
We have explained how to use Rule of Thirds, Centred Composition, Leading Lines, Fill the Frame, Pattern and Texture Composition, Rule of Odds in our earlier blogs, now let’s proceed to Colour Theory!
The Colour Wheel
In the above colour wheel, the colours that you see opposite to each other are called Complementary Colours. For instance, pink & green, yellow & blue are complementary colours. On the other hand, colours that you see next to each other on the wheel are known as Analogous Colours. Blue & green, red & orange are Analogous Colours. Third in the Colour Theory is Monochrome wherein you capture a scene in black & white or in varying tones of a single colour.
Now let’s see an example of each of the Colour Theory.
Complementary Colours
The above picture of an illuminated building looks appealing. It is because of the presence of complementary colours; yellow, blue and purple.
Here’s another example of complementary colours. The use of pink & green in the frame instantly grabs your attention, isn’t it?
Analogous Colours
Above is a picture of a (blue) bird amidst greenery. It makes use of analogous colours which is blue & green.
Monochrome
Use of black & white colour in the above photograph evokes a different emotion. A coloured photograph wouldn’t have created that effect.
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Colour Theory with the help of practical examples.
So, next time – when you are looking to create captivating photographs, think of the Colour Theory!
Composition plays a vital role in creating visually appealing photographs. We have explained how to use Rule of Thirds Composition, Centred Composition, Leading Lines and Fill the Frame Composition in our earlier blogs, now let us walk you through Pattern and Texture Composition!
Pattern Composition in Photography
While photographing a scene, look for patterns. The human eye is attracted to patterns as they represent harmony. You can find impressive patterns in a piece of architecture, in a painting, on a flower or anywhere in your natural surroundings.
Above is an example of Pattern Composition. This photograph is of ‘Telescopus’ – a 3D sculpture by Dominic Johns, on the Cairns Esplanade in Australia. It depicts Mangrove Mud Whelk (large snails). The pattern and the repeated colours on the sculpture makes it an eye-catching image.
Texture Composition in Photography
While pattern is a visual element, texture can be felt as well – as it has some level of dimension to it. You can find interesting textures while photographing a cobbled street, a roof, a tile, a wall or cracked mud.
Above is an example of Texture Composition. This photograph is of Jenolan Caves in Australia. The texture of the cave walls and the coloured flowstones instantly draws the attention of the viewer and compels him/her to admire its beauty.
Tip: Zoom in your lens or move closer to the subject to capture complete details of its pattern and texture.
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
To understand Pattern and Texture Composition, Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Pattern and Texture Composition with the help of practical examples.
Also, try using more than one composition techniques in a single photograph to create striking images.