DAY 271

PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Using Color and Contrast

COLORING WITHOUT CRAYONS

Creating interest in a photograph can be achieved by the use of contrast and color. Contrast between light and dark elements provides interest and sets apart one part of the scene from another. Light coming from the back of an object will help define its shape and provide rim lighting around the edges. Light falling on an object will increase its contrast to the surrounding scene.

Another method of providing visual interest as well as contrast is through the use of color. Becoming familiar with the color wheel will provide you with an excellent knowledge of contrasting colors and will help you decide on your background and subject placement.

As a child, I was taught to remember the color wheel with the name Roy G. Biv. This will help you remember the colors in order as they appear on the wheel: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel will provide the highest level of contrast and visual interest.

As an illustration of this concept, to the left is a photograph of a child’s hand holding a yellow toy against a blue sky.

Because yellow and blue are opposite each other on the color wheel, the photograph has impact from the color contrast. Observant readers will also notice the leading line, from the lower left to the upper right of the photograph. —CWN