Photography Course: Complementary Colors

Complementary colors in photography can be used to create stunning and eye-catching images. By combining colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, photographers can create contrast and depth in their photos. In this article, we will discuss how to use complementary colors in photography and how they can help you create more visually interesting compositions.

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel. Red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple are all examples of complementary colors. By combining these colors in your photos, you can create contrast and draw attention to certain areas of your image.

One of the most common ways to use complementary colors in photography is to create color contrast. For example, you can use blue and orange to make a sky pop or green and red to make a flower stand out. This technique is particularly effective when you want to draw attention to a certain element or make an object appear more vibrant.

Another way to use complementary colors in photography is to create a sense of depth in an image. By using colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel, you can make an image appear more three-dimensional. For example, you can use yellow and purple to make objects in the foreground appear closer and objects in the background appear further away.

Complementary colors can also be used to create harmonious compositions. By combining colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, you can create a balanced and cohesive look. This technique works particularly well in still life compositions, where you can use complementary colors to create a pleasing and visually appealing image.

Finally, you can use complementary colors to create moods and atmospheres in your photos. By combining colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, you can evoke different emotions in your compositions. For example, you can combine warm colors, such as red and orange, to create a cozy atmosphere, or cool colors, such as blue and purple, to create a more calming effect.

By using complementary colors in photography, you can create stunning and eye-catching images. This technique can be used to create contrast, depth, harmony, and atmosphere in your photos. So the next time you’re out shooting, consider using complementary colors to make your photos stand out.

More on this subject

To get complimentary colors that accent each other and make your photographs more appealing, all you have to do is study the color wheel and choose colors opposite from one another. For example, red purple is the compliment of yellow green, and orange red is the compliment of blue green.

Here is an example of a complimentary color photograph. Notice how the two dominant colors of this photography are orange and blue. Notice how these two colors are located opposite of each other on the color wheel. When complimentary colors are used together like this in a photograph they create contrast.

Often using complimentary colors in your photography will create a dramatic image since each color makes the other color appear more active.

Here is a video on this subject:

Video by VistaClues

This is just one subsection of our course. We go into greater depth in the course itself.

See also:
Color & Perspective
Color Simplicity
Color Tinting & Shading In Photography
Analogous Colors
Color Wheel
Color Psychology In Photography
Color Balance and Highlight
Monochromatic Photography

Other photography articles:
How to read a photographs histogram
Advanced photography tonal range
Different types of photography
Different types of landscape photography
How to take landscape photographs
Contrast in Photography