Things to consider:
- Composition can use colors that are contrasting, complementary, or harmonizing. Photographs can be composed using one color of varying tones.
- Contrasting primary colors can create a dynamic image.
- Colors can set the mood for a photograph. Generally speaking, reds are vibrant, orange is hot, blues and greens are cool and relaxing, green is refreshing, yellows are warm and comforting.
- Hue is the color - like red, orange, green, blue. Tone (aka brightness, lightness, or value) refers to how light or dark the color is.
- Strong, bright colors have a "heavier" visual impact than lighter/less bright colors. Be careful you don't upset the balance of your composition, causing disharmony (unless that's what you mean to do, of course).
- Your eye will be drawn to bright colors so a spot of color can draw the viewer to the main subject.
Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:
- Composition: A Look at Color by Bob Johnson at Earthbound Light
- Color at Fodor Focus on Travel Photography; a short article with 3 examples
- Colour Theory as Applied to Landscape Photography by Michael Reichmann at Luminous Landscape; longer, more technical article
- Using Color to Create Strong Photo Compositions by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; a short illustrated article
- Photography Rules of Composition at Ultimate Photography Tips; a slightly longer article, there is one section on Color but the other sections also apply to composing with color
- Color in Photography - Color Theory at Framed Reality
- 50 Impressive Examples of Selective Color Photography at Artfan Design; just photos - in my personal opinion some of these look too contrived or trite, but others are creative. But whatever floats your boat - check them out and see what you think
- The Psychology of Color by Moose Peterson at Wildlife Photography; unillustrated article
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