{"id":70758,"date":"2021-05-27T10:10:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T14:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=70758"},"modified":"2022-02-16T13:07:30","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T18:07:30","slug":"how-to-use-complementary-colors-in-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/how-to-use-complementary-colors-in-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Complementary Colors in Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we analyze what it is that catches our eye in the photos we love, it usually comes down to two things: the significance of the moment and\/or composition. Of course, composition covers a lot of ground like the blanket term it is, and it includes common tools like the rule of thirds, leading lines, depth of field, negative space, contrast, and so on. One of the often overlooked compositional elements I\u2019d like to touch on today is also, in my opinion, one of the most impactful: complementary colors<\/strong>. When you learn how to use complementary colors in photography, you gain access to a powerful and visually compelling tool.<\/p>\n

Complementary Colors in Photography<\/h2>\n

So, what are complementary colors, exactly, and how will using them in your imagery improve your photos?<\/p>\n

\"Graph
Complementary colors based on the primary colors red,\u00a0<\/em>yellow, and blue are among the most widely used.<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Simply put, complementary colors are colors that exist opposite one another on the color wheel. Complementary colors represent one of many color schemes included in color theory. In the example above, we can see three pairs of complementary colors. When we pair together complementary colors in photography, we create the maximum amount of contrast between the colors in our images. But why is this important? Well, this color contrast draws our attention and can impact how we view the photo, how we feel about its contents, and more.<\/p>\n

For example, using brighter colors will add visual energy to the image, which is great if the outcome suits your purpose. If you\u2019re photographing kids at play and want to amplify the playfulness of the image, dressing the kids in bright colors that pop against the backdrop (such as green grass and trees at a park, for example) will help you achieve the look and effect you\u2019re after. We get a different sense when looking at the naturally occurring colors of sunset, as the orange hue of the fading sun blends into the deep blue shade of the early night sky.<\/p>\n

On that note, it\u2019s worth pointing out that not all complementary colors create the same level of contrast. The more vibrant the colors, the more contrast we\u2019ll create. It\u2019s important to recognize the impact of the colors you choose when planning your shoot. You can choose bold, soft, warm, or even cool color tones and those choices will impact how viewers perceive the image.<\/p>\n

How to Use Complementary Colors in Photography<\/h2>\n
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  1. Practice Working with Complementary Colors at Home<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Limit One of the Complementary Colors to Serving as an Accent Color<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Experiment with a Split-Complementary Color Scheme<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Combine Color Schemes<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Add Complementary Colors with Flash<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Adjust the Colors in Post-Production<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Tip #1: Practice Working with Complementary Colors at Home<\/h2>\n
    \"complementary
    Photo by davisuko<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    As simple as the concept of using complementary colors seems, mastering it does require a bit of practice. Before adding this visual tool to your photography sessions, practice in the comfort of your own home with non-photography-related objects. Here\u2019s a quick color blocking exercise to help you snap some photos while focusing on one pair of complementary colors at a time:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Choose a Backdrop.<\/strong>\u00a0Use anything from dinner plates to colorful walls, or any objects wide enough to fill most of the frame.<\/li>\n
    2. Select a Subject.<\/strong>\u00a0Depending on the color of your backdrop, select an object with a complementary color that lies directly across from the backdrop\u2019s color on the color wheel. For example, if you\u2019re capturing a top-down shot of a blue tablecloth, then look for something orange to photograph against it.<\/li>\n
    3. Compose Your \u201cShot.”<\/strong>\u00a0You\u2019re already working with complementary colors in photography, so now it\u2019s time to add in some other compositional elements. Place your object along one of the thirds in the frame, or go for perfect symmetry (if possible), or else keep the subject small in the frame and use the backdrop to create negative space, etc.<\/li>\n
    4. Repeat with a Fresh Backdrop, Subject, and Composition.<\/strong>\u00a0Practice makes perfect, or at least better.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Mood Board<\/h4>\n

      Alternatively, you can use apps like Pinterest or search for images through Google to put together mood boards that focus on photos with complementary colors.<\/p>\n

      Tip #2 for How to Use Complementary Colors in Photography: Limit One of the Complementary Colors to Serving as an Accent Color<\/h2>\n
      \"complementary
      Photo by Lin & Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Taking advantage of complementary colors in photography does not require us to use the colors in equal parts. For example, we can use one of the complementary colors as an accent color. This will allow you to include complementary colors in your photos without having them outshine other compositional elements.<\/p>\n

      Tip #3: Experiment with a Split-Complementary Color Scheme<\/h2>\n
      \"girl
      Photo by Elle Cartier<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      We can also use a slight variation to standard complementary colors, called split-complementary colors, to reduce the impact the colors will have on your final image while still using them to contribute to your composition.<\/p>\n

      \"complementary<\/p>\n

      To use a split-complementary color scheme, simply select your main color (such as red) and then use it with the two colors next to its complementary color (in this case, yellow-green and blue-green). See the chart above for a clear example. Split-complementary colors will have less contrast and appear more balanced in your photos.<\/p>\n

      Tip #4 for How to Use Complementary Colors in Photography: Combine Color Schemes<\/h2>\n
      \"multi-colored
      Photo by Jeremy Thomas<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      If you\u2019re only using complementary colors, the colors may sometimes dominate the image in a way that detracts from your vision. In such instances, you can introduce additional color schemes to mellow the effects of the complementary colors in photography.<\/p>\n

      \"complementary
      From Left to Right: Monochromatic, Analogous, and Triadic<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      There are several other color schemes, but here\u2019s a quick overview of a few go-to’s:<\/p>\n