Video:Photography Composition: Color and Contrast
with Chris DavisColor and contrast are very effective elements of photographic composition. Watch this About.com video for tips on color and contrast in photography composition.See Transcript
Transcript:Photography Composition: Color and Contrast
Hi I'm Chris Davis for About.com. Let's take a look at how color and contrast can effect your composition while taking a photograph.
Uses for Color in Photography Composition
Color is a powerful element of an image that can quickly determine the emotional feel of your picture. The entire mood of a photograph can be established with a particular color. For example, reds and oranges are considered energetic or hot, while yellows feel warm, and blues and greens tend to be associated with cool and relaxing sensations.
Color can also be used to draw attention to a particular area of a composition. A bright-colored subject against a more dull or neutral background will lead your viewer's eye to the color. The use of vibrant primary colors can make elements of your photograph really pop, while at the same time softer pastels will give you a subtle and light feel. Be aware that weather and lighting can effect how colors will appear in a photograph. Bright sun or lights will produce more saturated colors, while duller colors will occur on an overcast day.
Contrast in Photography Composition
In general, contrast in composition refers to the differences found in an image. It's easy to see the contrast in a black and white photo. It's merely the amount of bright and dark throughout the image. Contrast is used to direct a viewer’s attention to a particular element of a picture.
Tips for Using Color and Contrast in Photography Composition
Together color contrast refers to the way colors interact with each other. Placing two opposing colors together causes a significant contrast, accentuating each individual color. Color saturation is another important element of color and contrast in composition. The more saturated a color is the more contrast it will create. You will find that color contrast is more effective when you use just a few colors. The more colors that are introduced into an image, the more you will find that the contrast disappears and the color tone becomes dominate.
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