Color Wheel Importance?

13 years 4 months ago #24076 by soul_musician
I read somewhere that all photographers should carry a color wheel. Or at least be really familiar with one, but i forget why? Can anyone refresh my memory about a color wheel's importance?


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13 years 4 months ago #24079 by Baydream
Most photographers don't use one. The value of a wheel is when planning shots and choosing backgrounds, color theory can benefit the shot. Usually, it is artists and crafts people that study color theory.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
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13 years 4 months ago #24084 by Scotty
Just want to add, some photographers use color charts (which are different) so colors are right in processing.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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13 years 4 months ago #24100 by Baydream

Scotty wrote: Just want to add, some photographers use color charts (which are different) so colors are right in processing.

True. Color wheels are based on Red, Blue and Yellow pigments making up the various colors. Photography (and video) use Red, Blue and Green to make all colors. Scotty is correct in that when you look at a histogram, you see the RGB waves. When you see the print, it is rendered in Red (magenta), blue (cyan) and yellow - plus black for depth.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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13 years 4 months ago #25650 by wyiii
Understanding how differnt colors work together can drastically affect the way you compose your photographs. If you become familiar with a color wheel you will learn which colors clash, which blend, etc. If you want a vibrant, eye-catching photo then you would look for colors on opposite sides of the wheel. If you want something more soothing, then you pick colors adjacent to each other.

So, to answer your qustion, photographers don't necessarily need to carry one, but familiarity with one can be quite beneficial.


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13 years 3 months ago #33237 by maniposa
Personally, I don't actually carry a color wheel with me, but wyiii is correct, you should at least be familiar with where colors flow. Think of a rainbow - how the reds flow into the orages, then the yellows blend into green, etc. Knowing which colors are considered "cool" and which are "warm" will help when you're trying to set a particular mood with a shot.


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13 years 3 months ago #33241 by Yasko
Color theory is important in any visual medium, although I think color accuracy is more important in the realm of photography. Still, depends on what kind of photography you're into. You can do a lot of creative stuff with colors in today's digital environment.


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