Color expresses, expounds, illuminates, motivates, and enlightens. Colors power makes it is an essential quality for a photographer to communicate effectively. There are many different views on color. Color is defined and studied by physicists, scientist, psychologists, artists, and they all have applications to photography.

Lets take a look at the color green. You can bet that the color green, in your mindss eye, is probably not the same as mine. Color is subjective. Green to me might be a sweet-pea, while to you it might be an emerald. Color is personal, so what looks good to me might not be green enough for you.

Color theory (and the color wheel) teach us how to use color properties to create harmonious, well conceived compositions. A photographer should know why he/she is choosing a green background over a blue one. Aside from liking a color, know its spatial and psychological implications. For instance, pairing green with its complement red will increase visual impact and help grab the viewers attention. Additionally, red moves forwar and green recedes which adds depth and movement to a picture. Knowing this, a portrait photographer might suggest a child wear a red shirt against a green background, or select a green background to add depth to a red-headed (or chestnut colored hair) portrait.

Psychologically, green implies rebirth, feminine, and earth. People who prefer green as their favorite color are often considered civic minded and trustworthy. Knowing these symbolic facts might influence your props, background, or wardrobe choices. Green is therapeutic - it can release a creative block. No joke... Give it a try and let me know how you make out. Find a green lush field of grass and soak up green's revitalizing energy. If you are a city dweller or it's winter, then simply look at green photographs, or wear green.

All About Color opens you up to the foundations of color theory and the photographic applications to create memorable photos. Learn about color
properties and make your images sing. Artists, interior designers, and graphic designers learn color theory and so should photographers. Sign up and in four weeks you will better understand colorʼs power.

Recommended Reading:

• Bryan Peterson's Understanding Composition Field Guide
• Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide
• Understanding Flash Photography
• Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography
• Understanding Close-Up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with Or Without a Macro Lens
• Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second
• Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

Cheryl also teaches Painting Photos, create borders (above) and other artistic image enhancing techniques.

Cheryl Machat Dorskind/Instructor
PPSOP