tiny scallop clock in poppy by uncommon on etsy
I’m fascinated by color; both full-throttle and lack thereof. As a photographer, it’s important that I understand the symbolism behind colors and the emotions that they evoke.
You can take a photograph of the most amazing subject however if the end result is underexposed, drab and boring or worse, overexposed, too light and washed out, you’ll lose people’s interest. Beyond understanding exposure, understanding colors, their potential combinations and how the human brain reads and registers them helps create better end results.
Anyone who knows my body of work knows I love bold colors. Many of my photographs have pops of red or orange and in some cases I use selective color to really draw them to the surface. I love how certain colors play off of one another, balancing out and making a statement well beyond that of the subject. I love how even a subtle pop of color can draw a viewer in. One of my favorite photographs, “The Parking Spot” is a good example of this. As we were headed down The Grand Canal, the first thing that caught my eye was the gorgeous red of the boat against the backdrop of the green door. Would I have noticed this mansion otherwise? No, likely not.
Now, I’m not implying that color alone makes or breaks a shot; there are so many other things that go in to an excellent color photograph. I’m also not saying every shot should be so saturated with color it practically punches the viewer in the face. Sometimes subtlety is best. It is possible to have too much color; it’s your job as the photographer to understand your subject and visualize a well balanced end result.
“color theory: brick and mortar” draws on my fascination with color and will be the first in a series of treasuries exploring color theory which, in the realm of visual arts, is the guidance behind color mixing and understanding the ultimate emotions that combinations evoke.
Today’s color combination is brick red and soft gray, hence the brick and mortar title.
Red is a very emotionally intense color which is associated with energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.
Gray, “the new black”, is a timeless color, considered practical, elegant and solid. it is a neutral, balanced color midway between white and black, which evokes the feelings and emotions of security, reliability, modesty, and maturity.
For me, the color combination evokes a feeling of security and strength. I feel it’s an elegant and well balanced combination as the red is fiery while the gray is more neutral and understated, yet still beautiful.
What does this color combination evoke in you? What are some of your favorite color combinations?
Be sure to check out the various shops in the treasury. They have some amazing finds that are sure to delight!
Enjoy!
*tracey*
