Sunday, 5 August 2012

Basic Colour Theory

Course supplement for Part 3 - Colour

http://oca-student.com/sites/default/files/key_resources/Basic_colour_theory_photog.pdf

The additional reading supports the information in the course folder. Having already read The Essential Colour Manual for Photographers by Chris Rutter the content was largely familiar; however additional points I noted are:

  • Colour works on three levels: visual, expressive (emotional), and symbolic (cultural)
  • Yellow is strong against violet and blue
  • Blue has a transparency that contrasts against Red's opacity
  • Blue suggests a withdrawn and reflective mood (visually it recedes)
  • Red advances in the frame - it is dense and solid
  • Orange radiates: but has neutral warmth when lighter (beige) or darker (brown)
  • Violet is difficult to capture accurately (I know this from experience!) and creates an impression of mystery and immensity
  • Green is the most visible colour to the human eye
  • Interference colours - e.g. oil slicks, soap bubbles, pearl
  • Complete colour balance requires appropriate proportions (see course materials pg 113)
  • Red: Green - 1:1 (red and green have the same luminosity)
  • Blue: Orange - 2:1 (orange is twice as luminous as blue)
  • Yellow: Violet - 1:3 (brightest and darkest of hues)
  • Pure hues fight for attention - use 3 together - 4 would be unbalanced
  • Groups of pure colours make easy grabbing shots
  • Coolness/Warmth; Wetness/Dryness; e.g. blue-green/orange-red

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