Colours are an essential design element in photography. They determine not only the aesthetic effect of an image, but also its message and emotional appeal. A conscious colour concept can significantly enhance the impact of an image.
They influence not only the aesthetic appeal of an image, but also its message and emotional impact on the viewer. The targeted use of colours makes it possible to create moods, emphasise image content and direct attention.
1. Colour harmony
Definition: Colour harmony occurs when colours are in a balanced relationship with each other and create a pleasant overall picture. Colour harmony refers to colours that are in a balanced relationship with each other. Harmonious combinations appear pleasant, calm and self-contained to the viewer. They are created in particular by analogous colour tones, i.e. by combining neighbouring colours in the colour wheel, such as blue and green or yellow and orange. In photography, colour harmony is often used to create a natural, atmospheric image effect. Images with harmonious colour combinations often appear unobtrusive and lead to a calm image perception.
- Analogous colours: Colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel (e.g. blue–green, yellow–orange).
- Effect: Calm, harmonious, unobtrusive.
- Use in photography: Suitable for landscape shots, still lifes or scenes that are intended to convey a relaxed, natural atmosphere.
Mnemonic: Analogous colour combinations create calm and unity in the image.
2. Complementary colours and their effect
Complementary colours form a strong contrast to harmonious combinations. They are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, for example red and green, blue and orange or yellow and violet. Complementary colours enhance each other's intensity, creating a particularly high luminosity and tension in the image. In photography, this contrast is used deliberately to highlight certain elements of the image or to achieve a dynamic effect. A classic example is an orange sunset sky in which a blue motif stands out clearly.
Definition: Complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel (e.g. red–green, blue–orange, yellow–violet).
- Effect: Exciting, high-contrast, increased luminosity.
- Use in photography: Ideal for highlighting subjects, creating focal points or generating drama.
- Example: An orange sky at sunset makes a blue subject in the foreground shine particularly brightly.
Mnemonic: Complementary colours create maximum tension and attract the eye.
3. Balance between harmony and contrast
When composing an image, it is crucial to strike a conscious balance between harmonious and contrasting colour concepts. While harmonious colour combinations convey calm and unity, complementary colours attract attention and create tension. The targeted use of both approaches enables photographers to reinforce the message of their images and control the viewer's perception.
- Harmonious combinations = calm, unity, naturalness.
- Complementary contrasts = energy, attention, dynamism.
- Goal: The conscious decision for harmony or contrast determines the message of the image. Both concepts can also be combined to achieve a balanced yet interesting image effect.
Mnemonic: The image effect depends on the balance between harmony and contrast.
4. Practical exercises
- Observe colour harmony: Photograph a scene in which only analogous colours dominate (e.g. different shades of green in a meadow or shades of blue at the sea).
- Use complementary contrast: Look specifically for motifs with complementary colours (e.g. a red car in front of green vegetation or blue clothing in front of an orange wall).
- Make a comparison: Place the two photos side by side and analyse how the image effect changes.
