Page 43 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

COMP OSI T I O N 41

COLOR PARTNERSHIPS THE COLOR WHEEL IN PRACTICE

COMPLEMENTARY
Two colors—one primary and the other
secondary—that are opposite each
other on the color wheel are said to be
complementary. When they are placed
next to one another, these colors make
each other stand out. Blue and orange
are complementary, and so are red and
green, and yellow and purple, so look
out for them.

ANALOGOUS
Three or four colors that are next
to each other on the color wheel,
including at least one primary color,
are called analogous, or harmonious,
because there is little contrast between
them. Red, orange, and yellow are
analogous, as are green, cyan, and
blue. Analogous colors tend to be
either cool or warm, rather than mixed.

MONOCHROMATIC
A slice of one color from the color
wheel, made up of variations in the
brightness or saturation of the color,
is said to be monochromatic. A range
of monochromatic colors is restful on
the eye, particularly when one of the
cooler colors is used, yet there can be
high contrasts in tone. It is more subtle
than the other color partnerships.

TRIADIC
Using three colors that are evenly
spaced around the color wheel creates
what is known as a triadic harmony.
The relationship between the three
colors—red, blue, and yellow, for
example—is vibrant, but as warm
colors can overpower cool colors,
it is important to try and keep the
colors in an image balanced.

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