When it comes to photography, colors are an important part of the composition. They can be used to create a mood or even make a statement. However, not all colors work well together.
What are analogous colors?
Analogous colors are three colors that are next to each other on a color wheel. They are considered to be harmonious, or pleasing to the eye, when placed together in a design.
Analogous colors are often used in nature and interior design because they have a calming effect on the viewer. The trick is not to use too many analogous colors in one room or photograph. This can create an overly simplistic look that may get boring quickly.
When choosing analogous hues, it is important to stick with just three shades of the same color family — for example, light blue, medium blue and dark blue. When choosing analogous colors in photography and painting, you want to pick shades that are close enough to each other so that they blend well but still provide enough contrast between them so there is not too much white space between them on your canvas or paper.
Analogous color schemes work well for landscapes as well as portraits because they give you a sense of harmony without being overly busy or distracting from your subject matter.
Analogous colors can be used in photography in several ways:
Analogous colors work well when you want to create a cohesive look in your photographs or space. They are also known as harmonious colors since they blend well together without clashing or contrasting too much.
- To help make an object stand out from its surroundings by using other analogous colors around it;
- To keep viewers engaged by using analogous colors throughout your photos, such as in a series of portrait shots; or
- To create a cohesive look when photographing objects that are similar but not exactly alike (such as flowers).
- Use analogous colors for a consistent palette in your photographs
- Create depth and dimension with analogous colors
- Use analogous colors for a simple yet sophisticated look
- Mix up your lighting sources. If you have only one light source, like sunlight or a flash, try mixing up the colors by placing colored objects around your subject or switching out light bulbs. The result will be more interesting than if everything were neutral gray tones.
- Look for objects with strong saturated colors and place them next to each other in your shot — this will make them stand out even more against the background. For example, if there’s a bright blue shirt in front of a white wall, try taking photographs from different angles so that the shirt appears next to other brightly colored items like flowers or fruit instead of just white.