Basic Color Theory For Photographers

Here I will explain the basic color theory related to how to combine several colors to produce a good mix of colors (mix and match colors). By understanding the basic color theory to get this harmonious combination of colors then you can produce photos with attractive colors for your audience.

Before we go to the basic color theories, it's good we first understand what is called the color wheel or color wheel. This color wheel is a visualization of the colors seen by the human eye by showing the relationship between the primary colors with mixed colors. There are several kinds of color wheel base theory, but the most common color wheel used as a benchmark in the basic color theory combining color is the color wheel that has the initial refrence of the color palette used by the painters. In this color wheel the primary colors used are Red, Blue and Yellow. So if visualized in the form of color wheel as follows:

To make it easier, the color wheel will then be made in a simpler form like below to make it easier for us to understand the color theories that I will explain next.

Complementary Color Theory:

As I have explained in the previous article, there are two color modes with each primary color that is RGB with primary colors Red, Green & Blue and CMYK with primary colors Cyan, Magenta & Yellow. In the complementary color theory, each color has a complementary or a pair of each. Combining one color with complementary colors will produce a harmonious blend of colors. Basically, RGB and CMY color modes are the pairs of each color as follows:

This complementary color pair we will encounter in Photoshop for example on Color Balance and Curve adjustment:

In this adjustment when we change one color, it will have the opposite effect on complementary colors. Example when we reduce the blue color then automatically we will also add the color yellow, if we want to add the red color then how to reduce the color cyan, dst.

If we use a color wheel then complementary colors are colors that are on the opposite side of the color. Here's an example of complementary colors using the color wheel RBY (Red, Blue & Yellow):

By combining complementary color pairs we can produce contrasting colors that look contrast without one color dominating other colors or even the colors of one complement or complement other colors.

Here is an example of a photo showing the use of complementary colors:

Color Triad Color Theory

In this color theory we will divide the color wheel in 3 equal parts. You can choose one color in the color wheel, then 2 other colors are the colors that each have the same distance from one to another.

This color theory will produce a more varied color with a blend of 3 colors. Here is a sample photo with Triad colors:

Analogous Color Theory

This color theory produces a lower level of color contrast than previous color theories. In the color wheel, a color pair is another color right next to it.

Here is a sample photo with Analogous colors:

Monochromatic Color Theory

This color theory is the simplest. In color wheel a pair of colors is the same color only with different stauration and lightness levels. With this color theory will produce more alloys with more calm effects.

Here is a sample photo with Monochromatic colors:

Additional info:
There are several theories on how to combine colors to produce a harmonious blend of colors. The above four color theories are just the ones that I find the easiest to understand and the basis for knowing how to mix and match colors. If you find it difficult to find colors manually by using these theories, do not worry because many online sources offer color wheel in an interactive form that allows you to find a harmonious blend of colors.

In closing, the color theory I described above is universal in meaningful use not only for photography but also in all things related to color and visual. You can use the above color theories to get a suitable color combination for house wall paint, choosing clothes, making poster designs and more. In photography you can use this color theory for example to determine the color of wardrobe, color properties and other colors that will strengthen your photo becomes more interesting.