Bell County 4-H
Dominant Color Photography
December 30, 2013
Emma Coffman
Christian Coffman
Elizabeth Coffman
Agenda
• What is Dominant Color
Photography?
• How to Achieve Dominant Color
• Creating Moods with Color
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Quiz
What is it?
• Dominant color is achieved when one
color serves as the focal point in a
photo.
• The color expresses more intensity
among other colors in the picture.
• This type of photo tends to instantly
catch the attention of the viewer.
www.tripwiremagazine.com
How to Achieve It
• Choose one dominant color which will serve
as your focal point.
• Include items that compliment the dominant
color NOT distract the eye... (normally)
• Carefully consider backgrounds. Coordinate
with the dominant color or use neutral tones.
• As with still life… generate INTEREST!
Color Relationships: Creating Moods
• Know your colors
Red Green Blue by @Doug88888, on Flickr
– Evoke positive emotions
– Catch the eye
– Warm colors advance/cool colors recede (use to “pop” a
photo)
This dot appears to
be a hole in the
wall - RECEDING
This dot appears to
be in front of the
wall - ADVANCING
Warm colored subject
on a cool colored
background will pop!
Color Relationships: Creating Moods
• Cool Color Dominance Harmony:
– Cool blues, violets, and greens = remoteness
• Warm Color Dominance Harmony:
– Saturated red, gold, orange, and yellow = comfort and
warmth
Color Relationships: Creating Moods
• Complimentary Colors:
“
Contrast” /
Urban Architecture Forms /
SML.20130211.7D.22547.P1 by Seeming Lee
SML, on Flickr
– Colors that sit opposite of each other on the color wheel
= increased intensity, contrast and emphasis
城
市
建
築
之
形
李
思
明
對
比
• Monochromatic Color Harmony:
Photo by Patricia Ramos
– Keeping within the same color family
Color Relationships: Creating Moods
• Split Complimentary Dominance Harmony:
– One Color with two opposite colors = drama
• Analogous Color Harmony:
Photo by Patricia Ramos
– Based on three or more colors sitting together on the
color wheel. For example: Yellow, Yellow-green, green
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
• Use photography basics
• Stick with a theme
• Be unique! Dare to do something different.
DON’T:
• Add too many colors
• Lose sight of your subject (must stand out)
• Be afraid of getting close and personal
Christian Coffman
Dominant
Color
Examples
Christian Coffman
Emma Coffman
Christian Coffman
www.tripwiremagazine.com
www.tripwiremagazine.com
Notice how the
background is
NOT the same as
the subject?
However, it IS
neutral.
Here are some
other examples…
Emma Coffman
Emma Coffman
www.tripwiremagazine.com
Use other colors
as long as they
don’t distract
the eye
Here are some
other
examples…
Emma Coffman
www.tripwiremagazine.com
www.tripwiremagazine.com
What is the “Mood” of these images?
Elizabeth Coffman
www.canadiannaturephotographer.com
www.intotheoutdoors.worldpress.com
Pelfind.com
www.texas4-h.tamu.edu
www.dustandrust.com
www.pelfind.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/barbmomyer/5483118142/
www.lenscanvas.com
www.marcellarousseau.wordpress.com
www.westnewyorkflorist.com
www.digital-photo-secrets.com
www.absolutearts.com
Emma Coffman
www.betterphoto.com
www.artatm.com
www.weheartit.com
Quiz:
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Christian Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Christian Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Dominant Color Fail or Success?
Emma Coffman
Conclusion
• Dominant Color Photography takes
thought and preparation
• Be sure the subject is distinguishable
• Limit competing colors in the frame
• Complimenting colors create moods
• Don’t be afraid to take
chances – embrace the
unusual!
Resources
• Ronalea, “45 Examples of Monochromatic Color Dominance in
Photography”, February 10, 2012, Retrieved from the internet
December 29, 2013.
http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2012/02/monochrome-colordominance.html
• Bill Jones, “32 Beautiful Examples of One Color Dominant
Photography”, The Photo Argus. Retrieved from the internet
December 29, 2013. http://www.thephotoargus.com/inspiration/32beautiful-examples-of-one-color-dominate-photography/
• Littlemisspatricia, “How Using Color Relationships Can Impact Your
Photography”, March 10, 2013, Retrieved from the internet
December 29, 2013. http://www.lightstalking.com/how-using-colorrelationships-can-impact-your-photography
• Alain Briot, “Using Color Harmonies in Photography”, Retrieved from
the internet December 29, 2013. http://www.luminouslandscape.com/columns/briotsview/color_harmonies_4_cool_and_warm_dominance.shtml
Questions?
www.weheartit.com