Colour Basics | Part 1 | Learn with BPC | Subhradeep Sarkar

 COLOUR THEORY | PART 1 |

 Subhradeep Sarkar

The Basics of Colour.

Introduction

Let me take you to a thought experiment. I want you all to visualize the colour red. Ok, now if I tell you all to give me an output of the red that you all have visualized, would you believe me if I tell you all the colours that came from each individual's vision are different!

You've all created different REDs.

Before going to its depths we need to know what colour really is.

What is colour, does it even exist?

From our previous example, we can say my red is different from yours and so does each and every hue that exists, which is different. So colour is relative. But what is it exactly?

We can't see colours in darkness. So light is needed to create colours. And what is light? Well to date we still don't know for sure 😅 because of its dual nature (it acts both as a stream of particles and also a wave depending on the way you carry out your observations). But for now, we will stick to this basic idea that light is what makes us see things.

And colours?

They are our creation, a set of subjective entities. So colours don't actually exist but it's our way to distinguish between one thing from another. Our eyes have 2 kinds of cells in them. Rod cells and cone cells. It's the cone cells that detect the energy anomalies and output them as colours we see the world in. While the rod cells help us with low-light vision. That's the exact reason you can't see colours in a low-lit environment the energy of the light particles ( photons) isn't high enough to activate your cone cells.

If that's not enough to make you believe colour is subjective then think of Mantis shrimp. These marine crustaceans have the most complex eyes of any known animal, with up to 16 types of photoreceptor cells that allow them to see a wide range of colours, including ultraviolet and polarized light. While both dogs and cats have limited colour vision and see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow, with some ability to see green and red.

Different species have different visual abilities that are adapted to their specific needs. Some can see in infrared while others can see ultraviolet wavelengths. Giving Colors is not limited to only VIBGYOR or visible light spectrum but it actually represents the whole electromagnetic spectrum.

The Psychology of Colours in Photography

Colours are an integral part of our lives, and they can have a powerful impact on our emotions and behaviour. In photography, understanding the psychology of colours can help you create images that evoke specific moods and emotions.

Red

Red is a bold, intense colour that is associated with passion, excitement, and danger. It can also evoke feelings of anger or aggression. In photography, red can be used to create images that are dramatic and attention-grabbing. It's a great colour for capturing action, such as sports or dance, as it adds a sense of energy and movement to the image.

Yellow

Yellow is a bright, cheerful colour that is associated with happiness, warmth, and optimism. It can also be used to create a sense of caution or warning. In photography, yellow can be used to create images that are cheerful and uplifting, such as sunsets or flowers. It can also be used to create contrast with darker colours, such as black or blue.

Green

.Green is a calming, soothing colour that is associated with nature, growth, and renewal. It can also evoke feelings of envy or greed. In photography, green can be used to create images that are peaceful and serene, such as landscapes or nature scenes. It can also be used to create contrast with warmer colours, such as red or orange

Blue

Blue is associated with trust, loyalty, and wisdom. It can also evoke feelings of sadness or depression. In photography, blue can be used to create images that are calming and serene, such as seascapes or landscapes. It can also be used to create contrast with warmer colours, such as yellow or orange.

Purple

Purple is a regal, mysterious colour that is associated with luxury, creativity, and spirituality. It can also evoke feelings of sadness or mourning. In photography, purple can be used to create images that are artistic and creative, such as abstract or surreal images. It can also be used to create contrast with warmer colours, such as yellow or orange

Using Color in Photography 

Now that you understand the psychology of colours, you can use this knowledge to create images that evoke specific moods and emotions. Here are some tips for using colour in your photography:

Use colour to create contrast

Pairing complementary colours together can create a striking contrast in your images. For example, a red object against a green background or a yellow flower against a blue sky.

Use colour to create a mood

Choosing the right colours for your subject and background can help create a specific mood in your images. For example, using warm colours like yellow and orange in a portrait can create a sense of happiness and warmth.

Use colour to create depth

Using colours to create depth and dimension in your images can help create a more dynamic composition. For example, using cooler colours in the background and warmer colours in the foreground can create a sense of depth and distance.

Use colour to tell a story

Using colour to tell a story can help convey emotion and meaning in your images. For example, using red to represent love or passion in a romantic scene.

In the next section, we will learn about colour theory in depth and how to use it to compose a photograph and also tell a story. For now, practice telling a story through Colors.  Happy photographing ✌️ 

To be Continued...

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From the BPC editorial desk:

We are happy to inform you that BPC is embarking on a new project, titled The Learn with BPC Series. Members (and anyone with ideas to share) would post regularly on the BPC blog to educate, inform, and inspire. 

Regardless of your interests, gear, or goals, having a solid foundation of the main concepts of photography is key to capturing better images and improving your photography. The Learn with BPC Series is fundamental for anyone eager to invest in the craft seriously. 

In this episode, member Subhradeep Sarkar talks about Colour and how it shapes our perception of Photography. More to come. Feel free to join in on the conversation or walk with us on a weekend. Let's bond over a cup of tea. We are the Beltala Park Collective, and we love everything about photography.

Never stop learning! 

Peace ♥