#12. In this episode of CREATE. PHOTOGRAPHY, Daniel will discuss how the color theory, color for emotion and color as compositional element.

The initial theoretical discussion will be supplemented with practical examples and review of 3 images.

Color theory,  color for emotion and as compositional element

It is an understatement to say that color is important. In fact, it is of upmost importance to photography. And we see in color. As Jay Maisel says: “Color is”.

Today’s photographs are typically taken in color although many photographic artists still choose to photograph in black and white occasionally, some of them exclusively.  The difference between a color photograph and a black and white photograph is in some ways like night and day. They are two different techniques. A color photograph evokes a different emotion and potential connection with the viewer than a black and white photograph.

We talked about creative choice of black and white photography in greater detail in episode 8, feel free to check that episode out.

So color is important. But why is color theory important? One could argue we do not need to know about color theory in order to make good or even great photographs. And I would wholeheartedly agree. I think it is important to understand how the color models can help us perhaps more deliberately understand what might work in a picture, perhaps even determine a color palette, or perhaps even be more deliberate about composition, but also editing of imagery.

So my disclaimer here is that we will do a little theoretical excursion, but I do believe it is an important and useful one and one that we will in the end bring to practical application with several image example discussions at the end.