The Science of Colour in Photography

Image Source: Pietro di Grandi - Unsplash

Colour is one of the most powerful elements in photography, influencing how we perceive and emotionally respond to an image. But what exactly is colour , and how does it work in photography? At its core, colour is the result of light interacting with the human eye, allowing us to see the vibrant spectrum that surrounds us. Understanding the science behind colour can help you make informed decisions about how to use it effectively in your photography.

The Physics of Colour

The colours we see are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, a range of wavelengths that include everything from radio waves to gamma rays. Within this spectrum lies the visible light spectrum, which encompasses all the colours we can perceive. Each colour corresponds to a different wavelength—red has the longest wavelength, while violet has the shortest.

When light hits an object, some wavelengths are absorbed, and others are reflected. The colours we perceive are those that are reflected back to our eyes. For example, a leaf appears green because it reflects green wavelengths while absorbing others. This basic understanding of light and colour is crucial for capturing the right hues and tones in your photographs.

Image Source: Anastasia Sklyar & Wu Yi - Unsplash

Colour Theory in Photography

Colour theory is a framework that helps photographers understand how colours interact and how to use them to create visually compelling images. The primary colours of light—red, green, and blue (RGB)—are combined in various ways to produce all other colours . Mixing these primary colours in different intensities forms secondary colours , such as yellow, cyan, and magenta.

Understanding complementary colours is also key in photography. Complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green). Using these colours together can create strong visual contrast and make elements in your photos stand out. Whether you want to create a harmonious balance or a striking contrast, applying colour theory can enhance your composition and evoke specific emotions in your audience.

Image Source: colour Wheel diagrams by Isaac Newton (Opticks, 1704) & Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Theory of colours , 1810)

Colour Perception and Cameras

While the human eye perceives colour based on light and wavelengths, cameras capture it through digital sensors and colour filters. These sensors are typically arranged in a pattern called the Bayer filter, which consists of red, green, and blue filters that measure different intensities of light and translate them into the colours we see in digital images.

White balance is another important aspect of colour perception in photography. It ensures that colours are accurately represented in your photos, regardless of the light source. Cameras have different white balance settings (e.g., daylight, cloudy, tungsten) to compensate for variations in colour temperature. Proper white balance prevents images from looking too warm (yellowish) or too cool (bluish), ensuring true-to-life colours .

Colour Temperature and White Balance

Colour temperature is a measure of a light source’s warmth or coolness, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K). Lower colour temperatures (e.g., 2000K) produce warm, yellowish light, while higher temperatures (e.g., 8000K) emit cool, bluish light. colour temperature can greatly influence the mood and feel of a photograph.

Achieving accurate colour reproduction requires adjusting the white balance in your camera settings or during post-processing. For instance, if you’re shooting under warm indoor lighting, setting the white balance to “tungsten” can counteract the yellowish hue, making the colours appear more natural. Understanding and adjusting colour temperature helps create images that accurately reflect the scene’s lighting conditions.

Colour Grading and Post-Processing

Colour grading is an essential step in creating the final look of your images. While colour correction focuses on achieving accuratecolours, colour grading is more about enhancing the emotional impact of a photo by adjusting tones and hues. You can manipulate colours to evoke specific feelings or tell a story—warm tones for a cosy scene or cool tones for a tranquil atmosphere.

Common techniques in colour grading include:

• Colour Correction: Adjusting the image to achieve true-to-life colours.
• Colour Toning: Applying subtle colour tints to shadows or highlights.
• Colour Grading Filters: Using filters to create a cohesive look or style.

Popular software tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One offer powerful colour grading features, allowing photographers to fine-tune their images and achieve the desired aesthetic.

Image Source: Adrian Cuj, Alfonso Castro & Dominik Kielbasa - Unsplash

Colour Psychology in Photography

Colours do more than just please the eye—they evoke emotions and communicate messages. This concept is known as colour psychology, and it plays a crucial role in how we interpret photographs. For example:

• Red: Conveys passion, excitement, or danger.
• Blue: Evokes calm, serenity, or sadness.
• Green: Symbolises nature, growth, and tranquility.

Understanding colour psychology helps photographers use colours intentionally to influence the viewer’s emotional response. For instance, using warm colours like red and yellow can make a portrait feel lively and energetic, while cool colours like blue and purple can add a sense of calm or mystery.

Image Source: iStock, Ozzie Stern & Jonathan Farber - Unsplash

Mastering Colour in Photography

The science of colour in photography extends far beyond just choosing pleasing hues. It involves understanding how light, perception, and colour theory work together to create impactful images. By mastering these concepts, you can use colour to tell a story, set a mood, or guide the viewer’s attention to specific elements in your composition.

Ready to take your understanding of colour to the next level? At The Photography Institute, our course covers colour theory, lighting, and post-processing techniques to help you make the most of colour in your photography. Enrol today and unlock the full potential of your creative vision!