Color in itself contrast

You are here: Nature Science Photography – Lightness and color – Opponent color combinations in image composition

The simultaneous use of many bright and strongly saturated colors makes a picture appear very restless and can even tear it apart completely under certain circumstances. On the other hand, dividing a picture into a few easily distinguishable colors significantly enhances the image’s effect. This design scheme finds its strongest expression in the combination of the subtractive or additive primary colors, which, however, differ in their statement and effect. While the subtractive primary colors yellow, magenta (purple) and cyan (blue-green) appear friendly and loud, the distant combination of the additive primary colors blue, green and red appears more discreet and calm. An equal distribution of the colors is not an absolute prerequisite for a harmonious image effect; one or two colors may dominate the design. However, if you wish to weaken the contrast, you can achieve this by incorporating achromatic tones like black and white. In the wild, primary colors are rarely found in a form that can be easily designed. On the other hand, mass events such as fun fairs, the circus or carnivals like to use them.

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