Expressing Emotions Through Photography - Color Me Happy!
Using color in photography is a powerful way to convey emotions that has helped me find joy over years of perfecting my craft. Expressing myself through colors is such an essential part of my own happiness. In this blogpost I want to share some of my favorite images and go over color choices and their impact on the viewer’s perception.
Red, the color of fire, is associated with love, desire and determination. I personally love how energetic this image feels.
When I look at colors I always pay close attention to how they go together and what kind of energy they bring to the table. My mood affects how I take pictures and I like to use that to my advantage.
Bold and colorful images symbolize energy and transmit a feel good message
On days when I feel energetic, my art is bold and colorful. I love to capture the world in a vivid way. That’s when my Omni wands come in handy. OMNI Filters are tiny prisms that you can use with any kind of camera. When I use them I like to add something unexpected, like brilliant, deeply saturated colors or light leaks and streaks.
This picture was taken on one of the first warmer spring days of this year and I felt so much joy about the fact that we were able to go to the beach. I think the pink transmits that kind of happiness in the best possible way.
Monochromatic pictures transmit a calm and moody atmosphere
On my not-so-motivated days I tend to see the world in monochromatic frames and my pictures are created from a single-based hue.
This picture, with its different shades of blue, is a good example for a monochromatic image. How does it make you feel?
Warm tones symbolize all the good things in life
Pictures with a lot of yellow and gold tones are energizing and have positive vibes. Shooting against the sun around sunset will create these golden tones that create warm colors that I personally like very much.
Shooting at golden hour is my favorite thing in the world. I love how everything looks golden and warm.
Pastel tones are calming and peaceful
Pastel colors evoke openness and are considered soothing, peaceful and soft. They’re ideal if you want to add tranquility to your subject. I tend to overexpose my pictures to get these kind of tones.
This series is a good example for how colors allow you to express your emotions. I was feeling calm and even a little tired when I took these pictures. Imagine the woman standing in the middle would wear a bright green jacket. The feeling of balance and tranquility would definitely be gone.
In the picture below, the analogous tones of pink, purple, and blue represent calmness and transmit a sense of harmony. The yellow at the upper end of the frame complements the blue on the other end of the frame and adds warmth and hope to the story.
Compare this picture to the collection of pastel images above. How do you feel when you look at the bright colors? Even though the composition is equally balanced there is definitely more energy present in this photo.
Most importantly, though, I need to be in the moment to achieve stunning photos. Hunting for pictures is like mental yoga, and I cannot do it if I am not focused on the now.
How do you integrate color in your images? Are you making conscious choices or is it a subconscious process? I’d love to see your work and see how you incorporate these techniques. Let’s get in touch on Instagram (@californialover) or leave a comment here on my blog!
This post is part of a blog circle. The next one in our loop is Valeri Eidson, a Family Photographer in Asheville, NC who wrote about a children session. Please follow our loop of talented photographers from all around the world and their interesting articles.
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