For most of us, color is an important part of photography. It pays to get a handle on basic color science, and a good starting point is a color wheel. If you pick two colors opposite each other they are sometimes described as complementary but clashing might be better description as the results tend to be somewhere between vivid and garish.
These colors contrast each other and when placed side by side, appear to be more bright and vivid than they really are. This makes them very pleasing to the eye.
Using complementary color schemes is a great way to give the color in your photography a natural pop. Take a look at the image below which makes use of the complimentary colors blue and orange:
Complimentary colors, such as blue and orange, yellow and violet or red and green, tend to stand out and make a lasting impression on the viewer. Many companies use complimentary colors in their logos and branding because of this.
A persons sub-conscious association with something can also be easily influenced through complimentary colors. For example, think about Christmas. What two colors come to mind? That’s right, red and green.
When you’re out and about with your camera, keep your eyes open for complimentary colors. You never know when you might find an amazing photo in something you walk by every day.
