A simple guide to colour photography

There are four main types of colour that you will come across in photography.Most award winning photos will usually contain only one type of colour.

Contrasting Color:
Two colours that when placed together cause one to dominate the other.The contrasting colour for red is blue and for yellow it's green.

Complimentary Colour:
Two colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel,which when placed next to each other make both appear brighter.The complementary colour for red is green,for blue it's orange,and for yellow it's purple.

Monochromatic:
A photograph taken in shades of only one colour.Not always the realm of black and white but where all colours appear as the same tonal range,think soft lit landscapes,moody window shots,David hamilton nudes etc.Usually seen as neutralcolours,such as browns and greys,very dramatic if used in the right context.

Spot Colour:
A monochromatic picture can be turned into a masterpiece simply by adding a spot colour.Adding a red or yellow spot colour lifts the picture dramatically.