Mastering the Art of Color in Photography: A Visual Treasure Hunt

Uncover stunning color combinations—from urban graffiti to nature’s blooms—and learn the science behind capturing vivid hues.

The colors of the Klose-In Motel sign shown in the middle of the color wheel align with a portion of the colors inside a triangle on the bottom right side. Graphic by Matthew Bamberg

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Color photography, like a game of find and seek, requires careful examination of the environment. Surprises can be found just about anywhere, from graffiti in the inner city to flowers in the natural world.

Knowing color is crucial for photographers to seek out wild combinations of tints, shades, and tones (see graphic below). Color is made by light interacting with objects and our eyes. To measure color in wavelengths requires a prism that bends light. When the prism bends light, the shorter wavelengths (when the waves are close together give you violets and blues. Long wavelengths (when the waves are far apart give you oranges and reds.