Assignment Three – Colour
The object of this assignment is to demonstrate my understanding and command of colour by photographing and presenting different scenarios in deliberate colour relationships.
The colour relationships shown in this assignment are related to the ‘Colour Circle’ introduced within the coursework (Exercise 25 – Colour relationships).
1. Colour harmony through complementary colours.
1.1 – Vatican City
Picture 1.1 – Orange & Blue
A Swiss guard on duty
Picture 1.1 – Balance
Picture 1.1 – Direction (Orange & Blue)
Picture 1.1
My thoughts when taking this picture
The unmistakable uniform of the Swiss Guard who patrol the Vatican City (founded in 1506). Although the people wearing these uniforms are real soldiers, I cant help but think they are there to entertain the crowd dressed up as jesters, each being able to perform various juggling and circus tricks. My own thoughts of a guards uniform is of our own ‘Royal Guardsmen’ wearing buzzbys and red tunics surrounding Buckingham Palace. With regards to colour and standing out amongst the crowd the Swiss Guard uniform is second to none hence my immediate attraction in wanting to photograph this guard.
How do the colours work
Although there are three main colours in the uniform, the majority is orange and blue which are ‘complimentary.’ The orange and red bring warmth to the coordination and in reverse to this the blue then cools the combination down, the orange and red are positioned on the warm side of the colour circle whilst the blue sits centrally on the opposite side.
Balance & Direction
The balance of this image is biased towards the right due to the way the guard has been framed within the picture, with relevance to the position of the guards head it introduces a tendency to follow his gaze which brings direction to this picture.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 70/200, Speed 160th sec, Aperture f6.3, Focal Length 150mm, ISO 400.
1.2 – The National Arboretum, Westonbirt
Picture 1.2 – Red & Green
A Rhododendron just about to burst into life
Picture 1.2 – Balance
Picture 1.2 – Movement (Red & Green)
Picture 1.2
My thoughts when taking this picture
Westonbirt is a wonderful place to be during early spring, it’s the time when it all starts to gently unfold and transform from the dark mono tones of winter into the brilliance of spring and summer. This Rhododendron is one of many at Westonbirt and its vibrant colour coordination was what initially caught my attention, the red buds have just started to open and at the time of fully open they change from this flame coloured red to a brilliant orange, very striking. It is at this early stage of the buds opening that I wanted to capture the moment as it’s mostly all over in a week or so.
How do the colours work
The tree has three floral colours, its green leaf and then its red and orange flower. During the early stages of each bud opening the vibrant mixture of reds against the back ground of green grass delivers a ‘complimentary’ colour match and at the time of when the buds turn to flower the red buds change to orange. In relation to the colour circle the colour change of orange and green introduces a new instance. This instance is no longer a ‘complimentary’ colour match it becomes a colour ‘contrast’ of approximately one third difference.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image lays slightly heavier to the right. Both picture composure and depth of field emphasise the tree branch coming in from the right which is carrying the focused red bloom. The movement in this picture is in the contours of its shape, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/250th sec, Aperture f5.0, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 100.
1.3 – Knightsbridge London
Picture 1.3 – Orange & Blue
Harrods at night
Picture 1.3 – Balance
Picture 1.3 – Movement (Orange & Blue)
Picture 1.3
My thoughts when taking this picture
A walk around the famous sights of London at night can be very satisfying. This picture of Harrods with its wonderfully light up exterior was taken at the very last moment of daylight. Just before the blue sky totally disappears to the colour of night time I waited for this moment with my camera ready. What made me wait for the opportunity was the sky that day had been almost cloudless and with the event of the lights about to be switched on I walked up and down the street passing time whilst looking for a better vantage point for a shot.
How do the colours work
The main colours in this picture are the orange lights against the dark blue sky, both ‘complimentary.’ But if you run your eye up and down the word SALE our vision is drawn towards to the red as it recognises another colour in the underground sign and the red man on the pedestrian signals. The total amount of red in this picture isn’t enough to alter the complimentary harmony between the orange and blue but it does introduce a colour spot within the image. Due to the overwhelming amount of orange in this picture it presents itself as being very warm.
Balance & Movement
The balance in this picture is off centre and biased to the left. The movement is in the diagonal lines across the front of the building coming from the far right, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/60th sec, Aperture f3.5, Focal Length 31mm, ISO 2000.
1.4 – Buscot Park, Oxfordshire
Picture 1.4 – Yellow & Violet
Autumn Leaves
Picture 1.4 – Balance
Picture 1.4 – Movement_ (Yellow & Violet)
Picture 1.4
My thoughts when taking this picture
This picture came about just prior to a downpour of rain. The striking colour difference between the leaves on the tree against the violet backdrop of cloudy sky was very unusual, the sun was shinning in one part of the sky but the other was swollen with cloud. In capturing this picture I deliberately opened up the aperture as much as possible to defocus the surrounding cloud and concentrated on the sun highlighting the leaves.
How do the colours work
The two main colours shown here are yellow and violet and in relation to the colour circle the two are ‘complimentary’ to each other. There is also a colour accent of orange in the picture which introduces even more warmth to the overall colour balance.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image lays heavier to the right and the main movement in this picture is in the diagonal contour of the tree branch, there is also diagonal movement within the leaves but to keep things simple I have indicated the branch movement with an arrow in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 80/400, Speed 1/800th sec, Aperture f4.5, Focal Length 220mm, ISO 250.
2. Colour harmony through similar colours.
2.1 – Minster Ruins, Oxfordshire
Picture 2.1 – Red & Orange
Life Ring on a public walkway
Picture 2.1 – Balance
Picture 2.1 – Movement (Red & Orange)
Picture 2.1
My thoughts when taking this picture
Whilst out walking recently I noticed a life ring positioned on a local water crossing, I gather its due to all the recent flooding and water we have had recently. Not an image of outstanding beauty but I was attracted to the urgency in the colour red against the surrounding overcast countryside.
How do the colours work
This picture is made up of several colours, some visually cut through harder than others. The picture highlights are the red and orange being ‘harmonious’ which also bring warmth to the image and below is an accent of green ‘complimenting’ the red.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image is mostly central but very slightly to the right due to the railings on the bridge. The movement is in the diagonal of the railings on the bridge there is also the elliptical shape and contours of the circular life ring. I have indicated the basic movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 14/24, Speed 1/60th sec, Aperture f9.0, Focal Length 20mm, ISO 100.
2.2 – Rousham House, Oxfordshire
Picture 2.2 – Purple & Green
Spring floral display
Picture 2.2 – Balance
Picture 2.2 – Movement (Purple & Green)
Picture 2.2
My thoughts when taking this picture
My initial draw towards taking this picture was the impact created from the vibrant Purple set amongst the green backdrop. To enhance this impact I took the picture with a fairly shallow depth of field, bearing in mind that I also wanted to maintain sharpness of the petals for impact which starts to drop off on the rear pointing petal.
How do the colours work
The two main colours in this picture are purple and green both provide ‘harmony’ to each other, they also bring a certain coolness to the image being from opposite sides of the colour circle to those of the warmer colours of yellow, orange and red.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image is mostly central but slightly more to the left. The movement in this picture is in the petal shapes and their contours, please see the smaller duplicated cropped image where I have indicated the movement with arrows.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/160th sec, Aperture f5.6, Focal Length 55mm, ISO 100.
2.3 – Witney Motor Show
Picture 2.3 – Red & Orange
A winged badge from a 1926 Bentley
Picture 2.3 – Balance
Picture 2.3 – Movement (Red & Orange)
Picture 2.3
My thoughts when taking this picture
The famous winged badge and mark of a Bentley motorcar and this particular badge is from a 1926 Le Mans bodied vehicle, I love old cars especially vintage cars and one such mark is Bentley. In the pioneering days of British motor car racing it was W.O.Bentley that developed and introduced aluminium pistons to the internal combustion engine, prior to this all pistons were cast iron. My reason for taking this picture is due to the red background, all badges on early vehicles where once red and are now (nearly) all black.
How do the colours work
Apart from the chrome radiator surround the only colour in this picture is that of the red badge and the reflection of orange from the sun setting behind me when taking the shot. The orange and red are harmonious in colour and bring warmth to the image, on the colour circle both these colours sit side by side and oppose the cooler colours.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image is mostly central and the movement is in the radiator contour and shape of the winged badge, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/4000th sec, Aperture f2.8, Focal Length 55mm, ISO 320.
2.4 – The river Avon, Bath
Picture 2.4 – Green & Blue
A boat mooring location along the river Avon
Picture 2.4 – Balance
Picture 2.4 – Movement & Direction (Green & Blue)
Picture 2.4
My thoughts when taking this picture
This picture was taken of my wife in a pub garden along the banks of the river Avon just outside the city of Bath. It was a glorious day for a bicycle ride and we stopped here for a bite to eat and upon looking in the garden I asked my wife to pose for me whilst I take both her picture and that of the beautiful surrounding trees either side of the river.
How do the colours work
The majority of colour in this picture is green and blue which both provide a harmony to each other, they also bring coolness due to being on the opposite side of the warmer colours of yellow, orange and red amidst the colour circle. My wife’s clothing on the other hand does introduce a colour spot within the image.
Balance, Movement & Direction
This picture is quite unique as it has Balance, Movement & Direction. The balance of the trees in this image are slightly heavier to the right but due to the presence of my wife and with it becoming the focal subject the characteristic of balance changes and introduces more weight making the balance slightly heavier to the left. The movement in this picture is in the diagonals of the distant pathways and the direction is from the angle and gaze from my wife’s head. I have indicated the movement and direction with different coloured arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/40th sec, Aperture f20.0, Focal Length 24mm, ISO 100.
3. Colour contrast through contrasting colours.
3.1 – London Underground, South Kensington Station
Picture 3.1 – Red & Blue
Moving Train, District and Circle lines
Picture 3.1 – Balance
Picture 3.1 – Movement (Blue & Red)
Picture 3.1
My thoughts when taking this picture
Waiting for buses and tubes can be quite boring, especially if the busses and trains that stop and pass are not heading or going in your direction. If I have my camera with me to eliminate the boredom I sometimes photograph trains in motion and in this particular shot I have captures the train just leaving.
How do the colours work
There are three visual colours in this picture, the main two are red and blue the other is yellow. All the colours are approximately one third apart on the colour circle and are classed as ‘contrasting’ colours. The red adds energy and warmth where the blue cools things down whereas the yellow platform stripe adds a diagonal movement of colour.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image lays slightly heavier to the right and the movement is in the diagonal lines. I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/10th sec, Aperture f9.0, Focal Length 24mm, ISO 2000.
3.2 – Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire
Picture 3.2 – Green & Orange
Spring has finally arrived
Picture 3.2 – Balance
Picture 3.2 – Movement (Green & Orange)
Picture 3.2
My thoughts when taking this picture
This brilliant orange flower was photographed at Hidcote Manor Garden, a National Trust house open to the public. My interest came from the orange tones erupting out of this flower.
How do the colours work
The two main colours in this picture are green and orange, each colour is approximately one third apart on the colour circle and both colours are ‘contrasting’ to each other. The orange is on the warm side of the colour circle whilst the green comes from the cool side.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image is very central and the movement is in the contours and shapes of the petals, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/1600th sec, Aperture f4.0, Focal Length 56mm, ISO 400.
3.3 – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Picture 3.3 – Blue, Red, Orange & Green
Roaming Pheasant ……. I HAVE SINCE AMENDED THIS PICTURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH MY TUTORS FEEDBACK, IT WAS RECOMENDED TO CROP THE ORIGINAL IMAGE TO SHOW MORE OF THE COLOUR DETAIL IN THE PHEASANTS MARKINGS
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Picture 3.3 – Balance
Picture 3.3 – Direction (Blue, Red, Orange & Green)
Picture 3.3
My thoughts when taking this picture
A picture taken of a male pheasant within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. A vibrantly colourful bird whose presence is seasonal as most end up served on a dinner plate at country manors. I regularly go for walks within the Blenheim estate and during this time of year there is an abundance of pheasant roaming the pathways, I thought it very topical for this assignment.
How do the colours work
Depending on light conditions, a male pheasant can deliver a rainbow of colour if bright enough. Just considering the pheasants plumage we can see red, blue, green and orange, the orange is the most dominant colour which combined with the red makes the colour balance warm but amidst these two colours is the green and blue which intern cool the colour coordination down. If we now study the complete picture surrounding the pheasant the patchy green grass and shrub beneath a tree bring the colour temperature right down.
Balance & Direction
The balance of this image is biased towards the left as the pheasant has been framed within this part of the picture. The direction is created from the position of the pheasants head, it provokes the viewer to follow the birds directional gaze.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 80/400, Speed 1/400th sec, Aperture f7.1, Focal Length 400mm, ISO 100.
3.4 – Snowshill, Oxfordshire
Picture 3.4 – Violet & Green
Lavender fields
Picture 3.4 – Balance
Picture 3.4 – Movement (Violet & Green)
Picture 3.4
My thoughts when taking this picture
This picture was taken amidst the lavender fields at Snowshill Farm in the Cotswolds. The wonderful fragrance and shades of purple which surrounding this small village on a clear day can be seen from miles away. My thoughts when taking this picture were of the brilliant violet colour against the landscape and to really add scale to the image you can just about see two people in the distance walking along the pathway.
How do the colours work
There are two dominant colours in this photo and each colour is approximately one third apart on the colour circle. Both colours are ‘contrasting’ to each other and both the violet and green sit on the cool side of the colour circle, hence making this picture cool in colour and contrast.
Balance & Movement
The balance in this picture is very slightly off centre and biased to the left. The movement is in the diagonal rows running between the lavender plants coming at you from the far right, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/800th sec, Aperture f9.0, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 1250.
4. Colour accent using any of the above.
4.1 – Buscot & Coleshill Estate
Picture 4.1 – Violet on Green
Early Blue Bells
Picture 4.1 – Balance
Picture 4.1 – Movement (Violet on Green)
Picture 4.1
My thoughts when taking this picture
Coleshill estate is a National Trust area located on the West Oxfordshire border just outside Highworth, Wiltshire. Bluebells are sometimes late or early and at there time of full bloom in about another month, this woodland view with its floral carpet of bluebells is a wonderful sight of nature. My time of visiting was a little early but I did manage to find one flower in bloom.
How do the colours work
Like the picture above there are two colours in this photo, one more dominant than the other. Each colour is approximately one third apart on the colour circle and both colours are ‘contrasting.’ Violet and green sit on the cool half of the colour circle visually making this picture very cool in colour. Due to the dominance of green the violet colours sit like spots on the leafy green plant foliage.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image bears more to the left and the movement is in the bluebell stem, please see the smaller duplicated cropped image where I have indicated the movement with arrows.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/80th sec, Aperture f2.8, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 100.
4.2 – Calbayog, Philippines
Picture 4.2 – Red, Green & Blue
Calbayog Waterfall
Picture 4.2 – Balance
Picture 4.2 – Movement & Direction (Red, Green & Blue)
Picture 4.2
My thoughts when taking this picture
This picture was taken on a recent visit to the Philippines with my wife and whilst out and about on our travels we came across this beauty spot with a waterfall and shallow bathing area were we saw local people bathing and washing their clothes. This picture is a beauty spot on its own but having the local people occupying the area going about their everyday business has really brought this picture alive. It was quite difficult to capture the movement from the waterfall in conjunction with keeping the surrounding people sharp. This was one of my best pictures from the whole trip, whilst out walking a little of the beaten track, we turned a corner and there it was, a picture waiting to be taken.
How do the colours work
The main colours in this picture are that of the water, the stone coloured rocks and the green from the surrounding trees making up the landscape. The varying shades of green from the water and the green in the tree foliage keep the picture cool, the other colours in the image come from the people and their clothing, appearing like coloured dots and fragments. For me it’s the people that give the picture scale and bring the whole scene to life.
Balance, Movement & Direction
This picture has Balance, Movement & Direction. The balance of the trees, waterfall and people in this image make it slightly heavier to the left. The movement in this picture is in the waterfall and the direction comes from the angle and gaze of the peoples heads. I have indicated the movement and direction with different coloured arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/30th sec, Aperture f18.0, Focal Length 24mm, ISO 100.
4.3 – Minster Ruins, Oxfordshire
Picture 4.3 – Yellow on Green
Spring Buttercup
Picture 4.3 – Balance
Picture 4.3 – Movement (Yellow on Green)
Picture 4.3
My thoughts when taking this picture
I took this picture whilst out walking in a meadow and spotted a random copse of buttercups. My immediate thoughts were the way that the tiny yellow buttercup was able to cut through the dominant green pastures.
How do the colours work
Green is the dominant colour in this picture, the colours are next to each other and sit either side of twelve o-clock mark on the colour circle, one is on the warm side the other on the cool side. Due to the dominance of green the yellow sits as a spot on the green foliage.
Balance & Movement
The balance of this image is very slightly to the left and the movement is in the diagonal direction of the blades of grass and contours of the buttercup petals, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 24/70, Speed 1/4000th sec, Aperture f2.8, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 100.
4.4 – Witney Snooker Club
Picture 4.4 – Red on Green
Two remaining reds
Picture 4.4 – Balance
Picture 4.4 – Movement (Red on Green)
Picture 4.4
My thoughts when taking this picture
I took this picture in a local snooker club, the idea came to me whilst laying awake in bed thinking of alternate compositions relevant to this assignment.
How do the colours work
The main colours shown in this image are from the green baize of the snooker table, the polished wooden table edges and the distant surrounding colour tones in the room itself. The dominant colour is the green baize, the red and white balls shown ‘in and out’ of focus represent colour spots sitting on top of the baize and in relation to the colour circle, red and green are ‘complimentary’ to each other and due to the majority of green in this picture it is kept visually cool.
Balance & Movement
The movement in this picture is in the diagonals of the snooker table, I have indicated the movement with arrows in the smaller duplicated cropped image.
Camera, Lens & Settings
Nikon D4 (Full Frame), Lens 85 prime, Speed 1/60th sec, Aperture f1.4, Focal Length 85mm, ISO 250.
My Reflections
Having completed all the exercises and writing up my learning log, once again it has kept me very busy. I have thoroughly enjoyed part three and again it has taught me a great deal more with regards to my previous understanding of colour. I have made two copies of the colour circle, one is currently on my study wall which I look at every time I raise my head the other is a smaller version which I have laminated and bonded to the underside of my kit bag closure flap.
With regards to the colour circle it has opened my eyes to many more scenarios especially when applying colour ratios which in the long term will provide me with better technique and understanding to what I have in the past been achieving. Looking at some of my previous pictures I can see my improvement and the way that this course is changing my photography approach and ideas, I am looking forward to part four of this course.
In relevance to the exercises and this assignment, I have tried to show my photography ability both in the pictures and with my constructive comments below each caption.
Things I have done since my last assignment
- Finally conquer the synchronisation issue I have been having for nearly a year between Speedlights and mains powered flashes.
- Calibrate my Sekonic lightmeter and two current cameras.
- Recalibrate my monitor and printer.
Current Books I am Reading
- The Photograph / Graham Clarke / Oxford History of Art.
- Understanding HDR Photography / David Taylor.
- Sekonic L-758DR manual.
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