Anton Sheker reminds us that colors have emotional significance,
and gives us a breakdown of what colors are significant for
which emotions. We might have an argument about whether his
classification has a universal or cultural specific validity
- but we won't. It enough to make us reflect on how the colors
in how photographs affect our emotional response.
The Relation of Colors and Emotion
in Photography
Color is often overlooked in photography. The colors
in a photo can greatly affect the impact or the emotional
value of the user. Have you ever come across a photograph
with funky color combination with loud backgrounds? Have
you ever noticed that if the colors aren't complimentary
they can give you an eye twisting headache?
Different colors invoke different emotional values and
each value depends in which part of the world you are
in. Some colors have a positive effect and some can convey
some negative emotions. Here are Colors and their perceived
emotional value for your reference.
Red:
Positive: Sense of power, strength, action, passion,
sexuality
Negative: Anger, forcefulness, impulsiveness, impatience, intimidation, conquest,
violence and revenge
Yellow:
Positive: Caution, brightness, intelligence, joy, organization,
Spring time
Negative: Criticism, laziness, or cynicism
Blue:
Positive: Tranquility, love, acceptance, patience, understanding,
cooperation, comfort, loyalty and security
Negative: Fear, coldness, passivity and depression
Orange:
Positive: Steadfastness, courage, confidence, friendliness,
and cheerfulness, warmth, excitement and energy
Negative: Ignorance, inferiority, sluggishness and superiority
Purple:
Positive: Royalty, sophistication, religion
Negative: Bruised or foreboding
A Photo should tell us a story and they should communicate
what the photographer wants to tell us. Logic and emotion
play a big role in our understanding of a photograph
but eventually emotion will win over the logic. Most
of the time, we are purposefully trying to invoke a specific
emotional response that will increase the enjoyment of
our photos. So if given a chance… pick your colors
carefully.
About the author: Anton Sheker is a photographer based
in Philippines. For more home and garden articles visit
his site online at http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious
