Split complementary colors refer to a color scheme that consists of a base color and the two colors on either side of the base color’s complement on the color wheel. For example, if the base color is red, then the split complements would be yellow-green and blue-green. Split complementary color schemes create vibrant and high-contrast images in photography. The scheme provides more nuance and variety than using straight complementary colors, while still retaining some of the vibrancy of complements. In this article, we will discuss what split complementary colors are, how they are used in photography, and the benefits and tips for utilizing them effectively.
What Are Split Complementary Colors?
The basic complementary color scheme consists of two colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or yellow and purple. Split complements take this a step further by using the two colors adjacent to a color’s complement.
For example:
| Base Color | Complement | Split Complements |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Green | Yellow-Green, Blue-Green |
| Yellow | Purple | Red-Purple, Blue-Purple |
| Blue | Orange | Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange |
As you can see from the table above, the split complements are found by locating the complement of the base color on the color wheel, and then choosing the two colors adjacent to it. This creates a triad of colors that are fairly spaced out from each other.
Using split complements widens the color scheme beyond just opposites on the wheel. The resulting combination provides more nuance and variety compared to using straight complements, while still retaining some of the contrast. Photographers utilize this scheme to add visual interest and vibrancy to images.
Benefits of Split Complements
There are several advantages to using the split complementary scheme in photography:
– Provides vibrancy while avoiding clashing: Straight complementary pairs like red and green can sometimes clash or vibrate when placed side by side. The split complements add a bridge between these opposites for a vibrant look that is less jarring.
– Adds more variety: Having three color families gives you more options to work with rather than just two opposites. This can help photographs feel more nuanced and layered.
– Retains some contrast: While less stark than complements, split complements still provide more contrast than analogous or triadic schemes. This contrast helps elements stand out.
– Provides color balance: Split complements cover a good portion of the color wheel for a balanced distribution. No one color dominates the image.
– Allows for gradient effects: You can visually transition between the split complements gradually for smooth color gradients.
– Works for bold or subtle looks: Depending on saturation and proportions, split complements can be eye-catching and bold or lower in contrast for a subtle effect.
Overall, the split complementary scheme hits a sweet spot between vibrancy, variety, and contrast. Photographers leverage these advantages to create images that pop while still feeling nuanced.
Using Split Complements in Photography
There are no strict rules for implementing split complementary colors, but here are some tips for utilizing them effectively:
– **Choose one color to dominate:** One of the split complements should take prominence as the main color. The other two serve as accents.
– **Watch proportions:** Don’t use the three colors evenly, this can risk clashing or becoming too chaotic. Let one dominate and use the others sparingly.
– **Use lower saturation complements:** Mute down the saturation on the complements so they don’t fight for attention against the dominant hue.
– **Try different ratios:** Experiment with different proportions of the three colors. More variety in one area, less in another creates interest.
– **Transition gradually:** Use gradation between hues rather than abrupt changes for a cohesive look. This helps them complement rather than clash.
– **Be aware of temperature:** Warm colors tend to advance while cool colors recede. Be mindful of how you use temperature with the split complements.
– **Focus on one area:** While the overall image utilizes the scheme, you can focus on one key subject or area that really shows off the color relationship.
– **Watch value contrast:** The distinction between light and dark also greatly impacts contrast. Be aware of value levels in addition to the hues.
With some experimentation, you can discover flattering color balances and proportions. Just remember to choose a clear focal point of the dominant hue.
Example Photographs Using Split Complements
Here are some examples of how photographers leverage split complementary colors to create eye-catching and vibrant images:
Portraiture
For portraiture, split complementary skin tones and background colors can make the subject pop. Here, the dominant warm peach skin tone pops against the blue-green and yellow-green backdrop.
Still Life
This vivid fruit tableau uses split complements of orange, blue-purple and red-purple. The dominant orange draws the eye while the complements provide accents.
Landscape
In this landscape image, a dominant blue sky complements the vibrant yellow and red foliage below. The complements accentuate seasonal change.
Food Photography
For appetizing food photography, complementary colors create mouthwatering contrast. Here, sweet potatoes take center stage against blue-green and yellow-green tones.
As you can see, split complementary colors lend themselves beautifully to all types of photography subjects and situations. The key is choosing a dominant color and then selecting appropriate complements to highlight the focal point.
Tips for Selecting Split Complements
Picking the perfect split complementary colors for your images takes experimentation and an understanding of color relationships. Here are some tips:
– **Identify color theme:** Determine the dominant hue then find attractive complements that accentuate it.
– **Refer to a color wheel:** Use a physical or digital color wheel to identify exact complement relationships.
– **Look for triadic opposites:** Triadic colors that are evenly spaced around the wheel also form attractive split complements.
– **Go for similar temperature:** Complements work best if they share similar temperature (warm or cool).
– **Mind value contrast:** Don’t just consider hue but also how light or dark complements are.
– **Study color theory:** Understanding principles like hue, saturation, temperature etc. helps you pick cohesive complements.
– **Look at color inspiration:** Study complementary palettes you admire from artists, nature, or other imagery.
– **Preview on camera:** Check your camera to see how proposed complements will look together in real life.
– **Take test shots:** Experiment with test shots and review the color balance before doing full shoots.
The most foolproof split complements enhance the central theme of your image. Let this key focus guide your color choices.
Working With Analogous Split Complements
Analogous colors are hues that are adjacent on the color wheel, such as yellow, yellow-green and green. Analogous split complements use an analogous pair along with a color opposite them on the wheel.
For example:
| Base Analogous Pair | Complement | Analogous Split Complements |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow, Yellow-Green | Purple | Yellow, Yellow-Green, Red-Purple |
| Blue, Blue-Green | Orange | Blue, Blue-Green, Red-Orange |
Using an analogous pair creates even more color harmony in a scheme. It allows smooth transitions between the dominant hue and complement. This can help prevent clashing. Just follow the same tips for balance and proportion when utilizing analogous split complements in your photographs. The analogous relationship creates natural cohesion.
How Lighting Impacts Split Complements
The qualities of light in a photograph can significantly impact how colors are rendered and perceived. Here are considerations for lighting and split complements:
– **Time of day:** The warmth of daylight or coolness of twilight impacts color contrast and mood.
– **Cloud cover:** Soft, indirect light from clouds reduces shadow contrast between complements.
– **Direction:** Side lighting can exaggerate split complement contrast compared to diffuse overhead lighting.
– **Intensity:** Harsh, intense lighting increases color saturation and contrast.
– **Temperature:** Complementary colors may skew under very warm or cool lighting conditions.
– **Reflectors:** Bouncing light with a gold reflector warm up skin tones against cool complements
– **Flash:** On-camera flash can throw off color balance and temperature.
Pay attention to how the qualities of light impact the rendition of your chosen split complements. Adjust shooting times or lighting modifiers as needed to get the desired effect.
Post Processing Split Complements
You can also adjust and fine tune your use of split complements during post-processing:
Adjust Color Balance
– Hue: Rotate hues to achieve desired complement relationships.
– Saturation: Boost or mute saturation to increase or decrease contrast.
– Luminance: Lighten or darken values to balance contrast.
Selective Color
– Isolate key hues: Make dominant color and complements “pop” through isolation.
– Desaturate other hues: Removing saturation from non-complements puts focus on key colors.
Gradient Maps
– Reinforce color scheme: Map tonal gradient to color scheme for cohesive effect.
– Darken shadows: Make shadows darker to increase value contrast.
– Brighten highlights: Lighten highlights boosts focus on bright complement colors.
Color Grading
– Temperature: Warm up or cool down temperature to balance complements.
– Tint: Add tint to airbrush desired hue onto image.
– Contrast: Increase contrast in isolated tonal ranges to make colors “pop” more.
Proper post-processing can take your use of split complements to the next level. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate their effects during editing to create maximum impact.
Conclusion
Split complementary color schemes offer photographers a vibrant tool for creating high-impact images. By choosing a dominant color and two complements on either side, you can achieve looks that are lively, nuanced and full of visual interest. Follow principles of balance, proportion and harmony when selecting and applying your palette. With practice, you can learn to see compelling color combinations and use them effectively. Split complements lend color photography dimension beyond singular hues. Let them boost your images from flat to eye-catching works of art.
