Photography in my opinion is a collection of your memories. There are visual triggers that lead to us being attracted to certain objects and subjects to capture what we individually feel are comforting or thought provoking images. Colour and shapes can help accentuate the feeling and emotions we wish to evoke in a single photo or series of photos to show a narrative.

The Psychology Of Colour

The psychology of color plays a significant role in various aspects of photography, including composition, mood, and visual storytelling. Colors can evoke different emotions, create a sense of harmony or tension, and even influence how viewers perceive and interpret an image. Here are some key aspects to consider regarding the psychology of color in photography:

1. Emotional Impact: Colors have the power to evoke specific emotions and feelings. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow tend to create a sense of energy, excitement, and passion. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple often convey calmness, tranquility, and introspection. Understanding the emotional impact of colors can help photographers elicit specific responses from viewers.

2. Contrast and Visual Hierarchy: Colors can be used to create contrast and establish visual hierarchy within a photograph. Vibrant or saturated colors tend to attract attention and can serve as focal points in an image. On the other hand, muted or desaturated colors can create a more subtle and harmonious atmosphere.

3. Color Harmony: Colors can be combined in various ways to create a harmonious or discordant effect. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the color wheel) can create a strong visual impact and a sense of balance. Analogous colors (adjacent on the color wheel) create a more harmonious and soothing effect. Understanding color relationships can help photographers create visually pleasing compositions.

4. Cultural and Contextual Associations: Colors often carry cultural and contextual associations that can influence how they are perceived. For example, red may symbolize love and passion in Western cultures, while it can signify luck and celebration in some Eastern cultures. Additionally, colors can be associated with specific themes or subjects. For instance, green is often linked to nature and growth, while blue can be connected to water and tranquility.

5. Personal Interpretation: It's important to note that individual experiences, memories, and cultural backgrounds can shape how people perceive and interpret colors. While there are general psychological associations with colors, it's essential to consider the subjective responses of viewers as well.

When incorporating the psychology of color into photography, photographers can experiment with various color palettes, lighting conditions, and post-processing techniques to enhance the emotional impact and visual storytelling of their images. It's crucial to understand the intended message or mood and how different colors can help communicate that effectively to the viewer.

WHITE

1. Purity and Innocence: White is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and innocence. It is commonly used in weddings, christenings, and other ceremonial occasions to represent new beginnings and a clean slate.

2. Simplicity and Minimalism: White is often associated with simplicity and minimalism. It can evoke a sense of clarity, openness, and spaciousness. Many minimalist designs and modern interiors incorporate white to create a sense of calm and tranquility.

3. Perfection and Precision: White is often associated with precision, accuracy, and perfection. In fields such as science, medicine, and technology, white is used to convey a sense of professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.

4. Sterility and Coldness: While white can represent cleanliness and purity, an excessive use of white or a stark white environment can also create a sterile and cold atmosphere. This association is often found in medical settings, where white is used to convey sterility and hygiene.

5. Positive Emotions: White is often associated with positive emotions such as joy, happiness, and hope. It can evoke feelings of lightness, positivity, and optimism.

6. Clarity and Objectivity: White is often associated with clarity and objectivity. It is used in graphic design, data visualization, and presentations to create a clean and clear visual representation of information.

7. Spirituality and Transcendence: In some cultures and religious contexts, white is associated with spirituality, transcendence, and enlightenment. It can symbolize purity of the soul, spiritual awakening, or divine presence.

BLACK

1. Symbolism: Black is often associated with concepts such as darkness, mystery, power, authority, elegance, formality, and sophistication. It can convey a sense of seriousness, control, and intensity.

2. Emotions: Black can evoke different emotional responses depending on the context. It may evoke feelings of strength, resilience, and protection, but it can also be associated with negative emotions such as fear, grief, or sadness. Black is often connected to mourning in many cultures.

3. Individual Interpretations: Personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual preferences can significantly influence how people perceive and respond to the color black. Some individuals may find black to be comforting and reassuring, while others may associate it with negativity or even perceive it as cold and oppressive.

4. Visual Impact: Black is known for its ability to create contrast and enhance the visibility of other colors. It is commonly used to make other elements stand out, such as in graphic design, fashion, and advertising.

5. Context and Associations: The meaning of black can vary depending on the specific context and associations. For example, black is often used to represent authority and power in formal settings, such as black suits worn by professionals. It can also be associated with rebellion and counterculture, as seen in the fashion industry or certain subcultures.

6. Perceptions of Black: In terms of perception, black is the absence of light and color. It can create a sense of depth or emptiness, and it is often associated with silence and stillness.

RED

1. Emotion and Passion: Red is often linked to strong emotions such as love, anger, and excitement. It can elicit feelings of passion, desire, and power. The color is frequently used to symbolize love and romance.

2. Attention and Alertness: Red is a highly stimulating color that grabs attention and stands out in our visual field. It has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum, making it physically more noticeable. As a result, it is commonly used to signal caution, urgency, or importance, such as in warning signs, stop signs, or emergency signals.

3. Energy and Vitality: Red is associated with energy and vigor. It can boost arousal levels, increase heart rate, and stimulate the senses. In some cases, exposure to the color red has been shown to enhance physical performance and improve attention to detail.

4. Aggression and Intensity: Red is also associated with aggression, anger, and dominance. It can evoke feelings of power and assertiveness. In certain contexts, such as sports or competitive environments, the color red has been found to influence competitive behavior and outcomes.

5. Appetite and Food: Red is often used in food branding and advertising due to its potential to stimulate appetite. It has been suggested that the color red can increase hunger and evoke a sense of urgency in relation to food consumption.

6. Symbolism and Cultural Meanings: The meaning and symbolism of red can vary across different cultures and contexts. For example, in Western cultures, red can represent love, passion, and danger. In some Eastern cultures, it symbolizes luck, celebration, and happiness.

GREEN

1. Nature and Harmony: Green is strongly linked to nature, plants, and the environment. It symbolizes growth, freshness, and vitality. Being surrounded by greenery or even looking at the color green can evoke feelings of peace, harmony, and balance.

2. Relaxation and Calmness: Green has a calming effect on the mind and body. It is believed to have a positive impact on stress reduction and can help to create a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Many people find spending time in nature or engaging with green spaces to be rejuvenating.

3. Healing and Renewal: Green is often associated with healing and renewal. It is commonly used in healthcare settings as it is believed to promote a sense of well-being and aid in recovery. The color green can also symbolize new beginnings and a fresh start.

4. Balance and Harmony: Green is considered a harmonizing color that can bring balance and stability to our emotions and thoughts. It is often associated with the heart chakra in spiritual practices, representing love, compassion, and emotional equilibrium.

5. Growth and Renewal: As green is the color of plants and vegetation, it is often linked to growth, fertility, and abundance. It can inspire feelings of hope, optimism, and personal development. Green can be particularly motivating for those seeking progress and change in their lives.

6. Environment and Sustainability: With the increasing awareness of environmental issues, the color green has come to symbolize sustainability, eco-friendliness, and environmental consciousness. It is often used in branding and design to represent companies or products that prioritize environmental responsibility.

BLUE

1. Calming and Relaxing: Blue is often perceived as a soothing and calming color. It has a tranquilizing effect on the mind and can help reduce anxiety and stress. Many people find that being in blue surroundings or looking at the color blue can evoke a sense of serenity and promote a feeling of relaxation.

2. Trust and Security: Blue is often associated with feelings of trust, reliability, and security. It is frequently used in corporate logos and branding to create a sense of dependability and credibility. Blue can also be perceived as a symbol of loyalty and integrity.

3. Productivity and Focus: Blue is thought to stimulate productivity and enhance concentration. It is often recommended for work environments or study spaces as it can promote mental clarity and focus. However, using too much blue in an environment may lead to feelings of coldness or detachment.

4. Intelligence and Confidence: Blue is sometimes associated with intelligence and competence. It is often seen as a professional color and is commonly worn in business settings. People wearing blue attire may be perceived as more confident and capable.

5. Sadness and Melancholy: While blue is generally considered a positive color, it can also evoke feelings of sadness or melancholy. The phrase "feeling blue" is often used to describe a state of sadness or depression. The association of blue with these emotions may be due to cultural or individual factors.

6. Coolness and Serenity: Blue is frequently associated with coolness, such as the color of water or the sky. It can create a sense of spaciousness and openness. Lighter shades of blue are often used in bedrooms or spaces meant for relaxation due to their serene qualities.

PINK

Pink: Pink is often linked to femininity, tenderness, and nurturing. It can evoke feelings of love, compassion, and playfulness. Pink is generally seen as a calming color that promotes relaxation and soothes emotions. It can also represent sweetness and innocence.

YELLOW & ORANGE

Yellow: Yellow is often associated with feelings of happiness, optimism, and warmth. It can stimulate mental activity, creativity, and communication. Yellow can also grab attention and promote a sense of cheerfulness. However, excessive yellow can be overwhelming and may evoke feelings of caution or anxiety.

Orange: Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with enthusiasm, excitement, and warmth. Orange can create a sense of adventure and stimulate social interaction. It can also represent creativity and motivation. However, like yellow, too much orange can become overwhelming.

PURPLE & VIOLET

Violet: Violet is associated with spirituality, imagination, and creativity. It has a soothing and calming effect on the mind and is often linked to introspection and reflection. Violet can symbolize luxury, elegance, and wisdom. It is a color that stimulates the imagination and encourages inspiration.

Purple: Purple is often associated with royalty, power, and luxury. It combines the stability of blue with the energy of red. Purple can evoke feelings of creativity, spirituality, and mystery. It is also linked to introspection and intuition. Purple can be used to promote a sense of luxury or to stimulate artistic endeavors.

BROWN

Brown: Brown is a color often associated with the earth, nature, and reliability. It can evoke a sense of warmth, stability, and comfort. Brown is often seen as a grounding color that promotes a feeling of security. It can also represent simplicity, practicality, and reliability.

The Psychology of Shapes in Photography

The psychology of shapes in photography refers to the study of how different shapes and their characteristics can evoke certain emotions, perceptions, and reactions in viewers. Shapes are fundamental elements of visual composition and can play a significant role in influencing the psychological impact of a photograph. Here are some common shapes and their psychological associations:

It's important to note that the psychological impact of shapes can also be influenced by color, lighting, context, and personal experiences. Different individuals may interpret shapes in photography differently based on their cultural background and individual perceptions. Therefore, understanding the psychology of shapes can help photographers communicate specific emotions or messages effectively, but it's important to consider the overall composition and context of the image.

Circle Shape

No angles means softer or milder. Circles often convey a sense of eternity as they keep looping back to the same point.

Circles: Circles are often associated with unity, harmony, and perfection. They can create a sense of calmness, balance, and continuity. Circles can also evoke feelings of protection and nurturing. In photography, circular shapes can be found in objects like sunsets, full moons, or round architectural elements.

Square & Rectangle Shape

Formed by straight lines and right angles which convey a sense of reliability and security. Feeling of safety and containment.

Squares and Rectangles: Squares and rectangles are associated with stability, order, and rationality. These shapes often convey a sense of reliability, balance, and structure. They can create a feeling of solidity and represent man-made objects or architectural elements.

Triangle Shape

A Polygon with 3 edges and 3 vertices which often depict an ambiance of energy and dynamic shape. Triangles also convey motion and direction.

Triangles: Triangles are dynamic shapes that can convey a sense of tension, energy, and movement. They are often associated with power, strength, and stability. In photography, triangles can be created by converging lines or by composing the image with triangular shapes, leading the viewer's eye towards a focal point.

Natural Shapes

They are more organic and represent elements we can relate to in the natural world such as flora and fauna. These shapes are often formed by angles and points.

Curved Lines: Curved lines are organic and flowing, often associated with grace, softness, and elegance. They can create a sense of tranquility and evoke emotions like calmness and relaxation. In photography, curved lines can be found in natural landscapes, flowing rivers, or the contours of a person's body.

Abstract Shapes

Often shapes that repeat themselves with or without order in a pattern. Sometimes creating order in the chaos or rhythm in the object or subject hard to decipher or contain.

Zigzag Lines: Zigzag lines are dynamic and create a sense of energy, excitement, and action. They can convey a feeling of chaos or instability. Zigzag lines can be used to add a sense of movement or tension in a photograph, capturing the viewer's attention and adding visual interest.

Geometric Patterns: Geometric patterns, such as grids or repeating shapes, can create a sense of order, precision, and efficiency. They often convey a modern and organized aesthetic. Geometric patterns can be found in architectural photography or in man-made structures.