Colour combinations are set between foreground and background (in photography) or subject and background (in visual arts and interior design) to enhance the layering, highlight the subject, and convey a specific mood or atmosphere. Here are some basic color matching principles and tips:
1.Contrasting color combinations:
Use colors in relative positions on the color wheel to create strong contrasts, such as red and green, blue and orange, yellow and violet, etc. This combination can effectively separate the subject from the background, making the subject more prominent.
2.Complementary color combinations:
Similar to contrasting colors, but more precisely using two completely opposite colors on the color wheel, it creates a strong visual impact and draws the viewer's attention to the subject.
3.Similar color combinations:
Choosing adjacent or similar colors as the background and main colors, such as blue and green, yellow and orange, can create a harmonious and serene effect, and are suitable for expressing a warm or unified theme.
4.Tonal differences:
Make sure that there is enough contrast between the subject color and the background color in terms of brightness and saturation, for example, a dark subject will stand out more in front of a light background, and vice versa.
5.Monochrome matching:
Changing colors over a tonal range, distinguishing the subject from the background through light and dark differences, is a style that is simple and elegant.
6.Black, white and gray background:
Use a colorless background (black, white, gray) to make the subject more colorful. A white background gives a crisp, minimalist feel, while a black background tends to bring a sense of drama and depth.
7.Emotionally oriented:
Colors have emotional meanings, such as red for enthusiasm and vitality, green for nature and calm, and the color of the background and subject is chosen according to the emotion you want to convey.
8.Color Area Ratio:
Even if it is the same color, different effects can be achieved by adjusting the area size of the subject and background. Usually smaller patches of bright colors attract more attention against a large dark background.
When composing photographs, the above color matching can be achieved through on-site lighting adjustment, post-processing, or prop sets. In interior design or visual art, color relationships can be controlled through the choice and layout of elements such as wall paints, furniture decorations, lighting, etc.
Specific to image editing software such as Photoshop, you can further optimize the color relationship between the subject and the background by changing the layer opacity, overlay mode, color balance and other tools.