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COLOR RESEARCH

PRIMARY COLOR

Red, yellow and blue are the three primary colors. These are the only colors that cannot be made by adding or mixing other colors together. Primary colors are used to grab the viewers' eye. Without shading or tinting, these colors are very bright and vivid to the human eye.

RED

ISO400  1/15SEC  f/7.1  31mm

Yellow tends to spur creative thoughts in addition to bringing promise to the future. It is mentally stimulating and jump starts the nervous system. With its strong connection to the sun, its psychological connection suggests good times, happiness, warmth and laughter.  This is also a mural art paint by a Malaysian painter on of the wall in that art fair. 

ISO400  1/25SEC  f/6.3  36mm

YELLOW

Red provides psychological diversity given by the symbol to which it is connected. For example, it could mean notice me, speed, anger or love. This image is actually a mural art on a wall in a art fair in Kuala Lumpur. I found that the art was cute so I decided to take a photo of it. 

Blue causes the body to produce chemicals that are calming. Blue is seen as a trustworthy color. Its most common association is a clear blue sky. The psychological connection is a blue sky day is calm and peaceful therefore it connotes these feelings when viewed. For this color, I took a photo of my friend who coincidentally wore all blue outfit.  

ISO400  1/15SEC  f/7.1  31mm

BLUE

 SECONDARY COLOR

Green, orange and purple are the three secondary colors. These colors are created by combining exactly half of two primary colors to make a new, second color. Each secondary color is directly opposite a primary color on the wheel- is called complementary. Human eyes notice the contrast between "complementary" colors more than other combinations.

Purple is often associated with royalty as it is the color of kings and queens. Along with this concept is the connection to wealth as the kings and queens were rich. Additionally, sophistication is a characteristic of purple. purple can be both uplifting and calming depending on its hue and saturation. This is a photo of a building in Kuala Lumpur. I found this pretty purple building after I ate at the nearest cafe. 

Green is the predominant color in the natural world giving it a refreshing quality. It's a soothing color to view.  With its strong connection to nature, it provides a tranquil psychological impact. I took this photo when I was eating llaollao with my friends. I found that this cup has bright green color that make it look interesting. 

ISO200  1/640SEC  f/7.1  55mm

ISO400  1/100SEC  f/4.5  34mm

GREEN

PURPLE

ORANGE

 Orange tends to stimulate activity and one's appetite. It also connotes a feeling of change. If its hue leans more toward the red side, it creates excitement. If it leans more toward the yellow, it is more tranquil. This image depicts an old building located in Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur. I took this photo when I was at the nearest LRT station.

ISO200  1/200SEC  f/13  55mm

TERTIARY COLOR

Tertiary colors, also known as intermediate colors, are made by mixing either 25/75 or 75/25 combination of primary and secondary colors. Sometimes they are named after the two colors that created them. Sometimes they are called by their own name.

YELLOW GREEN

Yellow and green mix to make yellow-green. Also known as chartreuse, yellow green lies between green and yellow in the color wheel. It is precisely 50% green and 50% yellow. Yellow green is an exciting and vibrant shade that evokes feelings of joy and cheeriness.  

ISO200  1/20SEC  f/14  42mm

BLUE PURPLE

Blue and purple mix to make blue-purple. It can be referred to as violet. Violet evokes the same feelings of intelligence and confidence that blue does. It is also associated with creativity and individuality. 

ISO100  1/1600SEC  f/5.6  55mm

Red and orange mix to make red-orange.  It is bright and exciting and associated with physical energy. It is playful, energetic and engaging. Red orange can also symbolize health and vitality.

RED ORANGE

ISO100  1/100SEC  f/5.6  55mm

RED PURPLE

Purple and red mix to make red-purple. This may also known as magenta.  One of the most fascinating aspects of magenta is the debate over its actual existence. Magenta is known as a color of harmony and balance. It is used in Feng Shui and is often considered spiritual. 

ISO100  1/500SEC  f/4.5  50mm

There is no denying that colors have a strong influence over our emotions. Because of this, it's important to keep the color psychology in mind when shooting a photo, as the hues present in the image can completely change the mood of the scene.

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