The power of colour in photography

If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and “colour speaks louder than words” then colour pictures might scream all day.

The power of colour can create very strong effects! Historically the Egyptians and the Greeks understood colour had power. They may not have had a tech-speak but they know what worked in mood and treatment. We have seen examples of the importance of colour in ancient China and India as well.

Your favourite might be energizing or calming. Using colour theory in practice is a part of alternative medicine called chromotherapy. It is used effectively in advertising. For example, blue is soothing and helps in calming and slowing your heart rate. It also helps reduce anxiety. According to research at the University of Sussex, navy blue is the most relaxing colour in the world. You may agree or disagree. So what colour do you believe relaxes you the most?

Red might bring other emotions.. They’re not all calming! The image above is not a reflective sunset. Instead it might have you run to the fridge for something refreshing. Stimulating–passion–uplifing. Gotta love red! And the green feels like sheltering under a tree and listening to the rain. Part of it but removed. Green is associated with renewal, freshness, clarity and growth. This one was a favourite from before the shutter clicked.

Interestingly, science has shown that forest pictures (full of greens and soft purplish shadow hues), reduce activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (which integrates input from the senses: visual, taste, touch, smell and auditory) and increase comfort and relaxation. That makes sense: nature colours, bright light playing with contrasts as the day passes. The colours that evokes also stimulate smell and touch and memory I’m sure. Add the blues and shades of white water and you’ll understand what I was wishing to accomplish in Woods & Waters: Images to nurture the soul. Perhaps I should say: The power of “forest” in photography or the power of “water.”

I know how the forest speaks to me. And I know, is that I am drawn to colour and it’s patterns. It makes me smile. I’ll just share a few more colour images here because I hope it does that for you too.