Colour reflection experiments - a first look at colour theory

Published on Tue May 7, 2024 by David J Colbran
Last Updated on Thu Jul 23, 2026

Colour theory for a photographer

Inspired by some recent colour and reflection experiments when on a holiday in Newcastle, I've had a delve back through my archive and found some nice image contrasts. They are all abstract in their content and its something that got me thinking about colour theory. Something I had heard of, but to be honest never studied it at college or read more in recent times.

In its simplest term, colour theory is made up of three elements; the colour wheel, colour harmony, and the context of how colours are used. But of course, the study encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications - enough to fill books - indeed there are dozens! And I have a lot to learn.

The basis for the primary rules that surround colour are its use in creating aesthetically pleasing visuals. So, its something I am looking back through the archive, selecting some images and publishing a few here and across my Instagram.

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Author: David J Colbran