Friday, February 02, 2007
LIVING COLOR
I’ve been reading a book on colors. I’m not planning to embark on any painting or redecorating projects; the intension is to hone my skills in the use of colors when composing and photographing certain subjects. Colors, after all, are what we first notice. Certain color combinations can dazzle, soothe, or charm, while others can raise our blood pressure.
For example, hot colors such as red orange and yellow tend to stimulate the brain and raise pulse and respiration rates. The reason is that these colors have the longest wavelengths which require energy to view them. In contrast, cool colors such as blues and greens tend to calm and soothe — even slowing the metabolism. That is because they have the shortest wavelengths and easily enter the eyes.
Last week, I ran into Issa, a classmate at my basic photography workshop, at Fuji/YKL photo print shop. Issa is a Fine Arts graduate and well-versed in the psychology of colors. While waiting for our prints, she gave me an overview of the importance of using red as an accent to any pictorial composition — scarf, hat, flower, or bag.
The book I'm reading underscores her claims. According to Tina Sutton and Bride Wheelan, authors of The Complete Color Harmony, red grabs your attention; making it a popular color in consumer products (Coke) and safety products (fire extinguishers and exit signs).
Furthermore, the reason why the color red is widely used by the fast food industry is because it activates our salivary glands; making us hungry and also straining our eyes so we’re encouraged to eat a lot and leave quickly. Meanwhile, the gaming industry knows that people place larger and riskier bets made under red lights, so they’re often strategically used to illuminate a casino's high-stakes area.
Red also evokes intense emotions. Foremost of which is passion; thus, the prominent color for Valentines, as well as a monicker for districts that cater to the sexually-starved — red light. Red clothing also suggests an extroverted and flirtatious attitude.
Once in New York, I was surprised to discover that my friend and his wife had given their bedroom a complete makeover; getting rid of anything red and repainting the walls and ceiling with a flat dark green color. My friend claimed that the reds (sheets and decorative accessories) caused difficulty with his falling asleep; whereas, dark green exudes warmth and serenity. It wasn't until we were in the bedroom for a few minutes when I began to appreciate the soothing effects of the dark green color. Ah, the psychology of colors!
Incidentally, Manila Bulletin runs a regular photo contest which is open to all photography enthusiasts. The theme of its February-March contest is Red and Green. Contact Ronald Jayne for additional information.
The Complete Color Harmony
By Tina Sutton & Bride M. Whelan
Page One Publishing
Manila Bulletin Picture Perfect Photo Contest
Contact: Ronald Jayme
Telephone: 527-8121 ext. 384
Email: ronald_jayme@yahoo.com
posted by Señor Enrique at 10:13 AM
11 Comments:
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said... Yes, I would not deny that colors do affect the way we feel or see things. It's important to me. Hehe.
Are you planning to join the photography contest?
(:-
said...
Or maybe they got rid of the colour red because it was making them horny, hence the difficulty in falling asleep. :) Ay, ano ba yan?
I got your message and emailed you, but it bounced back. You can email me at this address: garcian82@yahoo.ca. Thanks, in advance. :)-
Señor Enrique said... Yes, I will, Kyels. Our instructors strongly recommend it -- not to expect to win but to get used to getting our works rejected ... hahahaha!
When living in NYC, choosing colors can be so discombobulating at times, that when it comes to clothing, somtimes it's safer to go with just black.-
Señor Enrique said...
IRENE!!! ... hmmmm, on second thought, you might be right! Hahahaha! We never know, right?
Will email it to you now :)-
said...
hola senor, it was only a few days that i was not able to visit your casa, now, i have to catch up with your taho, and ice box, and colors. the more you impress me. one of these days me and my son will join those photography lessons.
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said...
That's quite true, red is such an attention grabbing color. I think it should be true that bulls often get attracted or distracted by red objects, as we are told often. There should be a scientific explanation for that now.
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Señor Enrique said...
Hi Dine!
If you and your son have some free time this weekend, go and check out the photography fair going on at Glorietta's activity center -- PhotoWorld 2007!
Thanks!-
Señor Enrique said...
From what I understand also, Major Tom, wear something red at meetings because supposedly, the bosses tend to remember whatever ideas you throw their way if you happen to be wearing something red. Interesting, huh?
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said...
And as they also say, if you are loveless and looking for love, then red is the color to wear.
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said...
Very informative blog entry eric! Keep it up! ;-)
Orly-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Orly!
I was just over at your site and enjoyed your photographs and what you have to say about various Nikkor lenses.
How come you don't update it as much?
