Look at our 25 stunning complementary colors examples to set you on the right path.
Pssst – If you are looking for more information behind color theory, see our How to Use Complementary Colors in Photography article.
Complementary Colors Examples: Red and Green
I often hear that red and green is not a pleasing combination. To those who agree with this statement, I would like to show some Christmas decorations. Or a strawberry. Red and green is a common pair in nature. Take a look at red flowers on green grass, apples in a foliage, tropical birds or even a ladybug on a leaf. When you let green take the lion’s share of the image, red becomes a perfect anchor to your point of interest. Our eyes are naturally drawn to bright warm colors. So don’t be afraid to use a spot of red to mark the focus of the viewer’s attention. Yellow is the most visible color from a distance. It is often used to highlight an accent, to present an emergency and cautionary signal. If you need to grab attention fast, use a splash of yellow. It works well with its complementary color, purple. This combination often feels modern and playful. Perfect for experiments with color blocking and fashion photography! Sometimes photographers tend to overdo it a bit. Keep this combination in subdued, darker, less saturated tones. Amber and teal. A fantastic combination, and the most notable one between complementary pairs. Orange and blue have significant emotional weight. This is because both are associated with opposing concepts. Warmth and cold, earth and sky, land and sea, fire and ice. They are very close to ambient light. And tend to harmonise well with human skin. Because of that, an image can look over-processed and too artificial. Check out our article How to Use Color Contrast in Photography: Orange and Blue for more details.
Green and Magenta
Green is everywhere in nature. Usually, photographers use it in analogous color harmonies. They’ll mix green tones with yellows, teals, and blues. But you can combine it with its complementary magenta for an interesting result. These more neutral greens take the background role while magenta steps forward. It also works with colors analogous to magenta. Try different shades of violet and pink for stunning results. Cyan is a lighter shade of blue. It’s close to teal, turquoise, electric blue, aquamarine, and other shades of blue-green. In combination with red, it creates a very intense neon palette. It could be a powerful combination if you need a fresh, modern and energetic look. Remember that red tends to appear as the most saturated color on camera sensors. It’s very easy to blow out. You have to be careful with saturation. I prefer to change red for the less intense pink in combination with cyan. This way photos still look captivating and engaging. But they are a bit more subtle at the same time. This is a lighter variation of orange and teal. I love the combination of a blue background and a bright yellow object. It always reminds me of sunshine and The Simpsons. Images like this always have a happy and cheerful atmosphere. And this combination is great when you want one object to “pop” against a smooth background. Keep the colors clear and simple. No need for more subdued and darker shades. Don’t be afraid to keep it bright and colorful!
Conclusion
Combining complementary colors in the right way can enhance your photos a lot more than you would expect. Look for them in nature, in your surroundings or put them together for eye-pleasing compositions. Check out our Creative Photography Cookbook for incredible still life ideas!
