How to use complementary colours in photography

Complementary colours are those that are opposite each other in the colour wheel. If you use them together they have the effect of making each other “pop”. Each colour will look brighter and more saturated than if you mix them with non-complementary colours.

Image: Annie Spratt, Unsplash, with permission

The next time you have the option to place your yellow subject next to something blue, or use a palette of reds and greens rather than reds and purples, try it. Pick any colour on the colour wheel and then try and find something that’s the colour of the colour opposite to set the subject against.