Evoking a certain mood or emotion through color is key to the art of photography. To use color effectively in your photos, it’s important to understand how it impacts mood and perception.
In photography, people often view colors as either warm or cool. It’s true that photos tend to lean one way or the other, but color psychology is much more nuanced than that. To learn how color impacts mood in photography, it’s important to understand <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/resource/color-theory-photography-tips/">color theory</a>, color psychology, and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.
<h2>Basics of Color Theory</h2>
Before you can use color to set the mood of a photo, you first need to understand it. Color theory is quite simple. Essentially, color theory is a <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/resource/color-theory-photography-tips/">collection of guidelines</a> about how color should be used in art. Color has the job of effectively communicating the message of a piece of work visually and psychologically.
Much of color theory in modern times is based on Isaac Newton’s color wheel. The color wheel breaks down colors into primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (colors created by mixing primary colors), and tertiary colors (mixing primary and secondary colors).
These colors can then be combined to form one of five main color schemes:
<ul>
<li>Complementary (two colors that are directly opposite each other on the wheel),</li>
<li>Analogous (at least two, but no more than five colors located next to each other on the color wheel),</li>
<li>Split complementary (any color combined with the two colors on each side of its complement),</li>
<li>Triadic (three colors that are equal distance from each other on the wheel), and</li>
<li>Tetradic (two different sets of complementary pairs).</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why Color Psychology Matters</h2>
Color is used very strategically when it comes to work that is meant to persuade. If you eat at a restaurant, oftentimes you will find the color red. In color psychology, red is sometimes said to influence your emotions, making you feel hungry.
Red could also represent energy, intensity, anger, passion, love. Colors and emotions are linked, so it would be remiss not to consider the color scheme of your photos to help you communicate your message.
Let’s take a look at how different colors might impact the <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/photo-story/moody-photography-silhouettes-shadows-drama/">mood of a photograph</a>. It’s important to note that people of different genders might experience different emotions based on the colors they’re viewing.
Cultural background, lived experience, and other personal factors can also influence color perception. This is just speaking in generalities based on some of the <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00368/full">little research</a> that has been done on color psychology.

<h3>Red</h3>
Red is a powerful color that can bring out a variety of emotions in people depending on how it’s used. Red tints or accents in an image can bring out excitement, passion, and energy, and can also trigger anger and other “negative” emotions. Red is a very warm color and can be a powerful tool for evoking emotions as well as symbolism in a photo.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/silhouette-photo-of-man-with-backpack-standing-in-seashore-during-golden-hour-848573/" alt="" data-photo-modal="848573" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/848573/pexels-photo-848573.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/848573/pexels-photo-848573.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/848573/pexels-photo-848573.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Inspiring, peaceful, positive: emotions that this orange sunset might evoke.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@samsilitongajr">TMS Sam</a>
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 <a href="/photo/silhouette-photo-of-man-with-backpack-standing-in-seashore-during-golden-hour-848573/" data-photo-modal="848573"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Orange</h3>
Orange is another energetic color. Imagine how much energy comes from the sun, that big orange-yellow ball of fire up in the sky. Orange tends to feel a little softer than red, a color that exudes happiness but isn’t overwhelming.

<h3>Yellow</h3>
Yellow can represent many emotions, but typically, in moderation, it adds a level of vibrancy, spontaneity, and hope to an image.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/person-walking-between-green-forest-trees-15286/" alt="" data-photo-modal="15286" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/15286/pexels-photo.jpg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/15286/pexels-photo.jpg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/15286/pexels-photo.jpg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Cool-toned green creates a feeling of peace in this forest snapshot.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@luisdelrio">Luis del Río</a>
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 <a href="/photo/person-walking-between-green-forest-trees-15286/" data-photo-modal="15286"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Green</h3>
Green is one of the cooler colors. Green has the power to make a person feel grounded, secure, refreshed, and inspired. While green can be invigorating, it is also a very calming color depending on how it’s used.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/trees-on-mountain-3551227/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3551227" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3551227/pexels-photo-3551227.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3551227/pexels-photo-3551227.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3551227/pexels-photo-3551227.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Different shades of dark blue lend a mysterious feel to this landscape.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@aleksey-kuprikov-1883853">Aleksey Kuprikov</a>
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 <a href="/photo/trees-on-mountain-3551227/" data-photo-modal="3551227"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Blue</h3>
Blue is often associated with a sense of calmness and safety. You can influence the mood of your photos by incorporating lighter or darker blues, depending on what you’re going for.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/woman-walking-in-the-street-during-night-time-1134166/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1134166" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1134166/pexels-photo-1134166.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1134166/pexels-photo-1134166.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1134166/pexels-photo-1134166.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Editing to bring out the purple in this city street makes for a memorable shot.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@apasaric">Aleksandar Pasaric</a>
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 <a href="/photo/woman-walking-in-the-street-during-night-time-1134166/" data-photo-modal="1134166"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Purple</h3>
Adding purples and purple tints into your images can inspire a feeling of creativity or mystery. It can add a richness to your images, as well as a calming feeling depending on the hue.
<h2>The Difference Between Warm And Cool Colors</h2>
Warm and cool colors are just what they sound like: What do you think of when you think of warmth? Heat, sunshine. Warm colors are the reds, yellows, and oranges. If you take photos around golden hour, that nice golden glow is a warm color.
Cool colors are the opposite, encompassing the blues, purples, and greens. There are also neutral color schemes that typically have black, white, brown, or gray shades. Each of these color temperatures can have a major impact on the mood of your photograph.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/aerial-photography-of-green-field-and-road-viewing-mountain-2941985/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2941985" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2941985/pexels-photo-2941985.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2941985/pexels-photo-2941985.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2941985/pexels-photo-2941985.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Dark greens and blues create a wonderfully moody scene.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@pepecaspers">Pepe Caspers</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/aerial-photography-of-green-field-and-road-viewing-mountain-2941985/" data-photo-modal="2941985"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
When creating a “moody” photograph, photographers typically lean towards cooler colors and into the darker neutrals. Cool colors can evoke a sense of wonder, stillness, and introspection. Cooler colors can relate to cooler weather, where you want to bundle up in a pile of blankets and retreat inside. Just like with yoga, cooler colors might be the Yin of yoga, the stillness, the feminine energies.
Warm photographs can inspire a sense of freedom, movement, and the feeling of physical warmth. Warm colors may also represent spontaneity and extroversion. Warmer moods could be associated with masculine energy, the warm Yang to the cooler Yin. Yin and Yang are all about balance, and so is creating a specific mood for your work.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/lucerna-store-3079712/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3079712" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3079712/pexels-photo-3079712.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3079712/pexels-photo-3079712.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3079712/pexels-photo-3079712.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Subtle pops of warm color in a cool-toned photo makes for a compelling effect.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@laup">Paul Lichtblau</a>
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 <a href="/photo/lucerna-store-3079712/" data-photo-modal="3079712"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Tips For Editing Photos To Fit Your Color Scheme</h2>
Sometimes the elements don’t cooperate exactly how we anticipate. Maybe that sunset was buried behind a pillow of clouds that left your photographs cooler than you hoped for. You can use this to your advantage and shift the mood of the photo, or you can use <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/photography/beginner-photo-editing-tips-lightroom/">post-processing</a> to warm your photo up.
When you’re creating photos to fit within a certain color scheme, you first have to decide what color scheme you are aiming for. A little bit of pre-planning can go a long way towards creating an in-camera shot that doesn’t require a ton of post-processing.
You can adjust all kinds of settings for your images depending on what kind of software you use to tailor it to the mood that you are hoping to achieve. There are <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/resource/best-creative-photo-editing-apps/">free editing apps</a> like VSCO that allow you to adjust the temperature, white balance, as well as split-tone where you can add different shade and highlight tints to the photograph.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/aerial-view-of-man-and-woman-walking-beside-the-swimming-pool-4089237/" alt="" data-photo-modal="4089237" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4089237/pexels-photo-4089237.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4089237/pexels-photo-4089237.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/4089237/pexels-photo-4089237.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Enhance the natural colors of an outdoor scene with post-processing.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@katetrifo">Kate Trifo</a>
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 <a href="/photo/aerial-view-of-man-and-woman-walking-beside-the-swimming-pool-4089237/" data-photo-modal="4089237"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
In programs like <a href="https://www.slrlounge.com/3-ways-to-adjust-color-in-photoshop-photoshop-tutorial/">Photoshop</a>, you can adjust everything, but for simplicity’s sake, the more important initial dials will be temperature, hue, saturation, and the levels of the photo.
Although color definitely has a subconscious, as well as a conscious impact on how someone perceives something, there is no one-size-fits-all approach here. When you are creating a mood for your images, you are doing it through your own lens and perspective. Someone else might read your photograph differently than you intended them to, and that’s okay, because art is subjective.
Cover photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/road-dawn-landscape-sunset-9765916/">Simon Hurry</a>.

The psychology of color can have a big impact on your photography. Here's how to use colors to set the mood in your work. 

How Color Sets the Mood in Photography

<h2>
Color theory isn't just for painting. It might sound a bit like a boring memory from elementary school art class, but color theory is a surprisingly fun and simple way to amp up your photography compositions.</h2>
Whether you're shooting at home, in the studio, or anywhere else, there are a few basic concepts from color theory you can use to tell stories and add interest to your photos.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/blue-and-orange-light-projeced-on-left-hand-of-person-87584/" alt="" data-photo-modal="87584" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/87584/pexels-photo-87584.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/87584/pexels-photo-87584.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/87584/pexels-photo-87584.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Where color theory all begins: the rainbow.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@valeriya">Valeria Boltneva</a>
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 <a href="/photo/blue-and-orange-light-projeced-on-left-hand-of-person-87584/" data-photo-modal="87584"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What is color theory, anyway?</h2>
<a href="https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/color-theory">Color theory</a> is a useful way of understanding and thinking about the relationships between colors and how people see them. A solid understanding of the ideas behind color theory can help you use color to maximum impact in your creative work. Color theory is used by visual artists of all kinds, from painters to videographers to many photographers.
First things first: the primary colors. The most typical primary colors, the ones you're probably thinking of, are red, yellow, and blue.
Today we're going to focus on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RYB_color_model">RYB color model</a> as it's the one most commonly used in fine art, but there are other color models out there. Some people prefer to use red, green, and blue as their primary colors, and there the CMYK color model is popular for use in color printing.
The primary colors make us the basis of the color wheel, which then expands out into the secondary and tertiary colors. The color wheel is the basis of all the color theory photography ideas we're going to explore here.
<figure class="image">
 <div class="pexels-image"><img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4460007/pexels-photo-4460007.png?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4460007/pexels-photo-4460007.png?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/4460007/pexels-photo-4460007.png?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x"></div>
 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 The red-yellow-blue color wheel, courtesy of Wikipedia.

 
 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Understanding the color wheel</h2>
If you've ever painted with acrylics, you've seen the color wheel in action when you mix paints together. Combining the primary colors results in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_color">secondary colors</a>: orange, green, and purple.
Then come the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertiary_color">tertiary colors</a>, which are neatly visualized on the color wheel for us. These are made by mixing the secondary colors together, and they include magenta (red and purple), teal (blue and green), and chartreuse (yellow and green).
The color wheel also showcases complementary colors. These are the colors opposite each other on the wheel: for example, yellow and blue.
When mixed together, complementary colors literally cancel each other out—the result is a muddy grey or black shade. But when juxtaposed next to each other, for example in an artfully composed photo, the result is a vivid pop.
To recap, we've got the following color relationships to work with:
<ul>
<li>Primary colors</li>
<li>Secondary colors</li>
<li>Tertiary colors</li>
<li>Complementary colors</li>
</ul>
There's just one more to add: analogous colors. These are the colors that sit next to each other on the wheel and share one color in common. For example, red, orange, and red-orange are analogous colors.
Analogous colors can also create great effects in your photography, although they will tend to feel a bit less dramatic than complementary color schemes, for example. Analogous colors are often found in nature—think of a purple and blue sunset, or red and orange fall leaves.
Now we've covered the essentials of color theory, here's how you can make use of it for incredible photos.
<h2>Color Theory Idea #1: Complementary Colors</h2>
As we talked about above, combining complementary color in a photo is essentially a foolproof way to create a memorable visual effect.
You don't necessarily need very bright colors, or a lot of color, to pull off a complementary color scheme in your shot. The key is the contrast between the two colors.
It's easy to create interest by styling a portrait with complementary colors. But you don't always need to set up these kind of shots. Once you start keeping an eye out for complementary colors, you'll find they occur all over the place, whether you're doing street photography or shooting in nature.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/window-on-pink-wall-2268728/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2268728" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2268728/pexels-photo-2268728.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2268728/pexels-photo-2268728.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2268728/pexels-photo-2268728.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Pink and green always makes for an eye-pleasing combo.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@jeffrey-czum-254391">Jeffrey Czum</a>
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 <a href="/photo/window-on-pink-wall-2268728/" data-photo-modal="2268728"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/woman-in-white-dress-lying-on-red-flower-garden-4243188/" alt="" data-photo-modal="4243188" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4243188/pexels-photo-4243188.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4243188/pexels-photo-4243188.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/4243188/pexels-photo-4243188.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Going big and bold with red and green.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@mariansicko">Marián Šicko</a>
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 <a href="/photo/woman-in-white-dress-lying-on-red-flower-garden-4243188/" data-photo-modal="4243188"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>

<h2>Color Theory Idea #2: Monochrome</h2>
Go all-in on your favorite color for a compelling effect. You might be surprised at how many different colors tend to be in a shot once you try to stick to just one.
Careful editing will definitely be your friend for these photos. The monochrome color effect can be wonderfully minimal or surprisingly complex depending on how many textures and tones of color you incorporate.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/macro-photography-of-water-drops-3394939/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3394939" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3394939/pexels-photo-3394939.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3394939/pexels-photo-3394939.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3394939/pexels-photo-3394939.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Ocean photos allow you to capture all the many shades of blue.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@matheusnatan">Matheus Natan</a>
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 <a href="/photo/macro-photography-of-water-drops-3394939/" data-photo-modal="3394939"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>

<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/hand-of-crop-woman-on-crumpled-bed-sheet-4199730/" alt="" data-photo-modal="4199730" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4199730/pexels-photo-4199730.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4199730/pexels-photo-4199730.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/4199730/pexels-photo-4199730.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 100% pale pink.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@medium-photoclub-2406424">medium photoclub</a>
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 <a href="/photo/hand-of-crop-woman-on-crumpled-bed-sheet-4199730/" data-photo-modal="4199730"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Color Theory Idea #3: Split-Complementary</h2>
For this color scheme, choose a color and its complementary color, and then add the two colors next to the complementary color on the color wheel. Sound confusing? Just check out the examples below.
The split-complementary color scheme still packs a punch, but in a more restrained way than the standard complementary color contrast.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/concrete-buildings-3114350/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3114350" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3114350/pexels-photo-3114350.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3114350/pexels-photo-3114350.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3114350/pexels-photo-3114350.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 The dominant blue and orange in this photo create a complementary effect, but the red-orange created by the shadows really steps things up.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@danial-zainudin-3865839">Danial Zainudin</a>
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 <a href="/photo/concrete-buildings-3114350/" data-photo-modal="3114350"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>

<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/arranged-table-with-chairs-and-plates-near-window-1194234/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1194234" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1194234/pexels-photo-1194234.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1194234/pexels-photo-1194234.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1194234/pexels-photo-1194234.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 There are many colors in this photo, but the deep green offset by pops of orange creates a great effect.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@ben-maxwell-479813">Ben Maxwell</a>
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 <a href="/photo/arranged-table-with-chairs-and-plates-near-window-1194234/" data-photo-modal="1194234"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Color Theory Idea #4: Analogous Colors</h2>
Focus on three colors located next to each other on the color wheel for images that can feel wonderfully weird or nicely harmonic, depending on which colors you choose.
Analogous colors such as red, red-orange, and orange will likely look nicely paired, whereas orange, yellow, and green may feel unexpected. Experiment with these color groupings in your photos and see what kind of unexpected results occur.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/woman-wearing-an-orange-top-standing-beside-pink-wall-2576788/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2576788" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2576788/pexels-photo-2576788.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2576788/pexels-photo-2576788.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2576788/pexels-photo-2576788.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 The warm toned colors here are just right for a portrait with feeling.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@joseluisphottographer">José Luis Photographer</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/woman-wearing-an-orange-top-standing-beside-pink-wall-2576788/" data-photo-modal="2576788"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/landscape-photography-of-blue-commuter-bike-on-green-grass-941253/" alt="" data-photo-modal="941253" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/941253/pexels-photo-941253.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/941253/pexels-photo-941253.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/941253/pexels-photo-941253.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Dark green, lighter green, and blue combine for a thoughtful mood.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@337393">Анна Васильева</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/landscape-photography-of-blue-commuter-bike-on-green-grass-941253/" data-photo-modal="941253"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/white-sedan-during-nighttime-3048526/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3048526" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3048526/pexels-photo-3048526.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3048526/pexels-photo-3048526.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3048526/pexels-photo-3048526.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Noir movie vibes in this analogous color shot.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@apasaric">Aleksandar Pasaric</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/white-sedan-during-nighttime-3048526/" data-photo-modal="3048526"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Color Theory Idea #5: Tetradic Color</h2>
Okay, even the name of this color scheme is a bit intimidating, and it can indeed be a hard one to pull off.
But the concept behind the tetradic color scheme is actually simple. This color scheme is just a combination of two sets of complementary colors—tetradic refers to the four colors used. It's only tricky due to the challenge of finding those colors in a harmonious shot... or styling them yourself in a way that works. Here's some inspiration.
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/blue-sea-under-yellow-sky-2792043/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2792043" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2792043/pexels-photo-2792043.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2792043/pexels-photo-2792043.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2792043/pexels-photo-2792043.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Purple, yellow, blue, and orange come together for a dramatic sunset shot.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@steshkacroes">Steshka Croes</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/blue-sea-under-yellow-sky-2792043/" data-photo-modal="2792043"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/orange-and-white-petaled-flowers-3148500/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3148500" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3148500/pexels-photo-3148500.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3148500/pexels-photo-3148500.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3148500/pexels-photo-3148500.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Flowers are a great subject for tetradic color play. Here, pink meets dark green, and orange and blue add contrast.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@1635837">高子良</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/orange-and-white-petaled-flowers-3148500/" data-photo-modal="3148500"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="image">
 <a href="/photo/low-angle-view-of-building-under-blue-sky-4093855/" alt="" data-photo-modal="4093855" class="pexels-image">
 <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4093855/pexels-photo-4093855.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/4093855/pexels-photo-4093855.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/4093855/pexels-photo-4093855.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

 <figcaption class="image-caption">
 Red and green meets orange and blue for a beautifully colorful, crisp photo.

 
 Photo by <a href="/@elina-araja-1743227">Elīna Arāja</a>
 ·
 <a href="/photo/low-angle-view-of-building-under-blue-sky-4093855/" data-photo-modal="4093855"> View Photo </a>


 </figcaption>
</figure>
Cover photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-concrete-building-3828744/">Vlad Shu</a>.

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