The concept of using shapes and colours to create a clear depiction of our imagination fascinates me. Relating to previous projects, I will be exploring how other artists and photographers use colours effectively with the incorporation of geometric shapes. Demonstrating techniques used in both traditional and digital photography to further elaborate on my ideas and exploration of artists and taking influence from modern and contemporary photography. Emphasising the idea that there are multiple ways on how we perceive colours and how we interpret them in pieces of work; It’s fascinating how each colour has its own individuality and personality. Our minds automatically connect on what emotions the colours present from the feeling of warmth to the feeling of fright. 

Through this project I hope to achieve similar results with the understanding of colour theory; producing successful compositional pieces. I will be exploring how Sebastian Magnani effectively uses techniques to create unique compositions; understanding colour placement, spacing and technical skills in editing. Alongside looking at Lynette Jackson, Severino Canepa and Ziqian Liu with their use of minimal yet diverse colour palettes and effective subject placement. 

Sebastian Magnani is an example of capturing vivid colours and further enhancing to push a deeper contrast between colours. He is a Switzerland based photographer and his reflections portfolio incorporates rounded reflections with vivid colours and imagery; having a consistent theme and presentation whilst making each piece distinctly unique. The use of reflections creates this dual landscape scenery focusing on both the land and the sky; forcing the viewer to look at the more textural qualities of the environment. We see more of the beauty in the environment and how differently we perceive them. 

However, Lynette Jackson uses a different approach by instead using blocks of vivid primary colours. Lynette Jackson is an American architectural collage photographer, who creates this interesting collection of modern buildings placed in an organised yet messy style. Combining both traditional contemporary art to architectural photography; heavily influenced by bold colours. She keeps to the theme of using only primary colours but using different tone variations depending on the subject building. The colours resemble something you would see in mid/late 1950s where Pop Art was more prominent in art. The continuous use of pure colour placed in ranging sizes of shapes.  

“Lynette Jackson uses her iPhone to document, design, and publish images of the built environment around her through Instagram. Taking a series of images that zoom deeper and deeper into the nuances of architectural form and space, Jackson’s use of pop-art imagery and graphic tools bring out details that otherwise go unnoticed and creates a narrative about each individual work of architecture that she documents” – Spillman Farmer Architects ‘blog “Speaking of Architecture.” 

Whilst the main subject is presented as black and white, this stylistic choice works well with the overlaying of colours as it creates sections of what used to be a black and white image into a piece that incorporates different coloured views – different views but the same image. 

The colour palette are always primary colours (red, yellow and blue); with shifted tones, vibrancy and saturation. Using digital manipulation and the incorporation of contrasting colours within angular shapes - colour blocking with sharp edges. It changes how we see the piece overall, creating an entirely new perspective on modern architectural buildings.

Colour doesn’t have to be translated only through natural forms or architectural structures, Xavier Portela heavily depends on colour theory to create inspiring and aesthetically well thought out pieces. Focusing on colours through lights, he creates pieces which have varies shapes and tones; focusing on night photography to fully accentuate and deliver his pieces more effectively. Portela is a photographer based in Brussels, beginning his journey as a web designer. His passion for photography and graphical designs is highlighted throughout his works. Having a uniformed and set theme with each of his ‘glow’ series. 

Location is also a main factor in his works, as each city/country has its own colour palette and theme, which makes his works stand out whilst also being organised. The concept of basing each colour/colour palette with a certain area makes his portfolio more unique and aesthetically pleasing, almost having this feeling of satisfaction. 

Portela utilises long exposure to create a much brighter effect with the neon signs and car lights. Focusing his camera on areas of cluttered lights to create this cyberpunk view. Focusing on the theme of colours, each of his pieces incorporates contrasting colours – complementary colours (colours which are directly opposite from each other) to create a dynamic and visually interesting piece. 

“Glow is a collection of cities captured by night where the colours try to activate the brain in order to reproduce the variables you don’t have on a photo, such as temperature, noise, motion,” - Xavier Portela

This photograph is taken from one of his glow collection ‘HONG KONG’ - the series focuses on the hot pinks and cool blue tones. This piece highlights his technique and understanding of colours and editing enhancements - he pink ambient lighting against the blue highlights. The photograph itself as mainly unique factors which makes it different from other long exposure photographs; one being from the use of complementary colours, but also the ability to angle and focus on visually interesting locations/settings. Hong Kong is well neon for its high density of shops and neon lights as it’s the ‘country of technology’; the angling of the camera/tripod makes for a dynamic view of the city streets as it adds more value and shapes. Instead of creating a flat piece Portela understands how to capture the attention of viewers. 

Portela uses long exposure to capture the glowing effect; by using a slow shutter speed of a couple of seconds. This also introduces car trail lights within his works, which further expresses the concept of glowing lights. 

“By playing with light and reflections, Portela continues to strengthen his compositions. This sets his work apart from other urban night photographers, as he continually mixes up visual elements to the delight of viewers.” — JESSICA STEWART, MY MODERN MET 

This is another piece of Xavier Portela, taking from his ‘Kyoto’ glow series. Like the other piece, this concentrates on the lighting – focusing on the colours blue and orange. His pieces incorporates both cool tones and warm tones within his portfolio which creates this sense of balance – the coldness of the blues paired with the warmth of the orange/red tones. 

For this image, it shows a woman eating noodles from a food stall/shack whilst being highlighted various light sources surrounding her. The photograph was taken in one of the night markets and is taking a quite a unique perspective. Rather than concentrating on the city streets he can focus our attention onto the woman; the leading lights trail off into the distance only leaving the food stall to be highlighted – almost light a spotlight. The colours seem to show blue as the highlights and orange as the midtones/shadows - the warm environment/temperature is further translated by the light blue highlights. The different shapes which hold these colours/lights create a sense of depth. And rather than having a full lit piece, only the food stalls emit light whilst the rest is shown to be in complete darkness. 

“Propelled by his vision to articulate and illustrate the various sounds, temperatures, and pulsating electricity of bustling cities, Portela’s images stir the imagination and set stories of intrigue and possibility adrift.” — SONYA HARRIS, PETAPIXEL  

The link between these photographers have highlighted that colours can determine how a piece is viewed; conveying different messages and overall feelings. It’s a tool that can be translated into various forms like natural forms, architectural structures and creating a type of mood in temperature/artificial lighting. The understanding of colour has been present throughout their works. 

In summary, the understanding and application of colour can affect a photographer's work; having the same subject focus but with different temperature and colour can vastly change its meaning and focus. Colour symbolism and pairing of colours is constant factor in pieces of work. Lynette Jackson uses primary colours to create an abstract piece of architectural views, whilst Xavier uses colour to enhance lighting and change the overall atmosphere. Sebastian Magnani incorporates colour within his subjects, from the various flowers or reflections. 

The type of colour can shift how we view a photograph, for instance greens and blues can make a piece seem cold or somewhat saddening compared to if orange or yellow which will create a more bright and joyful environment. Colour theory and the use of complementary or opposing colours can draw the attention to certain parts of a photography - directing the view or pushing away the attention to unwanted areas. Colour is a powerful tool which enhances the overall feel as it can balance out the entire piece as one image can have a variety of emotions with just a shift in colour palette.