In the eye of Ivanoh: the art of composing an image with bright colors

A monochrome image punctuated with bright colors can be visually very appealing. By incorporating a subject that is not the same color, this contrast in tone will stand out and attract our eye to the element we wish to highlight.

The fires ravaging the Los Angeles region have monopolized the news this week. The images from California are simply terrifying. The neighborhood Pacific Palisades was particularly affected by the fires.

The visual impact of the image which oversees this text is immediate. The force of the winds is palpable. The black particles through the red, orange flames, out of control, immediately strike our imagination.

In the foreground, a panel with the inscription Sunset Boulevard stands out. He survived the flames. The color contrast between the small panel and the flames is effective.

We understand that the mythical Sunset Boulevard was razed by the flames.

In Austria, President Alexander Van der Bellen has given the green light to the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), Herbert Kickl, to try to form a new coalition.

The photo of the politician was taken at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The man’s position is intriguing. Between two red signs, he leaves the scene. The subject dressed in a blue outfit stands out perfectly from the red mass in the background.

In addition, the opening of the door being a third of the way helps to obtain a well-balanced photo. The little golden handle conveys to us the information that it is a door.

Impossible not to look towards the politician.

The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. A devotee smokes a pipe during this famous Hindu pilgrimage which took place this year in the holy city of Prayagraj, India.

In itself, there is nothing spectacular about man’s action. Let’s add green lighting to the subject and suddenly the image piques our curiosity. The vibrancy of the fluorescent color is unusual and does all the work.

The black outline of the main subject and the movement created by the smoke emanating from the pipe accentuate the strength of this photo.

If this image doesn’t grab your attention, nothing will.

Brown leather benches. This is the monochrome background that photographer Andrew Harnik chose. Then, he waited for politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to fill the frame with her suit… in mauve color!

The visual impact is immediate. The difference in tone between monotone brown and mauve is perfect. Ironically, the handbag is barely noticeable, being the exact same color as the bench seats. The politician’s facial expression is also well done.

This photo is probably not a coincidence. Photographer Andrew Harnik has been a White House correspondent since 2015, he knows the places like the back of his hand. I strongly suspect that the photographer noticed the color of the jacket and anticipated the outcome of his photo.

Funeral ceremonies were held in the Atlanta area to honor former United States President Jimmy Carter. The Democrat died on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100.

A lady dressed all in red holds a frame with a photo of the deceased. Her sartorial elegance highlights the decorum of the event. An important, informative element.

The positions of the hands and arms are almost identical. This detail harmonizes the image and directs our gaze towards the center. The black and white frame stands out admirably against the vivid scarlet background.

Once again, mission accomplished. Our eyes have no choice but to focus on the ex-president.

The wink of the week

This photo was taken at the beginning of the week, at dawn, in the Sorel region, Quebec. From the St. Lawrence River, we can see liners heading towards Montreal.

The bluish coloring caused by the sunrise visually envelops the outline of the boats. The light from the slightly yellowish lighthouses helps to better define the merchant ships.

A color image that is dark, moreover bluish, can advantageously be compared to the monochrome effect of a beautiful black and white image. It’s an interesting aesthetic choice for any discerning photographer.

Photo enthusiasts, be careful, because the blue hour doesn’t last long… Fifteen minutes later, this image no longer exists.