Page 34 - Cape-Camera-January-February-2021

January/February 2021 Cape Camera

diate cool-tone. The sands reflective nature reflects the magen-
ta – pinkish hues of the twilight sky.
The soft subtle colours of twilight reflected in the dunes show-
case the unique patterns and flow to the dunes themselves. The
combination of the reflected colour on the dunes and the de-
signs become a thing of beauty. So, timing and the type of light
is indispensable when looking to create images that stand out
with impact. Not only is good light a prerequisite, but how its
properties interact with each other is needed. Colour Harmony
is the next necessary component to create successful dune im-
ages.
Placement of light and shadow within the composition allows
more depth and colour harmony to the image. I also used the
S-Curve as a design template.

Composition
Composition is the way lines, shapes, and colours are arranged
in an image. It brings all the creative elements of your picture
together in a compelling fashion. The goal is to avoid a chaotic
composition. The goal is to prevent a design and bring simplic-
ity to the chaos. A good composition aims to create compelling
arrangements that connect with the viewer. Every component
within the frame supports the main subject. Anything that de-
tracts from the image needs to be eliminated from the overall
scene.
Always starts with a preconceived idea. Although the elements
might be different, they complement one another to create the
story. Organizing the details ahead of time allows you to break
it down to the simplest terms. When it comes to composition,
simple and organized is always the best course of action. It
Colour Harmony tells a story that makes sense to the viewer and leaves a lasting
Colour harmony is one subject that often gets overlooked when impression. The human mind craves structure and order, and
it comes to creating stunning dune images. Colour Harmony are when elements are connected, it gives the image purpose and
two colours that face directly across from each other on the col- direction. Visualize the items in a way that articulates your story.
our wheel. Colour theory and properties are essential to under- Creativity is so important when arranging the details.
stand to become a better photographer. Based on colour, an im-
age stimulates the senses or becomes forgettable. Each colour
in an image has a relationship to one another. The arrangement
of those colours dictates how the image is perceived.
When framing the dunes, I look for a balance of complementary
colours that evoke a certain mood. When shooting around sun-
rise or sunset, create visual tension by including warm and cool
tones throughout the image. The strategic placement of these
opposing tonalities creates a juxtaposition in contrast. The inter-
action between the colour tones creates depth and dimension.
The cool shades balance the image from being too warm and
thus overwhelming. It’s essential to consider colour harmony for
images that are mostly warm-toned.
Images photographed during the twilight hour have a different
colour palette with mostly cooler tones. These tones range from
pastel pinks to purples. The mood that conveys with twilight
photography is much more subdued. Both are correct colour A few essential concepts should outline how you place a com-
tones when it comes to colour harmony but offer very differ- position. Firstly, balance and weight need to be correct. It is cru-
ent themes. As with warmer toned images, cool-toned images cial to make the main subject clear and dominant. All the other
benefit from incorporating a small number of warmer tones. components should support the central element of the story.
Incorporating a hint of warm tones helps balance the overall Look for parts in the foreground that stand out. Divide your im-
colour mood. Once you understand creative colour theory and age into a series of grids and placing the point of interest where
how the colour properties relate to one another, your images the alliance on the great intersect commands attention and di-
will stand out more. rects the eye away from the centre of the frame, creating a more
When setting up to photograph dunes, I shoot during the magic dynamic composition. With the subject of dunes, I always look
hours of sunrise and sunset. Photographing during this period to include sand ripples in the foreground. They provide strong
allows me to take advantage of the warmer tones. I look to com- leading lines and guide the viewer to the main subject. Gener-
plement the warmer dunes or ripples with the cooler shadows ally, I like to get lower and closer to the foreground to accentu-
within the gaps of light. The peaks of dunes receive the warm ate size and depth.
sunlight, while the backsides receive the shadows. It is essential Dominance within a composition is significant. The human
to balance the amount of colour weight displayed. brain scans a scene, focuses on what it finds attractive, and sub-
33 Cape Town Photographic Society