My latest experiment in taking better pictures involved an intentional color scheme. I figured that if I’m going to go to the trouble to stage pictures I might as well take time to pick a color palette for the photos, just as I would for a painting or any other art project. 

For everyday snapshots, of course,  there isn’t time for color considerations.  However, when taking pictures with the intent to print and include them in a record of some kind (a baby album, for example), then it’s worth some extra planning. 

My first color scheme  was as simple as it could possibly be.  I decided to take some shots intentionally including the  primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.  

I dressed mister tiny tot in blue and gave him a red bowl and a yellow spoon to play with.  The color scheme was in place!

I took over 100 photos while said tot played with the water hose.  As you may already know, the water hose is a never-ending source of wonder and delight for small children.  This little model was completely entertained for an hour, all the while dispensing some much needed moisture on my parched patch of ground.

I noticed right away that the color scheme was going to make a difference.  Imagine if I would’ve given him a pink bowl,  a white plastic spoon, and dressed him in khaki.  I don’t think the results would’ve been as visually appealing. 

The first 6 photos below do NOT have all 3 primary colors in them. They are nice pictures,  but compare them with the 6 that DO include the three colors and you’ll see a big difference.  I did anyway.

Now here are the pictures with the three primary colors included.  They are much more eye-catching to me.   

 The color scheme really makes these pictures pop!  When there is a color plan from the beginning, I think the photographs turn out more appealing overall.

  This one’s my favorite.