ExpertPhotography
  • Articles
  • My Learning
  • Store
  • About
  • Contact
  • Photo Quiz
ExpertPhotography

Learn Photography
  • Quick Capture Cheat Sheets
  • Photography for Beginners
  • Intuitive Composition
  • Show more...
  • Effortless Editing With Lightroom
  • Epic Landscape Editing
  • The Preset Collection
  • Show more...
  • The Magical Photography Spellbook
  • Dreamy Childhood Portraits
  • The Creative Photography Cookbook
  • Show more...
  • Simply Stunning Landscapes
  • Infinite Exposures
  • Milky Way Mastery
  • Show more...
  • Products In Focus
  • Fairytale Portraits
  • Organic Marketing for Photographers
  • Show more...
Need Help?
Contact UsCookie PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use
Connect

ExpertPhotography is part of several affiliate sales networks. This means we may receive a commission if you purchase something by clicking on one of our links.

ExpertPhotography is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Expert Photography © 2011-2024. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy Terms of Use

Beginner PhotographyCreative Photography Projects

How to Use a Triadic Colors Scheme in Photography

Joris Hermans
by Joris Hermans
Last updated: 04/04/2025-4 min read
ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little money. Need more info? See how it all works here.

Using color theory can definitely help to improve your photography. If you want to take your photos to the next level, start using analogous or triadic colors.
In this article, I’ll explain what triadic colors are and how to use them.

Triadic Colors: What Is Color Theory?

Color theory is a collection of rules and guidelines. It describes the use of color in art and design and it was developed a long time ago.
Artists, designers, and photographers still use it today because it works.
It all starts with the famous color wheel that shows the relationship between colors. From there, it’s easy to learn about analogous and triadic colors.
Even knowing the basics will improve your photography.
the famous color wheel that shows the relationship between colors
You should already know about composition, lighting, and exposure. Add color theory to your photographic tool kit and you’ll make better photos.

What Are Triadic Colors?

Just like analogous colors, triadic colors are easily identified using the color wheel. A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.
For example, the three primary colors form a triadic color scheme: red, yellow, and blue.
A triadic color scheme uses every fourth color, leaving three colors between each. You can use all three colors in a photo but also a combination of two will work.
The difficult part is to find them when photographing.

A brown butterfly perched on a pink flower using triadic colors
© Pixabay

Why Use Triadic Colors

Analogous colors make a photo look soothing and calming but triadic colors look uplifting and vibrant. They create more contrast in your photos but still look pleasing to the eye.
A triadic color scheme looks harmonious and balanced if you know how to use it in your photos.
And even though triadic colors look more uplifting and vibrant, they won’t draw away attention from the subject in your photo. It’s a great way to pull the viewer in.

How to Use Triadic Colors in Photography

To use a triadic color scheme properly, the colors should be in careful balance. One color is dominant, while the other two colors support.
Balance is something you should create in every photo and the best way to learn is by practicing and looking at the work of famous photographers.

Bright and airy photo of vegetables on a plate using triad colors
© Pixabay

While it’s easy to find analogous colors in nature, it’s not the case for triadic colors. It’s possible to find them in nature but you have to pay attention to details.
It’s easier to find triadic color schemes in the man-made world. Because designers, architects, and other artists also use triadic colors, they’re easier to spot in architecture or painted objects for example.
That’s why you’ll see triadic color schemes a lot in street photography. The best way to start is to pick a triadic color scheme, memorize it and head out to the street.
Start by looking for two colors and then step up to three.
Aerial photo of red, yellow and blue scooters parked beside each other - triadic color scheme

Make Triadic Colors Work With Your Composition and Lighting

Using a triadic color scheme will help you but it’s not a magical solution to make great photos. Photography is about composition, lighting, and vision.
You have to learn to combine everything you’ve learned and only then you’ll be able to make great photographs.
So, even if you find a triadic color scheme, it’s up to you to place every element in the frame. The goal is to find balance.

Colorful outdoor cafe and chairs using triadic colors
© Pixabay

Conclusion

Finding a triadic color scheme is more challenging than finding analogous colors. That also means it’s very rewarding when you do find a scene with perfectly balanced triadic colors.
Learning how the color wheel and the basics of color theory work, will definitely make you a better photographer.
Use these color schemes to your advantage but don’t forget about your own creativity. They’re just guidelines and shouldn’t be used all the time without thinking.

P31 [Lead gen] sidebar banner Related ebook
P31 [Lead gen] Sidebar Banner
P31 [Lead Gen] Sidebar Banner 2+

Popular Content

7 Impressive Impressionist Photography Tips You Should Try

Read Article