Assignment 1: Color as Emotion, Due Feb. 8

Let's begin the semester by thinking about COLOR creatively. Metaphorically, what do colors mean?

Using colored light bulb(s), a tripod, and a digital camera, create a photograph that conveys a specific emotion. Your resulting image can be a scene, a portrait or a still life- your choice. But use only ONE COLOR to light the photograph and make sure the color you choose plays an important part in the emotion you want to evoke. At least one image is due as a RAW file by next week.

List Of Emotions:


Where to Buy colored light bulbs:
Home Depot: 23rd bet 5th/6th
Lighting and Beyond on 14th St

Just Bulbs on 60th St
or try your local hardware store, CVS or dollar store.

Click here for an article on meanings behind specific colors.


Thoughts about Color and Emotion:
Red:
Positive: Sense of power, strength, action, passion, sexuality
Negative: Anger, forcefulness, impulsiveness, impatience, intimidation, conquest, violence and revenge

Yellow:
Positive: Caution, brightness, intelligence, joy, organization, Spring time
Negative: Criticism, laziness, or cynicism

Blue:
Positive: Tranquility, love, acceptance, patience, understanding, cooperation, comfort, loyalty and security
Negative: Fear, coldness, passivity and depression

Orange:
Positive: Steadfastness, courage, confidence, friendliness, and cheerfulness, warmth, excitement and energy
Negative: Ignorance, inferiority, sluggishness and superiority

Purple:
Positive: Royalty, sophistication, religion
Negative: Bruised or foreboding

Green:
Positive: Money, health, food, nature, hope, growth, freshness, soothing, sharing, and responsiveness
Negative: Envy, greed, constriction, guilt, jealousy and disorder

Black:
Positive: Dramatic, classy, committed, serious
Negative: Evil, death, ignorance, coldness

White:
Positive: Pure, fresh, easy, cleanliness or goodness
Negative: Blind, winter, cold, distant

Examples: What role does the color cast in these images play in the meaning of the photo?

Nan Goldin


Robert Mappelthorpe (Piss Christ)


Lynne Cohen


Erwin Olaf


Do subject matter and color play an equal role in the emotion a photograph evokes?