Colour Theory

From Academia to "Gut Feel"
Unlike painters, most photographs have little if any training in colour theory. This is a pity, since unless one understands the physiological as well as psychological basis of formal colour theory it's hard to understand why some photographs work and some don't, except on a "gut feel" basis.
I find it remarkable, but over the years I have never seen a comprehensive article in any photographic magazine about colour theory. A thorough search of the web has also come up short.  Since most landscape, nature and wildlife photographers work in colour it is important we understand the underpinnings of our art.
This is not a simple topic. It intertwines the physics of light, thephysiology of visionand our psychological perceptions. With this essay I hope to assist you in appreciating why we see colour the way we do and what can be done to improve our photography using this knowledge.
I've used coloured text wherever the name of a colour is used. After some initial...