It’s Complementary My Dear Watson
As I have stated before, I love to photograph a red headed doll in a green dress. I am partial to the redheads in my collection so I enjoy photographing them. Why then do I always seem to gravitate towards dressing them in green? Yes, I like green but there are other reasons at play here.
Most of us learn in grade school art class that there are three primary colors red, blue and yellow. All other colors come from these three primary bases. We also learn that there are complementary colors. These are colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel
In art and graphic design there are many theories about these colors and usage. In photography, it is generally accepted that the use of complementary colors helps intensify colors or makes them more active in your photo. I am simplifying it I know and if you really want to do the research, there are ample reams of info on the internet. My point is, using these complementary colors can help give that extra pop in some of your photos.
Red/Green
Blue/Orange(yellow)
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
It’s a pity that you photographed the green dress + hat in front of a dark background though. Now the hat hardly visible, and the dress doesn’t look tha green. Not meaning to offend you, but since we’re ‘talking’ colours now… It’s just a hint!
February 20, 2013 at 9:01 am
Not offended at all and appreciate the feedback. I did go back and forth on the background with this one..as I talked about in one of the comments in the Gala Dior post. My thinking was that I could use lighting to show some of the detailing in the hat. That hat is so outrageous and out there that it could have eclipsed the entire shot ( if I let it :-)) in my opinion so I chose the background to try and bring the doll out more. Perhaps that wasn’t the right mix for some. Yes the green of the dress is more muted…could have been more vibrant…but I liked how the lighting gave the fabric a richness even though it could appear to some as muted. I am guessing by your name that you are the most fabulous maker of the 1/6 hats that I see over at Doll Divas. If this is true, I can totally understand your position that I have not given the hat it’s due in this shot and you are right. I chose to go with the doll 🙂
February 20, 2013 at 9:21 am
Hi Rebecca..hope you are doing well..We are also red headed lovers over here at our house, I cannot wait to get the Empress of Emeralds doll, she is such a beauty and as always you did a fabu job of photographing her. Not only is it the fact that she is a redhead but I love her extraordinary face and how it is different from most of the Barbies. She does look like a true empress of ancient times especially with her eyes. Now if you remember I am still fairly new to Barbie collecting ( chanel 292 @ BFC ) and do enjoy your blog and pictures so much. Love what you did with Gala Gown Gal she does look to die for and hey, she came to us in yellow so enough said, LOL. Have a Great Day!!
February 22, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Thank you Beth! The Empress of Emeralds picture is actually a Fashion Royalty doll in the E of E Barbie gown and jewelry. Don’t want you to think this is the actual doll and be dissappointed if you buy her and she isn’t what you expected. Hope that makes sense. Anywhoo..yes…big redhead lover here so I am happy to have the company.
March 8, 2013 at 8:48 am
Thanks Rebecca!! I think I was having a duhhhhh moment. I actually do love THE Empress of Emeralds doll, LOLOL. I swear it’s sad but my brain is getting more frazzled everyday!! And love the FR doll also. Your a doll… 🙂
March 8, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Hi there! I have been following your BEAUTIFUL blog for about a year now, after I followed a link from your signature on BC.com. Your photography and styling skills are SUPERB, and your personality really shows in your writing. Keep up the great work! We all enjoy it so much.
-Paleprincess22
February 23, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Awww! Thank you so much Janell for the lovely comment. I am so glad you are enjoying the blog and photos. I am definitely a stream of consciousness writer so what you are reading is in fact…what I say 🙂 I really appreciate the encouragement.
March 8, 2013 at 8:51 am