How to Take a Picture of the Bo-Kaap District

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In my ongoing “How to Photograph” series, we’ll take a look at the Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town.

At first glance, this photo of the side of the building looks pretty simple and nothing seems special about it. Some may call it boring. I think it’s artsy, different and fun. Maybe I’m the only one. But today’s lesson is less about this photo, but a quick lesson in color.

How I Took it (With my Canon Rebel xTi)

• One of the most obvious things you notice it that this photo is nothing but two colors: Blue and Orange. Remember the color wheel from elementary art class? Primary colors (Red, Blue, Yellow) are directly opposite secondary colors (Green, Orange, Purple) on the wheel. An easy way to make a striking visual contrast in your photos is to juxtapose the Primary/Secondary color pairs. It’s a simple trick to make your photos stronger. Those pairs are are:
  • Blue/Orange
  • Yellow/Purple
  • Red/ Green
• Zooming in close provides a lot of texture.
• I also like how the vertical line is not quite vertical, but also slightly off-balance.
• Finally, most people will take lots of photos of the colored houses in this brightly painted Cape Town neighborhood, but a photo like this is unique and tells a story that your standard photo does not.

What do you think?

Share your best travel photos!

On my Facebook Fan Page I’ve created a photo album with these photos and links to their tips. If you have any great travel photos, upload them to the “Your Best Travel Photos Album” and share how you took them in the notes field!

I’ll see you out there..!

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