Color Theory for Photographers

Does it matter what colors we use in our photographs? If we are taking natural photos of our subjects do we have any control over the colors in them? Is it okay to manipulate the colors in an image? Is there a line between photography and art?
In this session we will explore the ways that humans perceive color, what color combinations work well together and the emotional responses we tend to have as a result.

Please consider entering our Digital Competition - The theme is Dramatic Lighting - Subject enhanced by back, above, below or side lighting. See below for more information.

About Thomas Yackley: Thomas is a nature photographer, workshop leader, and digital artist. Digital photo painting, compositing, and multiple exposure are among his favorite techniques. The natural world is a major theme in his images. Besides shooting landscapes and wildlife, Tom enjoys teaching photography and post-processing techniques and leading workshops in the Smoky Mountains and in Cypress swamps with business partner Ben Ayling (www.naturephotoworkshops.com). Tom is a member of Georgia Nature Photographers Association, Southeastern Photographic Society, North American Nature Photographers Association, and Professional Photographers of America. He is a frequent presenter for GNPA chapter meetings and other photo clubs. His award-winning photos have been displayed in galleries throughout the United States. He has over thirty years high school music teaching experience and a dozen years teaching photography. His photo work is available at www.thomasyackley.com. In addition to visual art, Tom and his wife, Robin are Co-Artistic Directors of the Alpharetta Community Chorus and lead the Park Place Social Singers. Tom conducted the Alpharetta Community Chorus in Carnegie Hall in June, 2024.

Please note:

• This month’s meeting will be in-person, at our regular meeting location, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta at 2650 N. Druid Hills Road, NE.
• The presentation may be recorded and made available after the meeting. If recorded, the recording will be posted as soon as possible after the meeting, and a link will be emailed to all SPS members.
• This month’s competition is DIGITAL, and the theme is “Dramatic Lighting.” By entering the monthly competition, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback about your image from a professional photographer.
• Entries are limited to TWO per paid member - one Color and one B&W.
• Please see competition rules for more information.
• The deadline for submissions is 9:00 PM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
• Competition entries are to be sized appropriately, and files are to be re-named using the SPS naming convention: Firstname Lastname - Title of Image.
• Photos must have been taken within 48 months of the competition date.
• All are welcome for the presentation, but competition entries will be limited to paid SPS members only.
• Digital entries are to be uploaded to the links below:
• Black & White images: SPS Black & White Monthly Submissions
• Color images: SPS Color Monthly Submissions

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SPS has three standing meetings each month for its members and guests. The First Friday meeting features a guest speaker and a members’ image competition. While competition entries at these monthly meetings are restricted to current dues-paying members, we ALWAYS welcome visitors interested in photography to attend. The Learnshops (Fourth Tuesdays) and Coffee & Critique (Second Saturdays) are intended for members, but again, we welcome visitors. If you attend regularly, we ask that you help support the club (which pays for the rental of the facilities, supplies and equipment) by becoming a member!
Signing up on the SPS Meetup page does not make you an SPS member. SPS members pay dues to engage in many activities that are unavailable to guests who only sign up on the SPS MeetUp.

To find out more about SPS, visit:
www.spsatlanta.org

To become a member, visit:
www.join.spsatlanta.org