Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

In terms of color, what is the complementary color to blue?

1. Yellow

2. Green

3. Red

4. Purple

The correct answer is: Yellow

The complementary color to blue is yellow. Complementary colors are situated opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a striking contrast when placed together. This relationship stems from color theory, where colors that are not present in each other can enhance and balance one another visually. For blue, when mixed with its complementary color yellow, the result creates a vibrant and dynamic effect, as each color serves to amplify the other. This principle is foundational in various applications such as design, art, and photography, allowing creators to achieve visual harmony or to make elements stand out. The other colors mentioned do not hold the same relationship to blue. Green, for instance, is created by mixing blue and yellow, indicating that it is not a complement but rather an adjacent color. Red and purple also do not fit this complementary role, as they are either high contrast or adjacent on the color wheel without direct opposition to blue. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective use of color in any artistic field.