Discover colour photography online today. Choose from hundreds of vibrant and powerful pieces. Our collection is ever-growing with work from some of the most exciting photographs of today. Not sure where to start? Have a look at our abstract or minimalist colour photography.
History of Colour Photography
Colour photography is referred to photographic media that is capable for reproducing colours. Just like traditional photography, colour photography is a modern medium that has continuously been experimented and developed by artists and photographers to produce some of the most extraordinary pieces of modern artwork.
Throughout the 19th century photographers experimented with different mediums and methods to try and reproduce colour. Whilst many tried to develop the technology, others decided to hand paint colour onto black and white photographs. This method became widely popular with British photographers who travelled around the world and produced skilfully painted ‘postcard’ photographs of countries such as Japan.
In 1903, the Lumière brother invented the Autochrome Lumerie colour photography process, which enabled cameras to produce positive images with colour transparency. Photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz was amongst the first to experiment the process with portraiture and landscape photography. By the 1930s Kodak invented Kodachrome which colour reversal film became widely accessible and affordable. Artists and photographers continued to use the material as their predominant choice for colour photography for over seventy years.
The developments of techniques within colour photography created endless possibilities. Photographers such as Ernst Haas were able to bring the streets of New York to life and portray its vibrancy and energy through his Life series New York (1953). The publishment of Hass’s photography in prestige publications such as Life and Vogue created excitement and recognition for colour photography. Ernest Hass and William Eggleston held colour photography exhibits across America and Europe which gathered critical acclaim and brought the medium into the recognition as fine art photography.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s colour photography became a prized choice for artists and photographers to produce significant photographic series such as Bruce Davidson’s Subway (1986). Davidson’s Subway was credited a crucial moment in colour photography as the colour brought to life images of places and people that would have normally been hidden and hidden in traditional black and white photography.
Colour Photography for Sale on Rise Art
Peter Horvath uses colour photography to create multimedia surrealist pieces of artwork. His series American Century presents the view with nostalgic images of American iconography to reflect the changing position from the ‘American Century’ of the 20th century into today's contemporary world, when the United States hegemony is in decline. Untitled (John F. Kennedy) presents a photograph of former President Kennedy with a piece of his head missing. His portrait is presented in front of the American landscape of the Wild West. Horvath use of old colouring from the iconic images encourages viewers to reflect about the faded ideals of America’s ‘Frontier Spirit’ of adventure, ambition, and strength of the nation’s place in the world.
Lexi Laine creates ethereal underwater colour photography, capturing hauntingly beautiful scenes in clear aquatic environments. Her images evoke otherworldly myths and folklore, often highlighting environmental themes. Laine’s work blends surrealism and realism, producing compelling visual narratives that resonate with art collectors worldwide.
Brooke Shaden’s colour photography explores the depths of human emotion through surreal, dreamlike self-portraits. Known for her conceptual imagery, she crafts scenes that seem to bridge reality and fantasy. Her photographs are rich in symbolism, inviting viewers into a world of mystery and introspection.
David Gilliver showcases his imaginative approach to miniature scenes and vibrant light paintings. His work, often created through long-exposure techniques, features tiny figures in strikingly colourful settings. Gilliver’s playful and thought-provoking photography offers collectors a whimsical yet profound view of human experience.
Find out more in our Guide To Photography.
