Some photographs are technically brilliant, but just can’t seem to attract or even hold attention. Then there are some, on the other hand, that seem simple but you can’t stop looking at them. Often, the difference lies in color. Not only can color subtly invite attention, it can be used to create accentuation and even to invoke emotion. Here are a few simple tips for using color to make your photos pop.

1. Use contrast to gain attention.

We all remember the trend a few years ago of coloring a picture black and white, leaving a single object in bright, realistic color. The fact that one item was in color against a monotone background drew the eye to it naturally. You don’t have to be this dramatic (or passé) to get the same effect; you can try creating a contrast between warm and cool colors, or between pastels and brights. The human eye is naturally drawn to contrast, so this can be a very effective technique.

2. Use yellow sparingly.

While yellow is associated with many positive things—spring flowers, sunshine, and other warm, natural objects—it also reflects most of the light and thus tends to tire human eyes when used in large proportions. On the other hand, it grabs the attention, draws the eye in, and serves as a great accent or background color when used with a moderate hand. There is really no tone of yellow that is not dramatic. For a warm color that won’t be overwhelming, consider using red or orange instead.

3. Calm with blue tones.

Blue can communicate a sense of calm and thoughtfulness. This makes it a great choice for nature pictures and certainly explains why you can see it often as a background in portraits. However, there are downsides to this color as well. Darker hues of blue can make viewers depressed, a feeling communicated by many expressions associated with this color such as ‘a case of the blues’. When paired with black, blue can take on a very serious, business-like feeling that may or may not be the mood you are going for. As with all colors, carefully consider the use of blue and the exact hue used.

4. Pastels fill the photo with softness.

Soft, light colors are often associated with infants, but they also can be a great choice for a photograph designed to be soft or sentimental. If used with a diffuser or other softening filter, the effect can be dream-like or even ghost-like, with all shadows reduced to almost nothing. When needed, pastels can reduce the harshness of a subject’s features. Last, light colors create a setting where bright or dark colors really pop, which can help accentuate the subject of your photograph without being overly harsh. Pastels are often used in portraits, but they certainly aren’t limited to this purpose.

5. Fill in unwanted space with neutrals.

Neutral colors such as gray and brown make a space almost invisible to the eye, which can be a real benefit when you want all of the emphasis to fall on the subject at hand. Having neutral tones in a photograph allows you to use bright colors to draw in the eye without being overwhelming or painful. Balance neutrals with bolder colors to avoid being boring or cliché.

6. Work with negative space.

A good photographer knows that it is not just the subject that makes the impact. White is usually the best choice for negative space, although pale grays, ivory tones, and even black also fit the bill. Negative space has a more powerful effect than neutrals, allowing you to use bright colors sparingly while still making a very bold statement. Stark white has a modern feeling, but there are caveats to using it. Remember that large spaces of bright white can be exhausting, and that these effects require considerable thought and special treatment in determining the correct exposure. Carefully consider when and how to use this effect, saving it for times when it will create maximum impact.

7. Create drama with black.

Black is often seen in modern Western culture as a fashionable or even business-like color. However, this color by nature conveys dark and dramatic emotions. Black can add a weighty and emotional feeling that enhances emotional photographs and adds a serious touch to lighthearted ones. Even if you are not using black outright, consider using shadows and silhouettes to add an attractive and realistic level of depth. As with all colors, use sparingly for best effect.

8. Combine red with other tones.

Red is a color best not used on its own—consider the popular phrase ‘seeing red’. It makes people feel aggressive, which is usually not the intended effect of a photograph. However, it has a very real purpose in photography. Using a pop of red against a cool background can warm an otherwise cold picture. White and red is a combination usually associated with romance, while black and red are more sophisticated and contemporary. Consider also the hue of red; a muted burgundy creates different emotions than a bold, Crayola red.

9. Go green.

Green is not just the color of ecological movements; it also is a calm and peaceful color that stimulates without overwhelming. Green is the color of all things natural: forest, grassy knolls, and rolling hills. It makes a calming background. Because red is opposite green on the color wheel, green makes a perfect background for red and yellow objects, helping them to achieve maximum impact without overwhelming. Using green in photographs with heavy shadowing and dark spaces lessons the creepy feeling that these effects can sometimes have.

10. Use color purposefully.

This is truly the heart of photography and great art, making every element important. Whatever the message you are trying to convey, build your shots with a sense of purpose, carefully considering what every element contributes to the beauty and meaning of the whole. This is the difference between professional photography and Polaroids, and is truly the hallmark of an authentic professional.