Matching Colours Coincidence Within a Frame
RICKY GUI . 4 MINUTES READING TIME . UPDATE 18 NOV 2025
In photography, a "matching colours coincidence" refers to a powerful compositional technique, often serendipitous, where similar or identical colors visually link otherwise unrelated elements in an image. This creates a compelling sense of unity, harmony, and connectedness within the frame.
(1) 50mm, f/5, 1/250, ISO 200, Sunny weather
Workers seen painting the facade in white, the logo in red and the business signage in black. Later I realized the colors are in alignment.
Composition impact
Visual unity and harmony: When colors are repeated throughout an image, it helps merge different components together, leading to a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing picture.
Directing the eye: Color matches may create a visual path, guiding the viewer's eye through the frame and ensuring they notice key elements. For instance, a green bus facade might lead the eye to a green signage in the background. (3)
Enhancing juxtaposition: In street photography, these coincidental color links can highlight unexpected or bizarre commonalities, adding an element of surprise or intrigue to the scene.
Evoking emotion: The use of specific color palettes, whether a result of careful planning or a lucky find, can influence the mood and story the photo conveys.
For my style of street photography work, it’s often the unexpected juxtapositions that create the most enchanting images. In my experience, planning every detail rarely works for me. Instead, I make a mental note to revisit a location, but I prefer to shoot naturally and let the scene unfold on its own. I’ve found that this approach often reveals surprising, coincidental colour connections that I only notice later during review.
(2) 140mm, f/8, 1/640, ISO 500, Overcast weather
I was on an elevated view and I was looking far out, then I looked down and I see saw this two men in red short boarding a taxi which is partially the same colour! What other matching color can you see?
Intentional vs coincidental
While some street photographers plan photoshoots around a specific color palette using color theory (e.g., using complementary colors like orange and blue for contrasting effect), "matching colours coincidence" often refers to spontaneous, unplanned moments captured by an observant photographer.
Photographers like the American Stephen Shore have a body of work punctuated by these "miraculous everyday coincidences," where elements like a person's green pants matching their car come together in perfect alignment. This type of photography is sometimes associated with a focus on capturing the "coincidental charisma" of daily life.
(3) 200mm, f/5.6, 1/5000, ISO 500, Sunny weather
Green background signage and green bus alignment, deep red signage name matching the color of the taxi service. I leave the rest for you to spot.
Practical application
If you are new, just picking up photography, and is going on a travel trip. Photographers aiming to capture such moments often:
Study color theory to quickly recognize natural combinations that will work well in a frame.
Look for parallels between the subject and the general setting (colors, shapes, or patterns).
Remain observant and ready to capture spontaneous events where colors align unexpectedly.
For me, move slowly, you don’t need to be in a rush for street shoot. Learn to observe the surroundings, check out the colors, shapes or any patterns that come to your eye.
(4) 100mm, f/4, 1/4000, ISO 500, Sunny weather
A tourist in green pattern blouse happens to be in sync with the flowery tiles
Singapore photograph tours
Join our private photography tour with an open mind. While you may enjoy the shots I’ve captured and want to replicate them — which is awesome — sometimes the weather may not be in our favor. That’s part of the adventure. Whether it’s sunny, overcast, cloudy, or even wet weather, each condition presents unique picture opportunities. With the right mindset and a positive outlook, every journey becomes a rewarding experience.
Our private tours of Chinatown, Marina Bay Sands, and Little India–Kampong Glam are priced at just S$380 for a 3.5-hour journey. For customized tours, please note that transportation costs are not included, though we occasionally take a bus or train to save time. Rest assured, our guides know the streets inside out, so you can focus on your photography without worrying about navigating or pulling out Google Maps.
👉 Ready to capture Singapore through a photographer’s eye? Book your tour today and bring home images you’ll treasure for years to come.
Here I am holding a coconut at Little India
What are the available tours in Singapore?
Customized Private Photography Tour (Day / Night / Both)
Explore your way with a personalized photography tour designed around your interests and schedule. Choose from 6, 8, or 10-hour sessions, and decide whether you’d like to shoot during the day, at night, or both.
Simply mention your preferred duration and start time in your email. We’ll discuss your photography goals, plan your route, and confirm the appointment before booking.
📷 Tour Rates:
6 hours — $650
8 hours — $865
10 hours — $1080
Little India to Kampong Glam Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Little India MRT station, exit C
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Book your Singapore Photography Tour
Marina Bay Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Bayfront MRT station, beside 7-Eleven
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Book your Singapore Photography Tour
Chinatown Private Photography Tour
📍 Meeting point: Outram Park MRT, exit 4
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
A.M. session: 09:00–12:30 hrs
P.M. session: 17:00–20:30 hrs (Late afternoon to night)
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Click here to book your Singapore Photography Tour
Quarry Hiking & Exploration Private Photography Tour (Day)
📍 Meeting point: Hillview MRT, after gantry
🕒 Duration: 3.5 hours
💰 Price: SGD $380
👉 Please email for booking.
All tours does not include transportation and food.
