COLOR WHEEL BASICS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Styling and color coordinating outfits can be one of the most stressful aspects of preparing for a photo session. While I work hand-in-hand with my clients to take the stress out of styling, I also wanted to provide a “how-to color” guide for those of you who want to understand the basics of color theory and why it has such a big impact on the final result.

But before we get into the more complicated stuff, I want to go back to our grade school days, when our understanding of color came from crayons and mixed paint. As youngsters, our teachers probably showed us a color wheel and taught us that there are three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue, and halfway between each pair of primary colors is a secondary color: red + blue = purple, red + yellow = orange, and blue + yellow = green. With me so far, right?

The pattern continues and spawns the tertiary colors. But this time we’re combining a primary color with its neighboring secondary color, and we’re creating hues like violet, teal, and magenta.   

This elementary understanding of color is the bedrock on which we can create stylish color schemes.

PERFECT PALETTES

Color is only one facet of personal style, but it’s importance in photography cannot be overstated. A cohesive color palette can elevate imagery from blah to breathtaking. Lucky for you, there are several ways to find the perfect color combos for your session.

Complementary Schemes

Hues positioned directly across from each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors, meaning out of all the colors, their hues work best with each other. It’s basically opposites attract: red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple. However, not everyone is a fan of the bold color statement that these combinations create.

Analogous Schemes

Analogous color palettes occur when you use two or three continuous hues on the color wheel. For example, if you combine yellow, amber, and orange into the same outfit, you’ve styled it with analogous colors. People who have low contrast between their skin, hair, and eyes (think a pale blonde with light blue eyes) can easily pull off this palette.

Triadic Schemes

Triadic color schemes are combinations of colors that are equal distance from each other on the color wheel: amber, magenta, and teal; orange, purple, and green; red, yellow, and blue; and vermillion, violet, and chartreuse. These colors balance each other and create a harmonious look. 

TINTS & SHADES & WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT

We’ve learned about the color wheel and color schemes, but now we need to discuss the three measurements of color that are key to effective color matching:

• Hue (the actual color)

• Saturation (intensity of color)

• Brightness (the amount of white or black mixed in with the color, aka tint/shade)

Let’s use yellow (the hue) as an example. If you add black, yellow + black = olive. By adding the black, you’ve darkened the yellow, thereby created the shade olive. However, if you add, white, yellow + white = butter yellow. By adding the white, you increased the brightness, and created the tint butter yellow.

By adding black or white, you can develop shades and tints of the various hues, and you can create a really strong look using this concept. 

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Monochrome:

Pick one shade or tint and play with it from head to toe. Black, beige, gray, and white are the easiest to match, but any color will work. To pull it off, you have to be precise in your color matching.

Tonal

If you dig sticking to one hue, but want a bit more flexibility, consider wearing a tonal ensemble. Select a single color and pull together shades and tints of that color. For example, a navy suit, pale blue shirt, and a blue tie. 

Add an accent

Let’s say you like the tonal look but you really want a pop of color. Simply match the saturation and brightness of the new hue to one already existing in your outfit. In the example below, I matched the saturation of the bright blue with the saturation of the greenish-yellow.

Complementary

Remember, complementary schemes pull from colors directly across the color wheel. Here, we’re playing with shades and tints of red and green. Doesn’t seem too bold now, right!

Analogous

Add depth to your styling with an analogous palette. Pick one color to start. That’ll be your base color. Then it’s a simple as picking its neighbors. Traditionally, an analogous palette uses hues at the same saturation level, but don’t be afraid to mix tints and shades to create your look.

Triadic

Add a bit of diversity and balance to your wardrobe with a triadic scheme. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and tints to nail the look. If you use a tint or shade of one hue in the triad, along with two shades or tints of the other two colors, it will make that single color work as a neutral within the palette. Conversely, using one very bright color with paired more muted hues accentuates the single bright hue.

Color inspiration is all around you. Next time you see something that moves you, just take a quick snap with your phone and examine the colors. Play and experiment to create your perfect color palettes.