Picking Your Color Scheme
I get the same question on almost every planning call “what do you think we should wear?”
A lot of photographers like to send their recommendations based on their businesses’ aesthetic or things that they know work well. These are great, but you need to take those inspirations and customize it. Below are a few of my tips to help you do just that.
1) Begin with the end in mind.
The very first question you should be asking yourself is how will these photos be used? Are you planning new artwork for your home? Are these for your website? Will you be adding these photos to a save the date or senior announcement? Decide where the photos will be used and then consider the corresponding color pallets.
2) Consider your location.
Location and time of year can be a great way to help you choose a color pallet. Will your backdrop be a bright green field? Maybe a woodsy look in the fall with red and orange tones? Are we going to be in a professional or university setting with a lot of brick and concrete neutrals? Consider all of the colors that make up your location. If its near by, you might even visit to see how it really looks or ask me If I’ve photographed anyone there recently.
3) Know your style.
I’m a big advocate for personalizing photoshoots in every way possible. These photos represent YOU! Is there a certain style that you love right now? Is there a color trend that you’re wearing all the time? Steer clear of anything that doesn’t represent your personality or make you feel amazing.
So how do we put these things into practice? First let’s look at color theory.
You can do several things with the color wheel above. First, and probably my favorite, is to go opposite. When I say opposite I mean on the color wheel above. Blue tones are opposite of yellow, magenta opposite of green etc. Here are some examples.
Another thing we can play with is contrast. Adding a light element next to a dark element whether its on your body or contrast from your outfit to your backdrop is a wonderful way to make yourself pop.
My third suggestion is one to be careful with but when it works IT WORKS. Complement your backdrop. Choose articles of clothing that have the same/similar tones to the area you’ll be photographed in.
Finally, remember that there are no set rules to what you should wear. Find clothing that will complement your body and personality and you can always plan in reverse. Find the perfect look and then plan your location based on your style and color pallet.