Using Color Psychology in Your Photos
I am a bit of a nerd for symbolism, and color psychology is no different! Color psychology refers to how we associate a set of characteristics with specific colors, and how those associations impact our emotions when we see those colors (i.e., if you see the color green, you might think about growth, health, abundance. etc). Using color psychology you can add depth to your photos and tell a cohesive story. I love this concept because it creates some intentionality around your photos- how you style yourself, the environment you use for your session, and what props you might include.
What do the Colors Mean?
Meaning can vary from person to person, and across cultures. However, most color psychology experts agree that these are the most common associations:
Red: intense emotion, passion, strength, courage, excitement, confidence, and masculinity
Orange: optimism, social energy (extroversion), enthusiasm, spontaneity, freedom, bold, and playful
Yellow: creative, new ideas, uplifting, cheerful, warm, knowledgeable, and quick wit
Green: balance, growth, peace, community, femininity, motivational, and healing
Blue: loyalty, integrity, calming, sincere, compassionate, analytical, and sensitive
Purple: fantasy, mystical, dignity, wisdom, luxury, romance, and introspection
How to Use Colors in Your Photos
1) Use Colors In Your Style
The most obvious use of colors for photos is in your clothes. I would select 1-2 colors to include in the outfit choices of your entire family. Avoid overly matching- if everyone is in the same color it looks forced. You can add some dimension by playing with patterns and hues- you can select 1-2 outfits with patterns that incorporate the colors you’d like to use, and plan the other outfits around that.
You might even use colors more subtly, including them in accessories and makeup while keeping everything else more neutral.
A quick note on personal style and color theory: I went down the fashion rabbit hole last year. Fashion is art in its own right, and I spent months studying different style models to understand why certain things look especially flattering for certain people. I learned that everyone can pull off almost every color- that it’s more important to pay attention to the shade and undertones of the color than the color itself. For example, I have a lot of cool undertones so a tomato red might not be as flattering on me, but I can rock a cherry red sweater. I’ll probably write a post breaking down personal style soon, but for now, I recommend looking into seasonal color analysis if you’re curious about which colors might be most flattering for you.
2) Use Colors in Your Background
You don’t have to limit yourself to outfit selection when playing with color. You can include pops of color with props (a colorful blanket, fresh flowers, colorful fruit, and a colorful toy are all great ways to do this). You might also select your location based on the primary color you want to convey. If you want a lot of green, you should book a session outdoors in late spring. If you want your outfits to pop against a neutral background, you can’t go wrong with the First National Bank in Downtown Huntsville. If you want a vibrant orange, you might book a session at the pumpkin patch.
3) Follow the 60-30-10 Rule
This is a design rule, but we can apply it to style or even “set design” when planning your session. With this idea, you will have three colors to work with. Your dominant color will take up 60% of your design. A second color, or texture, will take up 30%, and an accent color will use the remaining 10%. I caution you against using a loud color as your dominant color- in fact you might consider using a neutral for your dominant color for a cleaner look.
An example of this rule in action would be using denim as your dominant color. Everyone’s outfits will have denim- pants, jackets, or overalls. You might opt for texture over color for your secondary color, and use knit fabrics in outfits or props (i.e. a knit blanket). Finally, for your accent color, you might want to go a little bold with a touch of red- red lipstick, red nails, red socks, a cream sweater with a red stripe for one person in your family…you get the idea!
4) Play with Different Hues
Hues are different shades of the same color. If we use blue as an example, Navy is a dark hue (deep/saturated), Cobalt is a bright hue (vibrant/high-intensity), and Powder Blue is a pastel (soft/muted). You can use hues to make a big emotional impact. Dark hues are considered moody and dramatic. Brighter hues are bold and energizing. Pastels are gentle and jovial.
5) Don’t Overlook Neutrals
Neutrals tell their own story, so selecting the right neutral is just as important to your color pallet as selecting your other colors. Neutrals are essential in photography because light neutrals can help bounce light without casting color on your face. It’s why many photographers encourage neutrals when styling clients.
Black: elegant, sophisticated, luxurious, formal, power
Dark Grey: edgy, modern, stoic
Light Grey: hopeful, traditional, glamourous
White: pure, clean, fresh, peaceful, virtuous
Brown: dependable, friendly, natural, grounded
Beige: warm, flexible, cozy, comforting
Check Out These Example
I hope this post gives you some new perspective on how you can enhance your photos with the intentional use of color! Take a look as some of my favorite examples of color psychology in action for inspiration for your next session. As you look through the photos, consider how the colors impact the vibrancy, energy, emotion, and general vibe of the photo.
