Colors Affects Mood In A Photograph
May 30th, 2010I want to talk a little about how colors affect mood in a fashion photograph. Oftentimes I see that photographers over look this fact and it is very easy to over look. Your wardrobe stylist should not over look this however, as fashion photographer we must also be aware because ultimately we take the blame and also take the praise no matter what.
Now I’m not talking about the color of the photograph. For example if the photo has a blue tint or a sepia tint or a red tint etc. I am talking about the clothing that your model is going to be wearing for the shoot. I am also talking about the color of the make up, the shades of make up, the colors of the accessories, shoes, scarves, jewelry, earrings etc.
So when you are choosing the clothes and accessories for your shoot you must keep in mind the theme of your shoot and what emotions you want to convey.
For example: the color BLUE = patience, trust and wisdom
Green = calm, soothing, and refreshing
Red = power, strength and passion
Yellow = warmth, happiness, and optimism
Orange = confidence, creativity, and cheerfulness
Black and white = elegant, sophisticated and classic. I think the color gray falls into this category as well 
Look at advertisements you see all around. Take notice of the color scheme in the shot. And if you are using props these guidelines also apply. If you are going to shoot an advertisement for Target Spring collection, you certainly are not going to dress the model in black clothing or shoot the ad on black asphalt under a cloudy ominous sky. Your fashion model will be wearing the colors of Spring which say to the viewer fun, happiness, optimism, cheerfulness.
No, you’re going to shoot with green grass, yellow outfits , orange accessories or vice versa. Maybe some red balloons etc.
If you have an assignment to shoot a famous football player drinking a refreshing sports drink even your lighting scheme comes into play as well as any props. The main colors will be green, Orange and red. Green for the refreshing sports drink, orange for the confidence of the football player and red for the power and strength a football player represents.
These are guidelines not exactly rules. Every situation is different. I just wanted to point out that color scheme plays a huge role in the making of a photograph whether it be an advertisement or an editorial or even a catalog. Don’t over look anything. Remember to observe everything around you and take note of why that photograph works.
Tags: black and white, clothing, color scheme, colors, emotions, fashion model, fashion photographer, lighting scheme, spring collection, warmth
May 30th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
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May 31st, 2010 at 5:57 pm
what about disaturated colors?
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Jason Christopher Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 7:10 pm
What about them ? I need you to be more specific. What are you asking me Antoine >
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June 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
[...] Colors Affects Mood In A Photograph | Fashion Photography Blog:: fashion photography [...]
June 2nd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
[...] Colors Affects Mood In A Photograph | Fashion Photography Blog:: fashion photography [...]
June 6th, 2010 at 6:41 am
That’s so true… I’ve really been paying more attention to my colour palettes and using them to create an entire mood. I actually did a shoot today focusing on the outfits and makeup on the model… what do you think?
http://jennaforjethro.blogspot.com
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Jason Christopher Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hi Jenna, I really like your muted use of colors.
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June 7th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
A very big point again made with super subtle ease.. very good point Jason..
n when you say “look around”.. I did a bit & you are right
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Jason Christopher Reply:
June 7th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Thank you Joey, yes always be observing
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June 17th, 2010 at 2:06 am
Its good to be over-prepared when it comes to photo session, especially pre-visualized the color, theme and layout. Very good reminder Jason
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Jason Christopher Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Vanilla good to see you here man. Thank you for the compliment.
I approach a photo shoot as I would approach making a movie. Everything is taken into consideration. Color tones are an aspect that you just cannot forget about.
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June 18th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I think this is one of the most important things that a photographer must think when planning a shoot…good stuff Jas…as always
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Jason Christopher Reply:
July 1st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Gilly ! I miss you bud. Thank you for the compliment.
Cheers mate !
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August 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 pm
[...] Country Woman [...]
September 21st, 2010 at 2:40 am
Dear Jason
Which software we need to use to retouch(edit) the photos?
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Jason Christopher Reply:
September 21st, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Adobe Photoshop is the most popular and most powerful. There are others such as Adobe Elements and I think Paint Shop Pro, but Photoshop is the industry standard.
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