How to use color matching correctly in photography.

In this guide, we will briefly introduce the best tone of photos according to TINT's theory. Knowing the basics will immediately turn your composition into a photo. Now, it is easier to create truly amazing images.

Most of us use colors aimlessly in photography. However, once the shadows in the picture are dealt with selectively, pay attention to the colors in the composition.

We will introduce the basics of color theory and show you how to use the color wheel to mix and match colors perfectly. Then, we focus on using colors and different ways to create vibrant and amazing photos.

Bright clothes will come in handy if you decide to practice. They can be very cheap. We first show you how to create a unique portrait appearance by adding bright colors to the main neutral colors.

Then, you can start trying to use complementary colors.

The third step is to create a striking effect by mixing shadows of the same color. Finally, let's talk about taking interesting rainbow photos with different colors.

Last but not least, you will learn how different lighting choices greatly affect color perception in photography.

We may know that color will affect our mood. Using it wisely is a good way to add vitality to photos.

Hint 1: color stroke

The simplest color experiment is to add a shade of bright color instead of the popular neutral component.

In this case, red is flawless. In addition, any warm shade (such as orange or light pink) can be used as the focus.

In the picture, the model's red lips and the same scarf are clearly visible against the black coat and gray wall. The outline of the eyes makes the picture frame lifelike.

Tip 2: Composite Complementary Colors

After mastering the simple usage of a bright color, try to compare two kinds of shadows in portraits.

The easiest way to find two shadows in a photo is to use the color wheel. Opposite colors, such as orange and blue or red and green, often complement each other.

Tip 3: Shadows of the same color

Visual perception of different colors can cause very strong emotional reactions.

For example, red symbolizes passion and danger, and blue symbolizes relaxation and instant peace.

You can deliberately arouse some feelings of the viewer by using several shadows of the same color in the picture. In our example, green is a combination. This has a calming effect.

Select the appropriate white balance.

For the above two portraits, different white balance settings are applied, which greatly affects the change of the photo palette. In the first case, setting BB "tungsten lamp" can lighten the color of the purple dress of the model and add a cool feeling to the portrait. Second, keep the natural light, so as not to affect all kinds of shadows in the photo.

Tip 4: Color conflict

It happens to violate the rules and principles in photography, which will have a very pleasant effect. This also applies to color theory.

Try mixing and matching colors to see the effect. The more experiments you do, the more you can understand what is good and what is bright.

In this portrait, blue walls, green dresses, purple shawls and yellow flowers meet, which should not happen in all photography rules. However, with soft light, you can create a very attractive rainbow effect.

Photographers usually use different color palette presets and automatically get matching shadows.

Tip 5: How does lighting affect color?

In order to use colors effectively, not only the correct shadows are crucial, but also the lighting is very important.

The colors captured in bad sunlight look very different from those captured in dim indoor light. How to perceive color depends on the position of the light source.

In each case, the scarf on the model looks very different.

The use of backlight provides a new choice for the sense of shadow. You can adjust the color to a soft tone and create different contrast effects through side lighting. Moreover, the same principle also applies to artificial lighting and natural lighting.

Putting the sun or other main light directly behind the photographer will show the colors we perceive in real life. That is, all colors are bright and the light is uniform. This is the photo of the rainbow scarf and the model we saw in the photo above.

Backlight is characterized by the position of the light source behind the object. The result is a softer color in the picture. This photo is soft and light, creating a harmonious and romantic impression. The color of the scarf has also softened.

The side light in the picture will produce a strong shadow on the main body, forming a contrast area in the palette. In our photos, the part of the scarf in direct light shows bright colors. But in the shadow, it is much dimmer.