Color in photography can have a profound impact on your photo. It’s not new that color can evoke emotion and even a sense of time. When you think of Valentines Day what color do you think of? When you think of Easter what colors do you think of? When you think of Christmas what colors do you think of? When you want to convey happiness you probably think of brighter colors. When you think of cool, calming emotions you probably think of maybe something blue. When you think of peacefulness, serenity maybe some greens pop in your mind.
I love including color in my photography! I’m just selective in how and where I introduce color to create the best expression in the photo. Because sometimes color can be too distracting and instead of adding value to a photograph, it pulls focus away from what really matters in the photo.
Within the scheme of color you have ‘pops of color’ within the photo. For example, an all white backdrop with the subject wearing a pop of color. You then have a photo where the whole image was turned black and white.
I love, love, love a classic black and white photo. I find with black and white it strips away all non-essential details in the photo and you just focus on the subject, the tones within the frame.
Let’s look at some examples!
This photo was taken in our bedroom. Three of the four walls in our bedroom are white with this back wall a light blue. As you can see in the photo to the left, the wall is blue, Max is wearing grey, I’m wearing a pattern white robe, Victoria is in pink, etc., The photo to the right is the same photo but post-processed as black and white. I prefer the black and white edit because it strips the photo down to the core more - us. In the photo to the left there is color not necessarily super clashing but it’s not complimenting each other and it doesn’t give a harmonious vibe.
Next example! This photo was taken at Christmas time. I personally prefer the color edit because the ambiance, the color adds to the feeling I want to achieve in the photo.
In my home, if I’m seasonally decorating I will print color for my walls but generally throughout the year I prefer to print black and white. It looks timeless and I don’t have to worry about colors clashing with each other or other pieces in my home. I also just love black and white. This is why I also deliver my galleries to clients in black and white as well as color.
A part of me would love to be a strict black and white photographer because I think it looks so timeless and classic but I love color. Color can elevate a portrait, portray a feeling, make the expression of the photo.
Kelowna Family Photographer
I’m a Kelowna Family Photographer. My mission to you is to document your motherhood and create treasurable memories for yourself and your kids. To get in touch about all things motherhood and family photography head to my contact page!