Using Color Palettes in Photography

Color is beautiful, color is powerful. The greatest photographers have complete control of the use of color in their images. This great video walks you through many examples of their work and shows off just what an important tool it is.

The restrictive and selective use of color is a nuanced thing that when mastered can give you a remarkable level of control of the viewer's attention and the overall mood and focus of an image. I'll be the first to admit that I sometimes don't consider my palette as much as I should, but every time I see the work of such greeats as shown in the video above, I'm reinspired to do so. I think Forbes' characterization of complementary colors being analogous to black and white is particularly apt; it highlights their contrasting (in the light, not complementary sense of the word) nature and underscores how one can attain a directness of communication typically reserved for monochromatic representation (think street photography or portraiture). I totally recommend taking 15 minutes to watch the video and let the slideshow of gorgeous work wash over you. If you have any images that focus on the use of color, please share them in the comments! 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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4 Comments

I really wanted to watch this but just can't watch this particular guy. His constantly roaming eyes and expressions get on my last nerve. What is he looking at!? Is there any way to get the transcript?

Close your eyes maybe :D

I agree but once you get past that, it's a worthwhile video as most of it is him commenting on photos (just hear his voice).

Well... Okay. I'll try. :-(