The Art of Color: Why We Work in Color Palettes

When preparing for a color portrait session, our clients often ask, "What about our clothing? We don't know what to wear." Coordinating clothing colors is one of the most important decisions, as it influences the portrait's mood, lighting, and overall style aesthetic.

We created these thoughtfully curated color palettes to help us explain our thoughts to our clients and simplify what is often a painful and confusing process. But what exactly are these palettes, and why do they matter?

What is a Color Palette?

A color palette isn’t just a random collection of colors—it’s a deliberate choice of colors that work together to create harmony and flatter our clients. Each palette influences everything from the emotions conveyed in the portrait to the lighting and set design. 

For instance, a Baroque Color Palette creates a rich, deep and classic feel, while the Monochromatic Color Palette can evoke a quiet and peaceful warmth.

Why Do We Work in Color Palettes?

Choosing a color palette simplifies the process and experience for our clients and elevates the final portrait. Here's how:

1. Cohesion and Harmony

Selecting colors from a pre-designed palette ensures that everything in your portrait works together beautifully. The lighting, the set, and your clothing will all complement each other, resulting in a cohesive look. This helps avoid any color clashes that could detract from the visual impact of the portrait.

2. Lighting 

Each of our three color palettes dictates many other factors, such as the lighting, the set, the desired expressions, and the mood. By working with a set palette, we can control the outcome.

3. Styling Made Simple

With our curated palettes, selecting the wardrobe becomes effortless. The colors chosen for each palette are carefully considered to look great on their own and when paired with others in the portrait. This means less stress for our clients and better results for us.

Our Signature Palettes

Whether you prefer classic tones or something more vibrant, there’s a palette for everyone. Each one has its own mood, personality, and artistic direction.

The Baroque Color Palette—This palette is characterized by simplicity and a sense of theatre. Deep colors, the use of light and shadow for dramatic effect, and specific deep color tones are trademarks of this palette. Black is a main component of this palette.

The Monochromatic Color Palette--This palette is characterized by simplicity, lightness, and delicate colors. The idea here is to bring all attention to the face with every other color falling to second place.

The Classic Color Palette--This palette is characterized by saturated, bolder colors. This palette is usually best with individuals.

We have discovered that by working within our three color palettes, we can ensure that every detail works harmoniously to elevate the final image.

PLUS, it simplifies one of our clients' most complicated subjects and relieves them of the stress of making these clothing decisions.