The colors you wear determine how well you look, literally! You can look sickly in some colors, and you may not notice that you do. Have you ever had a day where people kept complimenting you and you didn’t know why? It may have been because you were wearing your true colors, the colors that flatter you and make you come to life! So, when you are getting ready for a photoshoot it is helpful to learn how to find your best neutrals.
I began learning about Color Analysis for my Photoshoot Styling clients. My theory was that if you find the best colors for each individual in the photoshoot and combine those with the best colors for the photoshoot environment, you will get the best images possible (with the right photographer that is!) After a few photoshoots of trying out this theory, and I am so very happy with the results. See below…
You can see all of the results by visiting the Family Stylin Portolio. The colors used in the above images were found by doing a complete color analysis, which includes more than just neutral colors. You can learn more about getting that done on the Services Page. But enough about me! You came here to learn how to find your best neutrals! And I’m going to show you how!
Your Best Neutrals and How to Find them
There are four places on your body that will give you your best neutral colors. (You can do this for each person in the photoshoot.)
- Eyes
- Skin
- Hair
- Lips
Despite what we’ve been told…Pure black, dark browns, bright whites and ivories are not neutrals that are flattering for everyone! People can have either warm, cool or neutral undertones…and those undertones determine what families of colors look best on them. And sometimes the colors we all think of as neutral are not the best choices.
The simplest and most reliable part of your body to use are your eyes. If you take a very close up and clear image of your eyes you can see what your darkest neutral should be in the line around your iris. That is your own personal version of “black”.
The main colors in your eyes, the darkest and lightest colors, will also work as neutral colors for you. To get the exact shade upload the picture of your eyes to your computer and download the ColorPick Eyedropper extension for Google Chrome.
Take the hex number that is given to you there and plug it into this Canva Template. I also included your lip color as a neutral on the template. Take a close up picture of your lips and use the same process to add that color to your palette as well. Boom! You’ve got your own personal palette of neutrals that will work for you every time!
Using the Results of Your Color Analysis for Photoshoots
When I am styling a client I use a similar process to what you are doing here. I use the results of the full color analysis to compare with the colors that are best suited for the environment the shoot is happening in. Together, I get the absolute best range of colors to choose from that make everything blend and compliment each other. The clothing compliments the person and the environment, so that your eye isn’t distracted from what the focus should be in the photo, your faces! There’s a quick tutorial on the Family Stylin Instagram that shows you how to pick the best colors for your environment. Check it out!
If you don’t get a Color Analysis Done
If you don’t have the time to get a Color Analysis completed to find the range of colors you should choose from, you can use the shortcut above help you to choose a few good neutrals for you.
Take those neutrals you found and keep them with you when shopping for your outfits. Make sure to compare the colors directly with the clothing options, either online or in person. It is difficult to completely remember just the right tone of each color, so it’s best to directly compare.
Resources to prepare for Photoshoots
I hope you found this tutorial helpful and that your photoshoot goes well! If you need some help choosing outfits or styling your fam for photoshoots check out the Family Stylin Facebook Group or Pinterest for more resources. And if you would like some extra help please don’t hesitate to contact me!