The colors you chose to wear in your photography session can make a difference in the outcome of your pictures. Often people select their clothing colors based on the season or a popular color scheme; HOWEVER, the palette of colors that compliments YOU is the best place to start when selecting clothing colors for your photography session!

UNTERTONE:

First, you'll want to discern your undertone which is the subtle color beneath the surface of your skin that affects your overall hue. Your undertone is either COOL, WARM, OR NEUTRAL. Do a quick web search for UNDERTONES to find an image of the undertone color chart. There are also articles regarding how to identify your skin's undertone. If your skin gives off a more pink look, then you are most likely COOL. If your skin leans more yellow, then you are most likely WARM.

I have a pink undertone which is COOL.

CONTRAST:

Next, you'll want to discern your level of contrast. This is the contrast between your hair, skin, eyebrows, and lips. High contrast would involve a stark difference between light and dark tones. Low contrast amongst your facial features would be closer in tone. Medium contrast is in between hight and low. Again, search for a few articles and images regarding contrast in color analysis.

I have a MEDIUM level of contrast with brown hair, fair skin, light eyes, and light lip tone.

SEASON:

And finally, you will discern your season. The internet is full of fun charts which display the different color palettes of the different seasons. I took a test which analyzed my coloring and the results indicated that I am a COOL/TRUE SUMMER. When I wear the colors of this palette, my face has more color, my eyes are a brighter color, and I look awake with a vibrant skin tone. When I wear colors that are opposed to my season, I look washed out and tired and do not like the way I look. Sometimes I wear colors that are a little bit out of my season and I have found that I can use these colors with just a little extra make-up and a pumped-up hair style. But when I wear colors that I should avoid, I am not happy with the way I look.

Once you know your undertone and your contrast level, you should be able to determine whether you are a WINTER/SUMMER, which are the two COOL seasons; or, SPRING/FALL which are the two WARM seasons. WINTER is cool and deep/dark, while SUMMER is cool and light or soft. SPRING is warm and bright, while FALL is warm and deep/dark.

Send me a picture of you and your family members and I will help you generate a good list of some clothing color combinations that would look great for your session!

xoxo, Gwen