Choosing the Right Backdrop Color for Portraits
When taking portraits, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right backdrop color. The color of the backdrop can dramatically affect how the subject looks in the photo. The right backdrop color can make the subject pop, while the wrong color can cause them to blend in or look washed out. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a portrait backdrop color.
Complementary Colors
Using complementary colors – colors opposite each other on the color wheel – is a great way to make your subject stand out from the background. When placed next to each other, complementary colors create high contrast, which draws the eye to the subject. Some examples of complementary color combinations that work well for portraits include:
– Orange and blue
– Red and green
– Purple and yellow
A vibrant orange backdrop will make a subject with blue clothing stand out. A green backdrop can make someone dressed in red really pop. Complementary colors are striking and eye-catching. Just be wary of using complements that are too bright or saturated – slightly muted shades usually work best for portraits.
Harmonious Colors
While high contrast complementary colors can be effective, sometimes a lower contrast, harmonious color scheme is more flattering. Harmonious colors are located right next to each other on the color wheel. They create gentle, soothing combinations. Some examples of harmonious color pairings suitable for portraits include:
– Blue and blue-green
– Yellow and yellow-orange
– Red and red-violet
Harmonious colors work well for portraits because they don’t compete with the subject. A harmonious backdrop color complements the subject’s skin tones, hair and clothing without clashing. Think muted, earthy tones and soft pastels when selecting a harmonious backdrop color for portraits.
Continuous Tones
Rather than blocking areas of color, you can use a continuous spectrum of analogous colors as a portrait backdrop. Analogous colors sit directly next to each other on the color wheel. This creates a subtle gradient that keeps the focus on your subject.
Some examples of analogous color combinations that work for portrait backdrops include:
– Blue, blue-violet, violet
– Yellow-orange, orange, red-orange
– Yellow, yellow-green, green
The continuous tone backdrop looks more natural and creates less contrast with the subject. It also adds visual interest compared to a flat, single color backdrop.
Neutral Colors
Don’t underestimate the power of a neutral colored backdrop for portraits. Sometimes black, white, gray or beige is all you need to create an elegant, timeless look. Neutrals work especially well for corporate or business portraits. The neutral backdrop keeps the emphasis on the person rather than distracting colors.
Just be aware that pure white and pure black can look very stark and harsh, especially for close-up portraits. Using softer shades like dove gray and beige can be more flattering for subjects. Seamless paper backdrops are available in a wide range of neutral tones.
Consider Skin Tone
The subject’s skin tone should be taken into account when selecting a portrait backdrop color. Certain colors can accentuate skin imperfections or cast an unflattering tone onto the skin. Here are some tips for choosing backdrop colors based on skin tone:
| Skin Tone | Flattering Backdrop Colors | Unflattering Backdrop Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Fair | Soft blues, mauves | Strong reds, oranges |
| Medium | Emerald greens, rose pinks | Yellows, bright whites |
| Olive | Light blues, taupe | Bright purple, lime green |
| Dark | Light peach, gray | Light pastels, black |
As a general rule, avoid selecting a backdrop color that is similar to the subject’s skin tone. Contrast is needed to make the subject stand out.
Hair Color
The subject’s hair color is another consideration when selecting a portrait backdrop color. You want to avoid backdrop colors that blend in too closely with the hair color. Some examples:
– Redheads look best against cool blue or green backdrops. Avoid warm reds and oranges that compete with the hair.
– Blondes stand out nicely against darker colors like charcoal, navy and emerald. Avoid pale backdrops that wash them out.
– Brunettes can pair nicely with most colors, but avoid others in the brown / beige family.
– Gray and white hair looks distinguished against black or other dark neutral backdrops which provide contrast.
In general, move 2-3 colors away from the subject’s hair color on the color wheel for best results. This creates enough separation between hair and background.
Clothing and Styling
The color and styling of the subject’s clothing, jewelry, glasses, makeup and other personal effects should always inform the backdrop decision. While you want some contrast between clothing and backdrop, you want to avoid colors that fight with each other. The portrait subject’s personal coloring should be synergistic with the backdrop color.
For example, placing a subject in a bright fuschia blouse against a kelly green backdrop could look jarring. But pairing that fuschia blouse with a deep wine backdrop creates a sophisticated, appealing color scheme.
Also consider textures, patterns and shapes when coordinating the subject’s styling with the backdrop. For instance, a subject in an organic textured sweater would suit a mottled textured backdrop vs. a flat, seamless one.
Mood and Emotion
Beyond flattering the subject’s colors, the portrait backdrop color should match the overall mood and emotional tone of the image. Certain colors inherently communicate certain feelings. Use backdrop colors to reinforce the emotions you want to convey through the portrait.
| Backdrop Color | Mood |
|---|---|
| Black | Powerful, mysterious |
| White | Clean, pure, innocent |
| Red | Passionate, energetic |
| Pink | Sweet, romantic |
| Orange | Playful, whimsical |
| Yellow | Happy, cheerful |
| Green | Natural, tranquil |
| Blue | Trustworthy, stable |
| Purple | Creative, wise |
Using color psychology can take your portraits to the next level by enhancing the overall feeling and message of the image. Just make sure the backdrop color suits the subject’s personality too.
Limit Color Combinations
While we’ve discussed many options for backdrop colors, in general you’ll want to stick with 1-2 colors for most portraits. Don’t go overboard mixing and matching multiple backdrop colors in one setting.
A portrait backdrop with more than 2-3 colors starts to look busy and distracting. Stick with a single color, or pairs of complementary, analogous or triadic colors for best results. Keep the color scheme simple and streamlined.
Keep it Consistent
When shooting a series of portraits for one client or subject, consistency is key. The backdrop colors should be cohesive across the entire shoot. Don’t randomly change up the colors for each shot.
Maintaining a consistent backdrop color or palette gives the portraits a polished, professional look when displayed together. The subjects will really pop against the coordinated backdrop colors.
Just be mindful of outfit changes – you may need to tweak the backdrop colors for certain outfits to maintain harmony. But in general, keep the backdrop color consistent across the session.
Conduct Test Shots
Prior to an important portrait shoot, it’s wise to do some test shots against various backdrops colors. This allows you to see first-hand how the subject looks against potential colors.
Evaluating test shots of the subject against several different backdrops takes the guesswork out of deciding on colors. You can immediately see which colors are most flattering and impactful.
Test shots also help you avoid disastrous color combinations that don’t work together. Spend some time experimenting with backdrop colors using test shots before committing to one for the real shoot.
Lighting Effects
Keep in mind that lighting conditions also affect how backdrop colors appear in portraits. The same green backdrop will look different in warm daylight vs. cool studio lighting.
Do some test shots under the actual lighting you’ll be using for the portraits. Colors often need to be brighter and richer under studio lighting conditions to look vivid. Outdoor lighting usually renders colors more naturally.
Also consider whether you’ll need to color correct or calibrate your camera. The portrait backdrop colors may not come through accurately if your camera settings aren’t properly balanced. Do a test run and tweak as needed.
Printing and Display Considerations
If you’ll be printing the portraits, test your backdrop colors using the actual printer, paper and inks you’ll be using for the final prints. Colors can shift quite a bit from monitor to print output.
You also need to factor in the environment where the portraits will be displayed. A color that pops on a computer screen may get drowned out on the wall of a brightly lit office. Or a subtle gray that’s elegant in a gallery may look dreary in a hospital room.
Always consider the end use for optimal decision making on backdrop color. Do proofs under the actual display conditions if possible.
Using Natural Locations
While this article focuses on selecting artificial backdrop colors, also consider using natural outdoor locations for portraits. Nature provides gorgeous colors, patterns and textures.
Places like parks, gardens, forests and beaches make fantastic portrait backdrops. Just pay attention to how colors in the natural setting complement your subject. Watch for distracting combinations or colors that make the subject visually disappear into the background.
Using Neutral Backdrops
The “non-color” backdrops like white, black and gray provide an elegant, timeless look for portraits. They keep the emphasis on the person rather than a loud backdrop. Neutral colors are also extremely versatile. Almost any subject will look great against a classic neutral tone.
Black and white portrait studio backgrounds have been used forever for good reason. The neutral tone focuses the attention fully on the face, expressions and subtle colors of clothing and styling.
Just make sure your subject has enough separation from a black backdrop to avoid looking like a floating head! Increase lighting on the person or move them slightly away from very dark backgrounds.
If black feels too stark, go for softer gray or beige tones. But you can’t really go wrong with a neutral colored backdrop for portraits.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect backdrop color for portraits requires balancing many factors: flattering the subject’s features and coloring, complementing their outfit and styling, reinforcing emotions, and enhancing the overall tone and message of the image.
While contrasting and complementary colors are a great place to start, also consider harmonious and analogous color schemes. Neutral backdrops provide an elegant simplicity as well.
Always do test shots prior to the real portrait session and evaluate how backdrop colors render under your actual shooting, lighting and printing conditions. When in doubt, stick with timeless neutral white, black or gray backgrounds.
With some careful testing and color coordination, you can select a portrait backdrop color that makes the subject really stand out while creating images with real visual impact. Choose colors that complete the visual story you want to tell.
