Ever wondered why some photos feel like pure magic?
It all begins with the perfect colour palette.
Just as an artist chooses colors to evoke emotions, the right palette in photography can transform a simple moment into a masterpiece.
When capturing life’s special moments—be it engagements, anniversaries, or family portraits—the interplay of colors can make all the difference.
The Cinematic Brilliance of Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Let’s take a moment to admire the stunning cinematography of the 2005 film "Pride and Prejudice."
The film is a masterclass in using lighting and colors to evoke emotion and set the scene.
From the soft, ethereal morning light that bathes the countryside in golden hues, to the rich, warm tones of evening dinners, each frame is meticulously crafted.
The palette in this film brings out the period's charm and adds depth to every scene.
This careful use of color and light creates an immersive experience, drawing viewers into a world where every moment feels intimate and significant.
Even including sets/locations, the most drastic change in colour is made by the expert lighting of this film, so pay attention to that as we dive into Pride & Prejudice!
Let’s consider this an “establishing shot” of Lizzy’s colour palette throughout the film, very down to earth and grounded tones, like her personality.
I often advise clients to wear earthy-tones to their shoot, when in doubt, because they match almost any backdrop and coordinate with one another easily. The costumes and settings in this film are fantastic examples of what I mean by earthy tones.
This is an establishing shot of the many different personalities of the women within the Bennet household. Some personalities and colours clash with one another but still somehow find a harmony in pastel tones that works.
HOW TO CHOOSE A COLOUR PALETTE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
So, how do you choose a color palette that brings your photos to life?
1. Understand the Mood and Message
Start by considering the mood you want to convey.
Do you want your photos to feel romantic, warm and inviting, like in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice?
Earthy palettes with browns, greens, and soft neutrals can evoke a natural, warm, timeless feel, while adding in blue helps balance the warmth by supplying a few cooler tones.
All of the large, social functions in the Pride & Prejudice film occur in the evening, when not only tensions and emotions are high/hot, but so is the lighting. Candlelight comes in hot on the kelvin scale at a scalding 2000, adding to the heated atmosphere.
2. Consider the Location
The location of your shoot plays a crucial role in your color choices.
Urban settings might call for bolder or neutral colours, while natural landscapes work beautifully with these kind of softer, more subdued tones.
The colours of the setting of your session are just as important as wardrobe, the background colours can say so much!
Sometimes the settings and prop colour palettes say more than the character can, such as the unexpected warmth in Darcy’s home (and heart).
3. Complementary and Analogous Colors
Using a color wheel can help you find complementary and analogous colors that work well together.
Complementary colors, located opposite each other on the wheel, create dynamic contrast.
Analogous colors, situated next to each other, offer harmony and unity.
This colour palette is almost a complete circle around the entire colour wheel. The difference between the wealthy crowd and the Bennet's is glaringly apparent in this scene, aided by the colour palette difference between characters.
This colour palette is much more analogous, where the blues and greens all nestle beside one another on the colour wheel.
4. Personal Preferences and Trends
Don’t forget to incorporate personal preferences and current trends when it comes to choosing colours for your wardrobe. Mixing personal taste with trend awareness can result in a unique and stylish palette for your photos.
What colours resonate with you, personally?
You can see, even within this film, the variance of colours used in the wardrobes of different characters to represent their personalities, from light and fluffy pastels to deep tones of strong colours.
Red in an earth tone is my favourite version of this colour. It has a brown base over a pink or orange one, and it always hits just right on camera. Notice the character, Bingley’s sister, who is in control of the room is the one wearing the red in this scene of the film.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY FOR PHOTOS
When it comes to the timing of your photoshoot, the time of day is just as crucial as the colour palette. Let’s dive into lighting and how it affects colour.
Here’s a great place to start with an incredible example of how the colour of light changes during the day, casting different moods and colour even if the set and wardrobe are the same.
Now let’s dive into one scene that travels the span of 3 different types of lighting.
1. Pre-Dawn or Post-Sunset
Early morning and late evening light is gentle and cool, casting a soft glow that’s perfect for serene, peaceful portraits.
2. Golden Hour Magic
The golden hour—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—provides some very flattering light.
The soft, warm light during this time can create a dreamy, warm, romantic atmosphere, perfect for engagement and couple shoots.
3. Just After Golden Hour, Morning or Evening
Evening light, just after golden hour (or morning light, just before the sun rises and golden hour hits), offers a mix of some of the softest tones, adding a touch of calm and tranquility to your photos, as well as glowing, even skin.
Dawn and dusk are perfect for creating a soft, intimate feel, and it’s one of my favourite times to photograph, even if it is the shortest window of the day.
Let’s just quickly give all three of these different forms of natural light at the end of Pride & Prejudice a side by side comparison. And maybe we should add in a Mr. Darcy walking towards us through a field at dawn for good measure.
4. Midday Brightness
Midday light can be harsh, but it’s great for either indoor, naturally lit photos or more bold, vibrant shots with deep shadows.
This colour palette is so delicious for any time of year indoors or in early spring here in Calgary!
5. Overcast, Cloudy and Rainy
This is one of my favourite kind of lighting to work with, though it can’t be planned. It lends a slightly cooler tone to photographs, but really packs a punch with it’s moody romance.
We’ve seen the costumes and greenery filled backdrops from Pride and Prejudice earlier in the movie, but here they appear in a completely different colour palette due to the subdued, cloudy lighting we have in this scene. The coolness of the light lends a completely different mood.
6. Indoor Evening
Lit by candles and lamplight, the entire mood shifts around this very warm lighting, creating romantic, hot or cozy atmospheres depending on the subject of the shoot.
For this heated scene, we head back to candlelight. With all the characters dressed in neutrals of black, white and cream, the lighting is what creates the warm colour palette. The colour of the light settles onto the costumes and set to establish the heated mood.
Here, we get to look at another indoor evening, where an uncomfortably warm scene matches the awkward gathering. Accents of deep, rich jewel tones support the majesty of the home and the character of Lady Catherine.
At Plaited, we know exactly when to schedule your shoot to match the vibe and mood you desire.
We’re experts in harnessing natural light to make your photos truly represent who you are.
MEET JENNIE: YOUR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
At the heart of every stunning photoshoot at Plaited is Jennie, our creative director.
Jennie’s artistic vision goes beyond just taking pictures—she designs each shoot with meticulous attention to detail.
From Colour Palette to Wardrobe
Jennie helps you select the perfect color palette, considering the best locations for you, the season, and the mood you want to create.
She also offers wardrobe suggestions, ensuring that everything from your clothes to the background works together harmoniously.
Monochromatic palettes are some of our favourites. It’s simplified, using shades of one colour can let the emotion in images really sing.
Lighting and Location Expertise
With Jennie’s expertise in lighting, she knows how to choose the time of day that’s to your greatest advantage.
Whether you want the warm glow of the golden hour or the crisp light of early morning, Jennie will plan it all.
She’s an expert in choosing the perfect location that suits your relationship and helps elaborate on your story.
Speaking of locations, who’s booking a shoot on a windy cliff? It needs to happen. This is one the best shots and palettes in the entire film, made for an epic love story.
Creating a Unique Experience
Each photoshoot is personalized to tell your story.
Jennie’s ability to combine color theory with personal elements makes every session unique, capturing the essence of your relationships.
Your photoshoot is more than just a session—it’s an experience designed to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
With Jennie at the helm, you’re not just getting a photographer, but a creative director who plans every detail to perfection.
From choosing the perfect colour palette to selecting the ideal time of day, we make sure your photos are nothing short of spectacular.
Book a shoot with Plaited, and let’s create magic together.
Look at inspiration from others' shoots, and see how we’ve turned ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
We can’t wait to tell your story through the lens of our camera.
TLDR:
Remember, the secret to breathtaking portraits lies not just in the moments captured, but in the coloUrs and light that frame them.
At Plaited, we bring the artistry of color theory and the precision of lighting to every shoot, ensuring your memories are as beautiful as they are timeless.