How do you improve your color skills?

1 Know the color wheel

The color wheel is a basic tool that shows the relationship between different colors, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, as well as complementary, analogous, and triadic colors. By knowing the color wheel, you can choose colors that work well together and create a sense of balance and harmony in your images. For example, complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, and they create a strong contrast and attention. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, and they create a smooth and natural transition. Triadic colors are evenly spaced on the color wheel, and they create a dynamic and lively effect.

2 Adjust the white balance

The white balance is the setting that determines how your camera interprets the color temperature of the light source. Different light sources have different color temperatures, ranging from warm (yellow or orange) to cool (blue or purple). If the white balance is not correct, your photos may look too warm or too cool, and the colors may not be accurate or realistic. To avoid this, you can either use the preset white balance modes on your camera, such as daylight, cloudy, or tungsten, or you can manually adjust the white balance using a gray card or a custom setting. You can also fine-tune the white balance in post-processing using software like Photoshop or Lightroom.

3 Use a color checker

A color checker is a device that helps you calibrate the colors of your camera, monitor, and printer, so that they match and reproduce the colors accurately. A color checker usually consists of a card or a chart with different patches of colors that represent the standard colors of the color space. By using a color checker, you can ensure that the colors of your photos are consistent and faithful to the original scene. You can use a color checker before taking a photo, by placing it in the same lighting condition as your subject and taking a reference shot. Then, you can use the reference shot to adjust the color settings of your camera or your post-processing software.

4 Experiment with color grading

Color grading is the process of altering the colors of your photos in post-processing to create a certain mood, atmosphere, or style. Color grading can be done using various tools and methods, such as curves, levels, hue/saturation, color balance, selective color, filters, presets, or LUTs. By using color grading, you can enhance the colors of your photos, correct any color casts or flaws, or create a unique aesthetic. For example, you can use color grading to make your photos look more cinematic, vintage, or dramatic.

5 Learn from the masters

One of the best ways to improve your color skills is to learn from the masters of photography, who have used color in creative and expressive ways. You can study the works of famous photographers, such as Steve McCurry, Annie Leibovitz, Saul Leiter, or Martin Parr, and analyze how they use color to convey a message, tell a story, or capture a moment. You can also look for inspiration from other sources, such as paintings, movies, magazines, or nature, and observe how colors interact and affect each other.

6 Practice and get feedback

Finally, the most effective way to improve your color skills is to practice and get feedback. You can practice by taking photos in different lighting conditions, using different color combinations, and experimenting with different color grading techniques. You can also get feedback by sharing your photos with other photographers, joining online communities, or taking courses or workshops. By practicing and getting feedback, you can learn from your mistakes, improve your strengths, and develop your own color style and vision.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?