Color toning is often elusive to many people. Rightfully so, it’s a hard concept to grasp!
You have two parts to the equation. One is the inspiration, and the second part is the technique. We have you covered on the second, with my upcoming segment on Photoshop Week. The first part doesn’t have to be scary, in fact, it’s quite fun!
Below are a few sources that you can always count on for inspiration if you’re ever in a creative rut. Color can be used to evoke a feeling and mood and based on the source of inspiration, you can easily communicate that. I have found that these are my go-to sources when it comes to finding a starting point of inspiration. On a grand scale, these can also be used for creative ideas on photoshoots as a whole!
Check out the event page for a full schedule breakdown. RSVP here to be notified when Photoshop Week will be LIVE!
Museums!
Why do the hard work? Old masters of art have created masterpieces using color palettes that you can lend from into your own work. With each era, comes a unique approach that can easily be implemented.
Nature!
Each season provides a new opportunity to be inspired by different shades of color, that constantly change with each passing day and time of day. You can photograph nature and use swatches in Photoshop to apply them right away.
Travel!
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to travel, use it to reinvigorate your search for fresh colors. The tones and textures through each country vary and can open up new ideas for color schemes. From the ambers of the Sahara, to the rich textures from the streets of Portugal, the world is endless with inspiration.
Movies!
A lot of movies are expertly color graded, be inspired by the color schemes used to evoke particular moods. Movie posters, in particular, can provide a lesson in complimentary color choices.
Shopping!
Clothing designers will often come up with playful color schemes to produce for each season’s latest trends. Taking a look at each designer will open your eyes to an array of color combinations you wouldn’t normally consider.
All of these sources of inspiration will allow you to develop new ideas in order to apply brilliant color schemes to your own photography to evoke a particular mood!
To learn more about ways to apply specific colors to your work, be sure to RSVP for Photoshop Week 2017 on CreativeLive and join my upcoming class Creative Application of Color Through Post Processing.
