As you prepare for your high school senior portraits, there are many factors to consider, from choosing the right clothing to finding the perfect location. One easy to use and very inexpensive tool that can help you make informed decisions about your outfit is a color wheel. You can buy a physical color wheel online at places like Amazon.com (here’s the one I use). And Adobe also has a great online color wheel that you can find by clicking here.

You were probably introduced to a color wheel back in grade school. It’s a visual tool that can help you understand how different colors interact with each other. And it can guide you in choosing the right color combinations for your high school senior portrait outfits.

Understanding the Color Wheel

To use the color wheel effectively, it is important to understand how it works. A color wheel is made up of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow, which cannot be created by mixing any other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. They include green, purple, and orange. Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and a secondary color. For example, red-orange and blue-green are tertiary colors.

The color wheel is divided into warm colors and cool colors. Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, while cool colors include blue, green, and purple. Neutral colors like black, white, and gray d not appear on the color wheel, but can be used to balance out an overall color scheme.

Complementary Colors

One of the most common ways to use a color wheel is to identify and choose complementary colors. Complementary colors are colors that are across from  each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complementary colors, as are blue and orange, and yellow and purple.

These pairs of colors create a strong contrast when placed next to each other. This can make them particularly effective in design and art, where the use of contrasting colors can help draw the viewer’s attention and create a strong visual impact.

When choosing outfits for your senior portraits, consider incorporating complementary colors — not just within your clothing and accessory choices, but with other objects or elements that will appear in your senior portraits. For example, if you have green eyes, wearing a red or pink top can make your eyes stand out in the photographs. Similarly, if you have blue eyes, wearing orange or yellow can make your eyes pop.

Analogous Colors

Another way to use a color wheel is to choose analogous colors. Analogous colors are colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as red, orange, and yellow or blue, green, and yellow-green. These colors share a similar hue and can create a sense of harmony when used together.

One reason why analogous colors are pleasing to the eye is because they are often found in nature, such as in the changing colors of leaves in the fall or the colors of a sunrise or sunset. Our brains are wired to respond positively to these color combinations because they are familiar and evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Another reason why analogous colors can be pleasing is that they create a sense of coherence and consistency. When using analogous colors in a design or artwork, the colors blend well together and can create a sense of rhythm and balance. This can make them particularly effective in creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

When choosing outfits for your senior portraits, consider using analogous colors to create a cohesive and harmonious look. Start by choosing one color from the analogous color group to be the dominant color in your outfit. This could be the color of your dress, shirt, or pants. Then, vary the shades to create depth and interest in your outfit selections.

Here are some examples of how you might use analogous colors in your senior portrait outfits:

• 1. Blue and purple: For a cool and calming look, choose an outfit in shades of blue and purple. For example, you could wear a light blue blouse with a purple skirt or a navy blue suit with a lavender shirt.
• Red, orange, and yellow: For a warm and energetic look, choose an outfit in shades of red, orange, and yellow. For example, you could wear a red dress with a yellow scarf or a coral-colored blouse with orange pants.
• Green and yellow-green: For a natural and earthy look, choose an outfit in shades of green and yellow-green. For example, you could wear a olive green dress with a yellow-green cardigan or a forest green suit with a light green shirt.
• Pink and peach: For a feminine and romantic look, choose an outfit in shades of pink and peach. For example, you could wear a light pink dress with a peach-colored blazer or a peach-colored blouse with a pink skirt.

Remember to vary the shades of the analogous colors you are using and to consider your skin tone when choosing your colors. You can also add small accents of complementary colors to create a subtle contrast and add interest to your outfits.

Monochromatic Colors

A monochromatic color scheme is composed of different shades, tints, and tones of a single color, which creates a cohesive and balanced look. For example, light blue, medium blue, and dark blue are monochromatic colors. 

These colors are pleasing to the eye because they create a sense of simplicity, sophistication and elegance. By using different shades, tints, and tones of a single color, you can create a range of visual textures and variations that can add depth, interest, and dimension to your photographs.

When choosing outfits for your senior portraits, consider using monochromatic colors to create a cohesive and sophisticated look. Here are some examples of how to use monochromatic color schemes in your senior portrait outfits:

• Shades of blue: Blue is a versatile color that can create a range of moods and styles, from calm and serene to bold and dramatic. For a monochromatic blue outfit, you could wear a navy blue suit with a light blue shirt, or a baby blue dress with a navy blue cardigan.
• Shades of pink: Pink is a feminine and romantic color that can create a soft and delicate look. For a monochromatic pink outfit, you could wear a light pink blouse with a dusty rose skirt, or a hot pink dress with a pale pink blazer.
• Shades of gray: Gray is a neutral color that can create a sophisticated and timeless look. For a monochromatic gray outfit, you could wear a charcoal gray suit with a light gray shirt, or a dove gray dress with a silver gray scarf.
• Shades of green: Green is a natural and calming color that can create a fresh and vibrant look. For a monochromatic green outfit, you could wear a forest green dress with an olive green cardigan, or a mint green blouse with a sage green skirt.

Remember, when using a monochromatic color scheme, it’s important to vary the shades, tints, and tones of the color you are using to create depth and interest. And don’t forget about the backdrops you’ll be using in your senior portraits which could add or detract from the monochromatic colors in your chosen outfits.

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors like black, white, and gray can be used to balance out the color scheme of your outfit. For example, if you want to wear a bright red dress, you can pair it with black shoes and a black necklace to tone down the outfit. Conversely, if your overall outfit is composed of neutral colors, a splash of color from a shirt or other accessory can add visual interest to your outfits. Be careful to not create so much contrast, however, that the color in your clothing becomes the dominant focus of your photographs.

Tips for Choosing Outfits:

Now that you understand how to use a color wheel, here are some additional tips for choosing outfits for your senior portraits:

• Consider the location. Think about where you will be taking your senior portraits and choose outfits that complement the surroundings. For example, if you are taking pictures in a park, you may want to wear earthy tones like green and brown.
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Experiment with different colors and color combinations to find what works best for you. You can try mixing complementary colors, analogous colors, and monochromatic colors to create a unique and stylish outfit.
• Keep it simple. Don’t forget that the focus of your senior portraits should be on you, not your outfit. Avoid wearing busy patterns or bold prints that may distract from your face and features. Instead, choose simple and classic pieces that will stand the test of time.

Using a color wheel to choose outfits for your high school senior portraits can help you create a cohesive and stylish look. By understanding complementary colors, analogous colors, monochromatic colors, and neutral colors, you can create a color scheme that complements your skin tone and enhances your features. Remember to consider the location, time of day, and your personal style when choosing outfits, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and combinations. 

If you need more help planning your outfits for your senior portrait session, don’t be afraid to reach out! Learn more about our high school senior portrait sessions at https://www.brianpasko.com/high-school-senior-portraits/.