Color can be found everywhere there is light and ranges from neutrals (brown, cream, white & black) to bolds (red, blue, yellow, green, pink etc) and mixtures between.
And yes you need light to see color!
When it comes to color in your dog’s portraits we can incorporate it in various ways.
With complimentary colors!
These are colors across from each other on the color wheel. Blue & orange, red & green, yellow & purple are all complimentary colors. And when they are paired together they really pop!
- Brown dog? We’ll look for blues
- Yellow dog? Purple goes best!
- Red dog? Greens are great!
- Black dog? We could find white, but we’ll embrace your black dog as the ultimate neutral!
A note on cool vs warm colors
Colors have different temperatures and are measured in Kelvins. 5000 K & up land in the cool color (bluish) spectrum, while under 5000 K lands in the warm colors (yellowish). Red, orange & yellow are warm colors, while green, blue & purple are cool colors.
Color temperature can also affect the mood of your dog’s images. Warm colors evoke energy, happiness, enthusiasm and sunshine while cool colors evoke calm, relaxed energy or even sadness.
(In photography this color temperature is called white balance!)
Note: purple & green can vary in their warmth & coolness due to the amount of blue added. More blue = cooler purple & green. Less blue = warmer purple & green.
Where can we find color?
In nature!
From trees to shrubs to flowers and more, nature offers a diverse palette of backdrop colors. Green will be prevalent from spring to summer or even early fall. Fall transitions into epic colors brimming with red, oranges and yellows. The remainder of fall brings us browns & golds – also found in early spring before the greens begin to emerge in late April.
Winter frequently is white with contrasts of darker branches & pine trees, though winter can also be robed in browns & golds. We may not have loads of color in late fall to early spring, but the natural landscape will be brimming with textures!
In urban environments!
From buildings of brick, brightly colored walls to EPIC murals in a rainbow of colors, urban color is bold, playful and constant! Indeed, no matter the season the brick wall, the mural, the blue trim on a door will always be the same color. (Unless it gets painted hahaha!)
When we hunt for color in an urban environment we’ll look for: walls, brick, doorways, murals, graffiti, pots of flowers, urban gardens & trees, chalk art, and artful alleys.
In addition to hunting for color in urban environments, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for textures!
What to wear during your dog's colorful session!
- In nature, lots of greens: warm colors!
Want to go bold? Wear reds & pinks that will pop against the greens (complimentary colors!)A note: greens can have a lot of nuance in warmth depending on how much yellow or blue there is. Since I edit with a warmer tone, the greens in your images will look sun-kissed & golden rather than minty or cool toned.
- In nature, lots of gold: warm colors!
Want to go bold? Wear blues & cool colors that will pop! - In nature, lots of brown: warm colors, cool colors or neutrals!
With brown being a neutral, you could wear all sorts of colors – bright & bold for pops of color, dark & rich for subtle color, neutrals to match a fall palette. - In an urban environment: warm neutrals!
Because urban environments are so diverse in their color palettes it gets a bit complicated to coordinate outfits. So we’ll start with a neutral outfit then add pops of color with a sweater or cardigan, scarf, purse, shoes or other accessory.
Or you can choose to match your dog’s fur color!
- Black dogs: wear dark grey or black
- Yellow dogs: wear cream, ivory, or gold depending on the shade of yellow your dog is
- Brown dogs: wear browns in similar tones & shades
- Gray dogs: wear grays in the same warmth
- White dog: wear white or cream
- Red dog: wear rusty browns or copper
- Merle: wear grey or black
- Tricolor: wear dark grey or black
- Brindle: wear browns that match your dog’s base color under the stripes
The hardest to match: spotted coats! If your dog has more white than spots, opt for white or cream. If you dog’s spots are quite heavy, then you’ll want to match to the spot color.
Or match your outfit to your dog’s collar! Or match your dog’s collar to your outfit! The options are endless!
And remember if your whole family is joining we don’t want matchy matchy people – think everyone in white tees & jeans or black turtlenecks & jeans. (I bet you all have a portrait like that!).
Here’s how to dress the whole family for portraits:
- Decide if you want to match your dog, work with the colors of the background or stand out from the background colors.
- Pick the main color. Let’s say you pick blue.
- Go through the family’s closets.
- Find all the blue shirts and lay them out.
- Look for similar tones of blue and patterns that work together. Yes its ok to match stripes & plaids & solids!
- Picked one for everyone? Huzzah you’re ready!
You can pop over to Pinterest to get even more ideas of coordinating outfits for the whole family.
Color is more than just a pretty backdrop—it sets the mood, highlights your dog’s personality, and brings your portraits to life. Whether we’re chasing golden light in the woods or finding bold splashes of color in the city, your dog’s session will be as unique and vibrant as they are. And don’t worry—whether your pup is a dapper black Lab or a spotted goofball, I’ll help you style everything perfectly to let their personality (and yours!) shine.
Ready to add some color to your dog’s story?
Let’s plan a session that pops! Text or call 320-309-2893 to get started!
Or drop me a message and let’s talk locations, color palettes, and how to show off your dog at their most colorful.
