The Power of a Limited Colour Palette in Photography
I’ve been photographing weddings, portraits, and commercial shoots for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned (besides the fact that aunty Jane will always be AWOL at the bar when it’s time for group photos) it’s that colour is everything. It’s the unsung hero of a great image, quietly shaping mood, focus, and storytelling.
What’s fascinating, though, is that the most powerful images aren’t the ones drowning in a hundred different colours. They’re the ones with a controlled, intentional palette. Whether I’m shooting a couple against the cliffs of Guernsey, crafting a sleek product campaign, or setting up a dramatic portrait, I’ve found that limiting colours actually makes an image feel richer, more striking, and more memorable. And, fun fact: there’s actual science to back this up.
Guernsey Photographer
Why Fewer Colours have More Impact
The Brain Loves Simplicity
Your brain processes an absurd amount of visual data every second, and if an image is a chaotic jumble of colours, it doesn’t know what to focus on. This is why I always think about colour before I even lift my camera. When shooting a wedding, for example, I take note of the venue’s dominant hues—soft pastels in a garden, deep blues at a seaside ceremony, or warm candlelight in a historic chapel. I’ll then use that as a guide to position the couple, adjust lighting, or even suggest slight tweaks to suit wardrobe choices.
The same goes for commercial work. If I’m shooting a luxury Product ad, I don’t want the background fighting for attention. Muted, complementary tones let the product shine, ensuring that the viewer’s eye goes exactly where I want it.
Guernsey Photographer
Colour Contrast is Everything
Ever noticed how a single red rose in a sea of muted greens looks electric? That’s colour relativity at work. When there are fewer competing hues, the colours that do remain have a stronger impact.
This is why some of the most iconic cinematic shots rely on a limited palette. Think of Schindler’s List’s red coat, The Matrix’s eerie green tint, or the warm, golden glow of La La Land. As a photographer, I use this same principle in my work. If I want a portrait to feel bold and dramatic, I might find a desaturated monotone colour background to let that single colour shine (maybe a vibrant red dress or striking lipstick shade) it can then take center stage.
Guernsey Photographer
How This Transforms Wedding & Portrait Photography
Guiding Attention Naturally
At weddings, I see it all the time: a couple standing in front of a breathtaking landscape, but their outfits are blending into the background, or the decorations are competing for attention. By consciously limiting the colour palette—whether through careful composition, selective focus, or even subtle colour grading in post—I can ensure that the couple remains the focal point.
The same technique applies to portraits. If I’m shooting in a moody forest, I might have my subject wear a deep jewel-toned outfit to contrast with the greens. If I want an airy, romantic feel, I’ll lean into soft neutrals and pastels, avoiding anything too bold that might disrupt the harmony.
Guernsey Photographer
Controlling Mood and Emotion
Different colours create different feelings. Warm, golden hues evoke nostalgia and intimacy—perfect for a sunset engagement session. Cool blues can feel sophisticated and elegant, ideal for high-end portraiture. The key is making sure that everything in the frame—lighting, wardrobe, background—supports that emotional tone.
I’ve also found that keeping colours consistent makes a wedding album feel more cohesive. When editing, I’ll often subtly unify the tones across the gallery, ensuring that the images feel like they belong together, rather than a mismatched patchwork of colours.
Guernsey Photographer
Applying This to Commercial & Product Photography
The 60-30-10 Rule in Branding
One of the best tricks I’ve borrowed from the design world is the 60-30-10 rule, which is pure magic for making images feel balanced and intentional.
60% Dominant Colour – The background or primary setting.
30% Secondary Colour – A complementary tone that enhances the dominant colour.
10% Accent Colour – A pop of contrast to grab attention.
This works beautifully in commercial photography. If I’m shooting an ad for a luxury watch, I might use 60% deep charcoal gray, 30% metallic silver, and 10% a rich burgundy—perhaps in the stitching of a leather strap. This controlled colour palette ensures the image looks polished and professional, rather than a visual free-for-all.
Guernsey Photographer
Guernsey Photographer
Pattern Interruption: Making Products (and People) Stand Out
If you’ve ever seen a fashion campaign where a single bold colour pops against a neutral background, you’ve witnessed the power of pattern interruption. A bright yellow coat against a foggy gray street scene. A sleek red lipstick in an otherwise monochrome beauty ad. These choices aren’t random; they’re calculated to command attention.
I apply this concept constantly in portrait photography too. If a couple wants an editorial-style engagement session, I might suggest one of them wear a bold colour while the other sticks to neutrals. This creates instant visual impact without overwhelming the scene.
Guernsey Photographer
Practical Tips for Photographers
Pre-Plan Your Colour Choices
Scout locations in advance and take note of dominant hues.
Advise clients on outfit choices that complement rather than compete.
Use colour mood boards to help plan your shoots.
Master Colour in Post-Production
Use colour grading to subtly unify tones across a series of images.
Adjust hue, saturation, and contrast to emphasize your chosen palette.
Experiment with selective colour techniques to make key elements pop.
Study Filmmakers Who Do It Best
Some of my biggest colour inspirations come from film. If you want to train your eye for colour, analyze directors known for their mastery of palettes:
Wes Anderson – Pastel perfection and symmetry.
Denis Villeneuve – Moody, atmospheric palettes (Blade Runner 2049, Dune).
Damien Chazelle – Striking, emotive contrasts (La La Land, Whiplash).
Watching films with a photographer’s eye will give you a whole new appreciation for colour theory.
Guernsey Photographer
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a photographer—whether I’m capturing a wedding, a portrait, or a high-end ad campaign—it’s that colour is never an accident. A limited colour palette doesn’t restrict creativity; it sharpens it. It allows me to guide the viewer’s eye, create emotion, and craft images that don’t just look beautiful, but feel intentional.
So the next time you’re planning a shoot, challenge yourself: simplify the colours, be intentional, and see how it transforms your work. You might just be surprised by how powerful a little restraint can be.
