Color Cherish

Photography - Background Color for Portraits. Red Adds Strength and Vigor.

Using red as a background color for portraits can be problematic since this energetic color is very emotional and can be overpowering. If, however, applied correctly it can be very useful to add vigor and strength to a portrait. Red has several emotional expressions. As a negative aspect, we could consider aggression.  The positive aspects of red are strength, assertiveness, activeness, and vitality.

Another problem when using red as a background color for portraits is getting the right tone to suit the person being portrayed. Red has three primal shades, these being orange red, primal red and a bluish red. Then we have all the various darker shades of these hues.

A person who has very dark hair will look good against a strong primal red or bluish red, and also against the darker shades of these hues. Someone with brown or lighter hair will be enhanced if slightly softer shades of these reds are used as background colors.

Redheads and those with reddish highlights in their hair, or blonds who have golden highlights and probably freckles, will look far better if an orange red is used as background for their portraits. Naturally, it is important that the colors of their clothes also fit into the total effect.

Although red is very powerful and demands full attention, this will be offset if the portrayed person is also wearing the same color. The eyes, and brain, are looking for differences and accentuating these. Therefore, the paler facial colorings will seem stronger despite the powerful red and consequently remain the center of attraction.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

The sparkling vitality of this young lady literally almost jumps out of this portrait. The red in the background supports this quality superbly. Her red hair and her red sweater harmonize with the background. All reds tend more to the temperamental orange red shades. The light beige of the computer and the pattern in the sweater co-relate with each other, creating a balance in the picture. The radiant face of the young woman dominates the picture, despite the strong background.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

The red background in this portrait picture underlines the powerful qualities of this woman. It conveys the impression that she can take on responsibility and go into action when required. The frame of her spectacles has the same color as the background and creates a co-relationship between back and front. Her face remains the center of the picture.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

The soft bluish red in the background is very supportive for the natural colorings of this young lady. Her eyes are the darkest element in the picture and therefore very expressive.  Her facial colors are very light and therefore remain the center of attraction despite the strong background color. The red adds a strong sensual accent to the portrait.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

The vigorous red underlines the robust energy of this man. His red sweater and the somewhat darker red background form one large area which allows his face to remain the center of attraction.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

A strong and expressive dark red accentuates the youthful power of this young man. His cloths and his complexion are in contrast to the darker red and therefore allow him to remain at the center of the picture. The red strips in his clothes relate to the background color thus co-relating back and front. His strong black hair coloring is as equally as powerful as the red and consequently remains expressive.

Photography - Background Color for Portraits - Red adds Strength and Vigor

The dark wine red harmonizes with the dark hair of the young woman and creates a powerful background which we associate with the person portrayed. Her pale complexion shines forth out of the dark background in contrast. The person looks strong and confidant.

Tags: Photography - Red as Background for Portraits, Red Backgrounds