Choosing Complementary Colors for Portrait Photography

It's helpful if you choose wardrobe (and makeup) colors that complement your skin-tone, hair color, and eyes. These color schemes and their complementary colors are traditionally segmented into four groups, named for the seasons Winter, Summer, Autumn, and Spring. For more information about selecting the best colors for your wardrobe and your makeup, I recommend the book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson. Although this book was originally published in the early 1980s, its content remains timeless.

Winter

People with Winter complexions have dark or very light hair. Their skin is often pale white, olive, or dark. Many Asians, African-American, Hispanic, and natural white-blondes fit within this coloring category. Intense colors like black, navy blue, red, and hot pink are ideal for individuals with these characteristics. For apparel or makeup using lighter colors, bright white and pastels in blues, pinks, and yellows are also often found to be very complementary. It's always best to avoid brown earthy tones along with subdued colors like beige, orange, and gold.

Summer

People with Summer complexions have very pale skin with pink undertones. Many individuals with natural blonde hair and sometimes brunettes with pale skin and eyes are often segmented to this category. Since there's not much contrast between the skin, eyes, and hair of someone with a Summer complexion, clothing choices are particularly important. For best results, try to choose neutral colors and pastels. Some excellent color choices include powder blue, dusty pink, mauve, lavender, plum, and pale yellow. Vivid colors, earth tones, black, and orange should be avoided.

Autumn

People with Autumn complexions have golden skin undertones that can be described as pale peach, golden beige, or golden brown. Many individuals with red and brown hair and golden or dark eyes fall into this category. However, individuals with golden brown or black hair can also fall into this category. Colors that are most complementary include rich warm colors seen in autumn leaves along with colors like camel, beige, olive, orange, gold, dark brown, and warm gray. Colors like black, white, pastels, and blue tones should be avoided.

Spring

People with Spring complexions have subtle golden skin tones that are usually creamy white or peach. Individuals with this coloring usually include natural golden blondes, auburn, or strawberry blonde redheads. Members of this group also often have light green or blue eyes as well as freckles and rosy cheeks. Colors that are most complementary include pale, soft colors like peach, camel, golden yellow, golden brown, aqua, ivory, bright greens, reds, blues, and coral. Colors like black, white, and dark or dull colors should be avoided.

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