Color psychology is the study of how colors affect perceptions and behaviors. It's used to for marketing, branding, photography and so many other things that I probably don't even realize.
Something that blows my mind is how much colors influence our choices and opinions. Colors significantly impact people. Ultimately, it depends on how color has influenced you your whole life. We are all affected by color in different ways. Its impossible to narrow each color down to a solid meaning because most colors have symbolic or cultural meanings. Take red for example. For some, it may be viewed as a color for passion and love but others may feel like red implies danger and anger. Your life has a big impact on how you interpret each color. Before choosing which color to use for psychology, think about your main goal. Are you looking to gain someone's trust, portray power, appear wealthy, innocent, etc.
Today, I just want to talk about how you can use color theory for photography. How it can be used to portray someone. What color should you use if you're looking to brand yourself. Photographer, think why you should incorporate color theory into their workflow and photographs. Let's break down each color.
Red
You should wear red if you want to attract attention to yourself. It says you're fearless, implies strength and power. However, It can also mean danger and anger. Be careful using too much red as it can irritate the observer.
Orange
Orange is warm and inviting. It signals a friendly person and someone who is fun and even courageous. But it can also stimulate frustration and ignorance if used too much.
Yellow
Youth and optimism is often associated with yellow. Someone who wears yellow is thought to be happy and bright. Too much yellow on the other hand can cause anxiety and can be irritating to some people.
Green
Green is the color of nature. It means pure, fresh and organic. It helps clear the mind and brings in relaxation. On a negative stand point, it can also mean envy.
Blue
Blue is actually the most preferred color to be worn on men for first dates. It declares trust, security, intelligence and loyalty. Now it it is overused then it can make you feel depressed, appear emotionless or unfriendly.
Purple
Purple is the color for luxury, wisdom, wealth and loyalty. Its a popular choice for skincare brands and other outside the box brands. For some it may transpire moodiness or introversion.
Pink
Pink obviously translates as a feminine color but it can also make you seem imaginative, kind, creative or helpful. Too much pink can seem impulsive and even make someone seem eccentric.
Grey
Grey is for calmness, intelligence, balance and practicality. Be aware that it can insinuate a bland personality and someone with a lack of energy.
Brown
Brown is a warm and wholesome color. It creates a friendly and reliable feeling. It can also make some people seem sad or unsophisticated.
White
White symbolizes innocence, purity, and simplicity. White is good for photography if you want to convince people you have pure intentions. Too much white can seem unfriendly and promote isolation.
Black
When used in the right way, black can be the most sophisticated color. It translates authority and power. Some believe its the color of evil and mourning. It all just depends on how you use it.
Now that you know a little something about color psychology. Look around you and see how it's being used. Brands are literally manipulating your emotions on a deeper level than you realize. Here are a few brands to think about for now.
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