Two meanings of colour lighting
People use “colour lighting” in two ways. The first is the natural colour of a light source, known as colour temperature, such as warm sunset light (see golden hour portraits) or cool shade. The second is deliberately coloured light created with gels or RGB fixtures. Both affect how a photo feels, and the second builds on the first.
For where colour fits among other lighting choices, see lighting basics for photography.
Colour temperature and white balance
Colour temperature is measured in kelvin. Lower values look warmer and more orange, and higher values look cooler and bluer. As rough guides, candlelight and tungsten bulbs are warm, daylight is near the middle, and shade or overcast sky is cooler.
White balance is the camera’s way of compensating, so that white objects look neutral. You can set it automatically, use a preset, or choose a custom kelvin value. Shooting raw makes it easier to adjust later. You can also leave the white balance slightly warm or cool on purpose for mood.
Mixed light
Mixed light happens when sources of different colours hit the subject at once, such as daylight from a window and warm room lamps (a common problem covered in indoor lighting for photography). The camera can only correct for one, so the other shows as a colour cast. Options include:
- Turning off the lamps or closing the curtains
- Matching the colours with a gel, for example a warming gel over a flash used with warm indoor light
- Embracing the mix as a stylistic choice
Coloured light: RGB LEDs and gels
- RGB LED lights can mix hues, saturation and often colour temperature through controls on the light or an app.
- Gels are thin coloured sheets placed over a flash or continuous light. Heat-resistant versions are made for hot lights, and many flash photographers use them to match or contrast colours.
Both can be used on the background, on the subject, or as a rim light. A common approach is to light the subject with white or neutral light and put colour in the background or edge so skin tones stay natural.
Colour choices and mood
- Warm tones such as orange, red and yellow often feel cosy or energetic.
- Cool tones such as blue and cyan often feel calm, cold or futuristic, a palette often used in moody portrait photography.
- Complementary colours, such as blue and orange, create strong visual contrast. This links to contrast lighting in photography.
- Analogous colours, which sit side by side on the colour wheel, feel harmonious.
Practical tips
- Keep coloured light fairly low in power so it does not dominate the exposure.
- Check skin tones on the back of the camera and in the histogram, since strong colour can clip a channel.
- Separate the subject from the background with a different colour on each.
- Keep a neutral key light if you need natural-looking skin. The setups in lighting setup diagrams work with gels added to the rim or background lights.
- Test in a dim room so coloured light is easier to judge.
Which colour looks flattering?
There is no single flattering colour, as it depends on skin tone, the background and the goal. Light with a gentle warm tint is often considered flattering for skin, while strongly coloured light is usually used for a creative effect rather than a natural look. Soft light helps with either choice.
Cost
Prices vary widely. Basic gel sets and small RGB LED lights are generally modest purchases, and professional RGB fixtures can cost much more. Check current prices for the brand and size you are considering.
For a wider view of how colour fits within the types of light, read photography lighting types explained.