Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Color can completely transform your images… but only if you understand how to use it with intention.
In this video, I walk you through how I use color theory and color harmonies to guide my creative decisions in photography. Instead of guessing which colors work together, I rely on structured relationships from the color wheel.
We focus on three essential color harmonies:
● Monochromatic: using a single hue across the image, with variations in brightness and saturation.
Setup: I use a neutral key light and introduce one gelled light (blue) to fill the shadows and background so the entire image stays within one color family.
● Analogous: using colors that exist next to each other on the color wheel.
Setup: I keep the same base color (blue), then add two rim lights with teal gels to expand the color range slightly while staying within neighboring hues.
● Complementary: using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
Setup: I keep the blue as the base color, then swap the rim light gels to a warm yellow-orange to create contrast using opposing colors.
Using a simple studio setup, I demonstrate how to achieve each of these harmonies with color gels (Rosco Color Effects Kit), while keeping the lighting structure consistent so you can clearly see the role color plays.
To learn a LOT more about using gels, check out www.lindsayadler.photo/gels for an in depth video series on ‘The Magic of Gels’ or check out more of my videos on Adorama for continued color/gel behind the scenes videos!
SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
🔷
Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
https://prf.hn/l/w94R48j/
Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens
https://prf.hn/l/55AEzkR/
Profoto Pro D3
https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
Profoto B10+:
adorama.rfvk.net/62K03
Profoto 4' Octa Softbox, Silver
https://prf.hn/l/RlApYOn/
Profoto 4' Octabox Grid:
https://prf.hn/l/eO98WG8/
Profoto 1x4' RFi Softbox, Strip
https://prf.hn/l/7gzpRAa/
Profoto 1x4' 50 Degree Softbox Grid
https://prf.hn/l/jXO1wM9/
Rosco Color Effects Filter Kit, 12 x 12" Sheets
https://prf.hn/l/7gzpR9a/
Color Wheel:
color.adobe.com
#colorphotography #colortheory #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop adorama.com
➥ Blog adorama.com/alc
➥ Adorama Events youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents
__________________________________
📸 More from Lindsay Adler:
Instagram: @lindsayadler_photo
Website: lindsayadlerphotography.com
Education: learnwithlindsay.com
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
Color can completely transform your images… but only if you understand how to use it with intention.
In this video, I walk you through how I use color theory and color harmonies to guide my creative decisions in photography. Instead of guessing which colors work together, I rely on structured relationships from the color wheel.
We focus on three essential color harmonies:
● Monochromatic: using a single hue across the image, with variations in brightness and saturation.
Setup: I use a neutral key light and introduce one gelled light (blue) to fill the shadows and background so the entire image stays within one color family.
● Analogous: using colors that exist next to each other on the color wheel.
Setup: I keep the same base color (blue), then add two rim lights with teal gels to expand the color range slightly while staying within neighboring hues.
● Complementary: using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
Setup: I keep the blue as the base color, then swap the rim light gels to a warm yellow-orange to create contrast using opposing colors.
Using a simple studio setup, I demonstrate how to achieve each of these harmonies with color gels (Rosco Color Effects Kit), while keeping the lighting structure consistent so you can clearly see the role color plays.
To learn a LOT more about using gels, check out www.lindsayadler.photo/gels for an in depth video series on ‘The Magic of Gels’ or check out more of my videos on Adorama for continued color/gel behind the scenes videos!
SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
🔷
Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
https://prf.hn/l/w94R48j/
Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens
https://prf.hn/l/55AEzkR/
Profoto Pro D3
https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
Profoto B10+:
adorama.rfvk.net/62K03
Profoto 4' Octa Softbox, Silver
https://prf.hn/l/RlApYOn/
Profoto 4' Octabox Grid:
https://prf.hn/l/eO98WG8/
Profoto 1x4' RFi Softbox, Strip
https://prf.hn/l/7gzpRAa/
Profoto 1x4' 50 Degree Softbox Grid
https://prf.hn/l/jXO1wM9/
Rosco Color Effects Filter Kit, 12 x 12" Sheets
https://prf.hn/l/7gzpR9a/
Color Wheel:
color.adobe.com
#colorphotography #colortheory #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop adorama.com
➥ Blog adorama.com/alc
➥ Adorama Events youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents
__________________________________
📸 More from Lindsay Adler:
Instagram: @lindsayadler_photo
Website: lindsayadlerphotography.com
Education: learnwithlindsay.com
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
