Choosing Colors for Split Tone Photography

Split-toning is a popular way for photographers to create drama and interest in their work. The history of split-tone photography starts well before digital cameras were ever invented, but the effect is far easier to achieve using either in-camera or post-processing software.

Sepia Photography

The split-tone photography colors you are probably most used to seeing are sepia and grey. Sepia photographs take on an aged, antique look that has been popular for more than 200 years, according to Photo in Canvas.

Sepia photographs generally use the color sepia, which is named after the cuttlefish (hex #704214), for the highlights, and shades of grey for the mid-tones and shadows. Originally, this was achieved using a chemical process in a dark room, but now we can create split-tone sepia photographs digitally.

Red and Orange

Another popular combination of colors for split tone photography are red and orange, which are commonly used to accentuate the drama of a sunset. A deep red is used for the shadows and mid-tones, while the highlights are a pale or brilliant orange.

Red and orange can also be used for other types of split tone photography. For example, it might add depth and interest to a photograph of a building, bridge, or other form of architecture. Split-toning is sometimes employed to give ordinary shots a unique edge by balancing colors that aren't normally associated with the subject.

Blue/Purple and Tan

This is the color combination I first used when experimenting with split tone photography. It is one of the preset options in Adobe Lightroom, and is excellent on photographs that benefit from extreme contrast. A deep blue or purple is used for the shadows and midtones, which are offset by tan or pale orange highlights.

Teal and Orange

Orange is one of the most useful colors for split tone photography, particularly in a picture with a fair amount of natural light. The orange warms up the photograph and creates the illusion (or accentuates the existence) of sunshine.

Orange highlights with teal shadows can create a number of different effects. It usually works best if the colors are evenly balanced, though this is a matter of personal preference. The more orange you use, the warmer the photograph; if you balance more toward teal, you'll get a cooler picture.

Experimenting with Split Tone Photography Colors

In my experience, split tone photography is most effective when special care is taken in choosing colors and balance. Adjusting the saturation by just a few points can have a powerful impact on a photograph, and it takes time to get a feel for how different colors will look on a print.

Keep in mind, as well, that color balance plays an important role in split tone photography. Balancing more toward the shadows can darken a photo too much, resulting in loss of detail. If you favor the highlights, however, you can lose too much contrast.

Achieving the Split Tone Effect

Numerous software programs will allow you to adjust colors for split tone photography. My preference is Adobe Lightroom, which offers powerful post-processing tools, but Photoshop, The Gimp, and Aperture will also suffice.

In Lightroom, for example, there is a specific panel in the Develop module that allows you to choose colors and color balance for split tone photography. You simply choose the colors you like and play with the sliders until your photograph looks just as you want it.

There are also split-toning presets in Lightroom (in the left-hand panel in the Develop module) if you want to achieve a certain effect with minimal effort. Keep in mind, though, that playing with different hues and saturation levels can yield pleasing results.