Consider Colors That Photograph Well

Magazines are an absolutely fabulous place to generate ideas, but a lousy place to pick colors. That's because many of the top quality images of flower bouquets, table settings and other decorative elements are taken in studios under ideal lighting conditions. Additionally, brightness, contrast and color values are often digitally edited in the finished product. Especially if you're considering pastels, take the time to examine them in real-world photographs.

One great place to get a sense of how colors really photograph is by going to the source -- photographers own portfolios and albums. Or take your own pictures. Get out in the yard and take pictures of flowers, dresses or any other decorative element you plan to use in your color palette. You may be surprised by the results.

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