Powerful Color

Powerful Color. How to make creative portraits with colored gels

Program Summary
Colored gels can dramatically transform the mood and visual impact of a photograph, yet many photographers are unsure how to use them effectively. Without understanding how gel colors interact with light and exposure, photographers often struggle to create the bold, creative effects they see in professional images.

In this presentation, award-winning photographer and educator Joe Edelman explains how photographers can confidently use colored gels to expand their creative possibilities. Participants will learn how different colors influence mood, how to balance gelled lights with neutral light sources, and how to control exposure so colors remain vibrant and intentional. By understanding the practical techniques behind gel lighting, photographers will gain the confidence to experiment and create striking images that stand out visually.

Creative Portrait Lighting Using Colored Gels

Light and color are two of the most effective tools a photographer can use to add subtle creative touches or create dramatic impactful statements in a photograph. The use of colored gels can redefine your portrait photography.

Through an immersive 3D light planning software, witness the transformation of standard shots into jaw-dropping masterpieces as Joe breaks down his signature portraits, layer by hue-filled layer.

Explore the science of color theory, understand its emotional resonance, and discover resources that will empower you to curate the perfect color palette for every shot.

Effective use of color can be the difference between an ok shot to an incredible one.

Moreover, Joe will unravel the nuances of generating vivacious colors using varied light sources, ensuring you can produce radiant results with and without gels.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

  •  Colorful Narratives: Delve into why color is not just an aesthetic choice but a narrative tool in portraiture.
  •  Palette Planning: Master the art of selecting the right colors to evoke the desired emotion and tone in your shots.
  •  Deciphering the Color Wheel: Equip yourself with the knowledge to read and utilize the color wheel effectively.
  •  Gel Galore: Explore the different types of gels available and understand their unique impact on photographs.
  •  DIY Magic: Create your own gels, crafting custom shades that resonate with your vision.
  •  Light & Hues: Break down the techniques to infuse colors effectively using strobes and constant light sources.
  •  Kickstarting Colored Gel Use: Strategies and tips to seamlessly integrate gels into your workflow.
  •  Advanced Gel Techniques: Unearth specialized methods to harness the full potential of colored gels.

Presentation Details

Duration: 90 minutes with time for Q&A.

Available as an In-Person or Virtual Presentation.


Download Included

This program includes a digital download with notes and links to additional learning information and any equipment discussed during the presentation.

The download link is shared at the end of the presentation and will be active for 72 hours after the presentation concludes.


Intended Audience

This interactive and inspiring session is intended for photographers of all skill levels and all interests.

The concepts and techniques apply to both digital and film photography across all genres.


Set up Needed

In-Person: Requires the use of a digital projector and screen or a large-screen TV with an HDMI connection.

Virtual: I can host up to 100 people via ZOOM, or I can present on your organization’s account. The presentation is delivered from a professional Livestream studio with professional lighting and sound.


Have more questions? Are you ready to book? Contact me with this link.


Images of Live & Virtual Presentations

All of my presentations, in-person or virtual, are lively, interactive, inspiring, and packed with useful information, with a little bit of humor thrown in for good measure!

Click to enlarge photos

Colorful Portraits by Joe Edelman


What do attendees say about my photography presentations?



Photography Presentations by Joe Edelman Cr.Photog

Click the images below to learn more about each presentation.

A man sits at a desk with photography equipment and a laptop displaying a digital brain, graphics representing AI, and the text "The Photographer's AI Advantage," highlighting Understanding Creativity in every photography presentation.

Understanding Creativity to Improve your photography

A wet autumn leaf on dark ground with the text: “Finding Your Photographic Voice: How Style Is Actually Built. A photography presentation by Joe Edelman, Photographer / Photo Educator.”.

Presentation slide titled "Beyond the Exposure Triangle: CORRECT EXPOSURE with Digital Cameras," presented by Joe Edelman, delving into techniques for achieving correct exposure in photography.

Practical Composition - "No Rules"  Composition Techniques to Improve Your Photography

A person edits a portrait photo on a computer screen, with text overlay promoting Joe Edelman's post-processing photography workshop.

A close-up of a leaf with detailed textures. Text overlay reads, "The Art of Seeing - Success in Photography is in the Details," presented by Joe Edelman, photographer and photo educator.

Abstract image with an overlay text reading "ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY." The background features intricate, colorful net-like patterns. Photographer/Photo Educator's name and logo are displayed in the lower right corner.

Photography Critiques Suck! How to get useful feedback on your photography

Portrait Photography - Shoot Portraits Like A Pro

The Art of Creative Portraiture

A woman with light skin and green eyes looks at the camera beside text that reads "Shoot Beauty: The Psychology and Techniques, presented by Joe Edelman"—a masterclass on how to shoot beauty with skill and creativity.

Powerful Color. How to make creative portraits with colored gels

Shoot Prep: Great Photograph Requires Excellent Preparation

A stack of external drives and memory cards connected by cables, a laptop with a folder icon, and text highlighting digital file management for photographers.

Seeing in Black and White: What Color Was Hiding


Have more questions? Are you ready to book? Contact me with this link.

Back to top button