Develop a brand colour direction from a photo
Use a photo palette as a starting point, then assign colour roles and test readability before adopting it.
Quick answer
A photo can suggest a coherent colour direction, but brand colours need practical roles. Extract a palette in Color Viewfinder, choose a small set and test it across real layouts.
Step by step
Choose a relevant reference
Use a photo you have permission to use that reflects the brand’s intended mood. Avoid selecting colours only because they are currently fashionable.
Assign roles to the colours
Choose a background, a text colour and an accent before adding more shades. A visually attractive palette may still have poor text contrast.
Test across applications
Try the palette in a page, a small icon and a presentation. Check text contrast and keep a record of the final digital values.
A practical example
A cafe might explore colours from its interior photo, then choose a dark text colour and a restrained accent for menus and web buttons.
Before you use the result
A palette does not establish trademark rights, accessibility compliance or print accuracy. Verify the final design and use production-specific colour guidance when printing.