Neon Colors: A Comprehensive Guide

Neon colors have long been a fashion, art, and design staple. These bright and eye-catching hues, from electric blue to fluorescent pink, attract attention and evoke a sense of energy and excitement. Using such colors in your projects will catch your audience's attention. This article will discuss the main palettes of shades, their combinations, and the nuances of photo editing. 

Learn how to successfully combine different shades of neon colors, which photos and designs can be used, and the secrets of working with them in the Luminar Neo, an image color editor. Specific professional tips provide a full spectrum of useful information. Start a journey into the world of incredible shades with us!

What are Neon Сolors

Neon colors are intensely bright and vibrant shades that appear to glow as if illuminated by a light source. These hues do not naturally occur in the visible light spectrum but are created using fluorescent pigments or dyes. Characterized by their high saturation and brightness, neon colors remain strikingly visible even in low light conditions. Examples include electric blues, fluorescent greens, hot pinks, and radiant yellows.

Such shades are often used in fashion, advertising, and art to attract attention and convey a sense of modernity and energy. Due to their visibility, they are also popular in security equipment and signage. These colors' unique glowing appearance is due to their ability to reflect and amplify light, creating a striking visual effect that is both captivating and dynamic.

What color is neon? The term "neon" is derived from the noble gas neon, which produces a bright red-orange light when used in illuminated signs. However, the term has since expanded to describe bright and vibrant colors. 

What Colors are Neon in Photography, and How to Use Them

Photo art, like design, is based on the transfer of visual perception. If you want to draw attention to your work and capture the audience's attention, you should understand these shades and their blending with each other and natural hues. Since these colors are not universal, sometimes this process requires little time and effort. The general rules for combining colors are also suitable for these unusual shades. For example:

1. Complementary Couples or Trios

Use the complimentary circle to find the right shades. The colors that are opposite each other in this scheme are perfectly combined. You can find freely available examples or download a special design application showing the codes for each shade. It can be an advantage when editing photos, making the process easier. In addition, even if the camera does not convey the shade you want, you can still create it with the help of a photo editor.

2. Monochrome

Yes, neon monochromes are possible. These will be quite specific and bright images, but such combinations are often used in advertising to attract attention.

3. Bright in the Dark

Neon colors look very advantageous on dark backgrounds. For example, you can cite pictures of evening metropolises with their string of signs or a single sign above a dark bar. Here, a neon filter can greatly help create stunning images.

4. Neon Color Palettes

Pictures in the color range of selected palettes can be really exciting. An incredibly successful combination of colors can hold the audience's attention. Such pictures in your portfolio will be manageable, and stylized advertising images will invariably be successful. We've rounded up some unique color palettes to inspire you. We will also advise you on how and where they can be used.

Why Choose a Neon Color Palette

The mood and message of your image depend on the shades you choose for it. If you're in the creative, fashion, beauty, or technology industries, boldly using neon hues can give you a competitive edge. These palettes can be used in various creative projects, from graphic design and digital art to fashion and interior decor, to evoke a sense of energy and modernity:

1. Electric Sunset

Inspired by a vibrant sunset, this palette combines warm and cool tones to create a lively, energetic feeling. The mix of bright pinks, oranges, and purples evokes a sense of warmth and playfulness, perfect for creating bold, cheerful designs.

• Neon Pink (#FF6EC7), Tangerine Orange (#FF8C42), Bright Yellow (#FFD700), Vivid Magenta (#FF00FF), Cool Lavender (#CDA2FF)

2. Cyber ​​Punk

This futuristic palette captures the essence of cyberpunk aesthetics with its vivid, high-contrast hues. The combination of these hues creates a striking, edgy look ideal for tech-inspired projects and digital art.

• Neon Cyan (#00FFFF), Hot Pink (#FF1493), Electric Blue (#7DF9FF), Lime Green (#32CD32), Ultra Violet (#6A0DAD)

3. Tropical Vibe

This palette features lively hues like neon coral and bright turquoise, channeling the vibrant colors of a tropical paradise. It's perfect for designs that convey a sunny, exotic, and refreshing atmosphere.

• Neon Coral (#FF6F61), Bright Turquoise (#00CED1), Fluorescent Lime (#CCFF00), Vivid Purple (#8A2BE2), Sunshine Yellow (#FFD300)

4. Neon Night

Inspired by the glowing lights of a city at night, this palette mixes deep purples and blues with neon greens and oranges. It's ideal for creating a moody, urban vibe that stands out in the dark.

• Deep Neon Purple (#9400D3), Electric Blue (#0000FF), Neon Green (#39FF14), Vibrant Orange (#FFA500), Bright White (#FFFFFF)

5. Retro Wave

This palette combines bold shades with a retro flair, evoking the nostalgia of the 80s and synthwave culture. The electric violet and neon yellow bring a dynamic contrast, perfect for creating vibrant, nostalgic designs with a modern twist.

• Neon Teal (#00F0FF), Bright Pink (#FF007F), Neon Yellow (#FFFF00), Electric Violet (#8F00FF), Neon Red (#FF073A)

You can also find other palette options that fit your ideas. The main thing is to remember the basic rules of color combination and composition so that your photos are harmonious.

Photo Editing with Luminar Neo 

Use professional editing software such as Luminar Neo, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Lightroom. These programs offer advanced color management and editing tools suitable for working with neon hues and provide precise control over color correction, layering, and special effects.

For example, Luminar Neo's  Picture Color Changer is a valuable way to control the intensity of colors in a photo. This photo recolor tool has plenty of controls, such as Hues, Saturation, Vibrance, and Luminance, that help you precisely recolor a photo. In a few moments, you can completely change the picture's color scheme and atmosphere. Of course, it's better to check it yourself with your own photos. So, we encourage you to click the button below and find out what you can do.

Bottom Line

Use the boldness of neon hues to create dynamic and exciting looks. It's a unique way to make a bold statement in art, fashion, design, and more. Experiment with different palettes to suit your mood. Add neon glow where there is none with the Luminar Neo photo editor, or enhance the shades. Use additional advanced photo editor tools to make your images even more impressive! By understanding the nuances and best practices of using neon hues, you can confidently harness their power to create striking and memorable visual effects. Embrace the glow of neon and let your creativity shine brightly.