The Best Colors to Wear for a Family Photoshoot: Tips for Timeless Photos
Planning outfits for a family photoshoot can feel overwhelming, especially when you want every family member to look and feel their best. One of the most important elements to consider is color. The right color scheme can make your photos feel cohesive, natural, and timeless. Here are my top tips on the best colors to wear for your next family photoshoot, plus a few things to keep in mind to ensure everyone shines.
1. Start with Neutrals as Your Base
Neutrals are a classic choice because they work beautifully in almost any setting and season. Think soft grays, creams, beiges, and shades of white. Neutrals help keep the focus on your family rather than on what you're wearing, creating a harmonious look across your group.
*Tip:* Don’t be afraid to mix warm and cool neutrals! Light browns and beiges look fantastic with pale grays and whites, adding depth without overpowering the shot.
2. Earthy Tones for an Organic Look
Earthy tones like olive green, rust, terracotta, mustard yellow, and soft brown create an organic, warm vibe. These colors are especially lovely for outdoor photoshoots because they blend with natural surroundings, allowing your family to look relaxed and connected to the environment.
*Seasonal Note:* Earthy tones work well in both summer and fall settings, so consider adding touches of darker greens or burnt oranges for autumn shoots or softer sage greens and yellows in spring and summer.
3. Soft Blues and Pastels for a Calm, Cohesive Look
Soft blues, dusty pinks, and muted pastels bring a sense of calm to photos, making them a wonderful option for spring and summer sessions. Light, airy shades of blue, pink, lavender, or peach create a sense of warmth and happiness and are great for beach or garden settings.
*Bonus:* Pastels are especially beautiful for young families with babies or toddlers, adding a gentle, soft aesthetic to your photos.
4. Jewel Tones to Add Richness and Depth
Jewel tones like emerald green, deep sapphire blue, ruby red, and mustard yellow are stunning for photos taken in darker or more textured locations, like forests or urban backdrops. These colors are bold yet elegant and add a pop without overwhelming the overall look.
*Tip:* Choose one or two jewel tones and balance them with neutrals to keep the look balanced.
5. Choose Coordinating, Not Matching, Colors
Rather than dressing everyone in the same color, choose a palette of coordinating colors. This approach allows each family member to have their own look while still creating a cohesive feel. For example, you might dress one person in soft blues, another in cream, and another in earthy green. The result? A polished look that doesn’t feel too uniform.
6. Textures and Layers for Added Interest
Mixing textures like knits, denim, linen, or lace adds interest and depth to your photos. For instance, a chunky knit sweater, a denim jacket, or a flowing skirt can add richness without being too busy. Layers also give you flexibility, allowing you to add scarves, hats, or jackets for a cozy feel, especially for fall or winter sessions.
7. Colors to Avoid
While there’s room for personal style, there are some colors that can detract from a family photoshoot:
**Bright Whites** can look stark or wash out, especially in bright natural light. Opt for soft whites or creams instead.
**Neon Colors** can be too bold and distracting. They may also clash with natural settings.
**Black** can sometimes come across as heavy and formal. However, it can work when balanced with softer colors and natural backdrops.
Colors to Avoid
Planning Your Next Photoshoot
Ultimately, the best colors are ones that make your family feel comfortable and confident. Choosing a color scheme that complements your setting, adds warmth, and keeps the focus on your family connections is a recipe for beautiful, timeless photos. If you need help selecting outfits or coordinating colors, feel free to reach out—I’m always here to help you plan a session that feels authentically “you” and looks amazing on camera.