How to Choose Your Family Photo Color Scheme
So, you know it’s time to update those family photos, but you also know it’s not as simple as picking a date a putting it on the calendar.
One thing I hear clients stress about over and over again is what to have everyone wear. Usually these decisions fall on mom (as if we don’t have enough to think about already), and sometimes the mental load of figuring out one more thing is enough to push family photos to the bottom of the to-do list.
The good news is, you don’t have to make these decisions on your own! I’m happy to jump in and help as much or as little as you like. DON’T just copy some online wardrobe layout. Consider the questions below to get the best results for your particular situation!
1) What colors look good on YOU?
If you’re the one planning the session, chances are you’re the kind of person who’s always giving to others, and sometimes your needs go unnoticed. Consider this your official permission to think of yourself first (even if just this once). Don’t worry, we’ll make sure everyone else looks good, too.
If you have no idea what colors look good on you, consider looking into color analysis (see my post, Color Analysis with CJ Brown)! If that’s too much to fit into your schedule right now, chances are you naturally gravitate to certain colors because you feel good in them or you’ve been complemented when wearing them. Once we have that narrowed down, we can talk about how to make sure everyone else’s outfit is harmonious with yours.
Swaying with mom
Throwing fall leaves
Dancing with dad
Color swatches for Color Analysis
Color swatch fabrics for Color Analysis
2) How do you plan to enjoy your finished photos?
This one might seem unrelated to the question of what to wear, but hang with me for just a minute.
Depending on how and where your photos will be displayed, you may want to adjust your color scheme
Will you create a gallery wall in your living room? What colors look good with your existing décor? Using your images for a holiday card? Consider a holiday-themed color palette. You get the idea.
Grandma cuddles with her grandkids
Grandma walks with her grandkids near Lake Martin, Alabama
Mom and dad with kids near Lake Martin, Alabama
3) What’s your overall style personality?
Are you very formal in your decorating and personal wardrobe? Or are you a more casual, go-with-the-flow kind of person? Does your home have more of a clean, minimalist vibe? Or is it eclectic and colorful?
Certain color schemes lend themselves better to particular styles. For instance, if you’re more traditional, you may want to choose more reserved colors like neutrals or muted colors. If your style is more casual or expressive, you may want to share some broad guidelines with your group and have everyone choose the outfit that makes them feel their best.
The whole family cuddled together on the bed
Closeup of a mother holding her newborn baby girl
4) Where will your photos be taken?
Not only should the location for your photos inform the style of clothing you choose, but it can also influence which colors look best.
Within the family of colors that look best on you, work with your intended outcome (wall art, greeting card, etc), and fit your personality, there may be particular hues which complement or clash with your chosen background. Unless you’re trying to make an artistic statement, it’s best to wear colors you’d expect to find in your photo location. Just because you’re taking photos in the spring doesn’t mean you have to wear pastels. Fall pictures don’t have to feature reds and oranges. There may be more important factors that go in to making the most visually pleasing images, an I’m happy to help you sort those out.
A woman holding a pendulum while sitting on a brick garden wall
A woman does a variation of the mermaid yoga pose in a garden
A woman sits among the garden branches