Tips for how to choose colors for photos

The most common question asked is, "what do I wear for my photo session?" and honestly, a great place to start is selecting a color palette. Once you have that narrowed down it's usually pretty simple finding outfits to coordinate with the color scheme. One thing I can say though is, do not do "matchy matchy", it blends too much together and really takes away from the subjects. Avoid putting everyone in the same color shirt or even just plain white shirts. Coordinate colors within a theme but do not match completely. You'll be surprised as to how well it meshes together once you get your photos.


If your photo session coincides with a specific season or holiday, choose colors that compliment the colors you'll be photographed around. Ex: Autumn leaves, Christmas trees, snow, etc.

Choose Colors to wear for Photos based on the season

Probably the most easiest way to choose your color palette: let the surrounding colors that nature offers help you determine which color is most perfect for your session.

Autumn

Autumn is arguably one of my most favorite seasons to shoot in, mainly because of the warm earthy tones. For fall photos you can easily choose colors that fit right into that earthy category all while mixing neutrals to balance it all out.

Even when everyone is wearing a different color, picking the right color palette will help the shot look cohesive.

Browns are always a safe option for autumn photos, especially with those bright yellow leaves.

Not a fan of a pop of color? Stick with neutrals. This is one of my favorite options as it helps create a softer image.

Although this is technically a summer picture, you can see how choosing softer tones can bring out the warmth.

Winter

When choosing your palette for a winter shoot, you want to think more color because your background is very "lacking" in the color department. You will be displayed in a lot of whites (snow), or deep greens (evergreen trees). I personally think red and green pop together and compliment each other very nicely. With winter you can choose one pop of color and one neutral tone to compliment it.

Spring and Summer

This one is actually pretty self explanatory. Think cool and floral. Pinks, greens, and blues all work well for photo sessions in spring and summer. Or you can pick one pop of color and add in neutrals. Gray, denim, plum and ivory are all very good choices as well as light blues and white.

Here are some other great examples of color palettes to work with when you're stuck and don't know where to begin!

And most importantly... don't think too much! Have fun with it! You're going to look great REGARDLESS!

And let me know if I can help!