Best Colors to Wear for an Outdoor Family Photo Session

Choosing the right colors for an outdoor family photo session can be tricky. The colors you wear can significantly impact how your family looks in the final photos, enhancing the overall feel of the shoot. Outdoor settings offer natural beauty, and your clothing should complement the environment, not clash with it. Here’s a guide to help you pick the best colors to ensure your family’s photos are vibrant, cohesive, and timeless.

1. Neutral Tones for a Timeless Look

Neutral colors like beige, ivory, gray, and soft white work wonders in outdoor family photo sessions. They create a timeless, elegant vibe and complement natural outdoor settings such as parks, beaches, or forests. Neutral tones also allow the scenery to stand out, ensuring that your family is the focal point without being overshadowed by loud colors.

• Why it works: Neutral shades are classic, sophisticated, and blend effortlessly with the natural surroundings.

• Pairing options: Combine soft beige with whites, light grays, and pale pastels for a harmonious and light aesthetic.

  
  

2. Earthy Tones to Match Nature

If you’re shooting in a forest, at a park, or anywhere with a lot of greenery, earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and rust are fantastic choices. These colors blend beautifully with natural outdoor backdrops and enhance the organic, rustic feel of the session.

• Why it works: Earth tones are warm and welcoming, providing a grounded, natural aesthetic that fits perfectly with the outdoors.

• Pairing options: Mix earthy colors with neutrals like cream or khaki to avoid overwhelming the frame with too many bold shades.

  
  

3. Soft Pastels for a Light and Airy Feel

If you're aiming for a light and airy aesthetic, soft pastels are a great option. Colors like blush pink, lavender, baby blue, and mint green can add a delicate, serene touch to your family photos. These colors also reflect light beautifully, giving your photos a fresh, youthful vibe.

• Why it works: Soft pastels create a calm, pleasant mood and are especially ideal for spring or summer outdoor shoots.

• Pairing options: Layer pastels with neutral or slightly darker shades to balance the palette and avoid the colors looking too washed out.

4. Rich, Bold Hues for Contrast

If you’re shooting in a more urban setting, on a beach, or during the fall with vibrant autumn leaves, bold colors like deep red, royal blue, emerald green, and mustard can add a pop of contrast that makes your family stand out. Rich hues are great for those who want their photos to have a little more personality and excitement.

• Why it works: Bold colors create a striking contrast with the natural world, helping you and your family stand out in the image.

• Pairing options: Pair these bold colors with neutrals or less saturated tones to keep the look balanced.

  
  

5. Coordinate, But Don’t Match Exactly

While it’s great to coordinate your family’s outfits, it’s best to avoid everyone wearing the same exact color. This can make your photos look too uniform or unnatural. Instead, aim for complementary shades or varying tones within the same color family. For example, one person could wear a light blue shirt while another wears a navy sweater, and someone else wears a pattern that ties the two together.

• Why it works: Coordinating colors allow each person to have their own individuality, while still looking cohesive as a group.

• Tip: You can also use accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry in similar hues to tie everyone’s look together.

  
  

6. Avoid Loud Patterns and Logos

While patterns can add interest to your outfit, it’s best to avoid overly bold patterns or clothes with logos. Large stripes, busy florals, or logos can distract from the people in the photo and draw attention away from the natural beauty of the surroundings. Opt for subtle patterns like stripes, gingham, or small floral prints instead.

• Why it works: Simple and muted patterns ensure that the focus remains on your family, not on your clothing.

• Tip: If you’re wearing patterns, make sure others wear solid colors that complement the pattern.

  
  

7. Dress for the Season and Weather

When planning your family photo outfits, always consider the season and weather. In winter, rich colors like burgundy, navy, and emerald green paired with cozy textures like knit sweaters or scarves look amazing. During summer or spring, lighter fabrics and colors will keep everyone comfortable and coordinated with the season’s warmth.

• Why it works: Dressing for the season keeps your family feeling comfortable, and it also ties your outfits with the mood of the season.

• Tip: Layering options like jackets or cardigans can add variety to your photos, especially in cooler weather.

  
  

8. The Importance of Footwear

Footwear might not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to consider it when putting together your family’s outfits. While everyone doesn’t have to wear the same shoes, aim for footwear that complements the casual or formal vibe of your outfits and is appropriate for the outdoor setting.

• Why it works: Comfortable and stylish shoes will help your family feel confident and move around easily during the shoot.

• Tip: Avoid bright, flashy shoes that could take attention away from the rest of the family.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right colors for an outdoor family photo session is about finding a balance between harmony with nature, your personal style, and what feels good for everyone. Soft, neutral colors, earthy tones, and pastels work well for a natural and cohesive look, while rich and bold colors can add vibrancy and excitement. Most importantly, coordinate your outfits to create a balanced and unified feel without everyone matching exactly.

Above all, wear what feels comfortable and reflects your family’s unique personality. Happy shooting!