An Expert Guide to Stunning Summer Family Photo Color Schemes
As a Vancouver, Washington, photographer and an expert in styling families for their photo sessions, I’m here to guide you through Summer family photo color schemes.
Summer is in full bloom, meaning it’s time for epic family photos in the Pacific Northwest!
If you’re planning a family photoshoot this season, the color scheme is one of the critical elements that can make or break your portraits.
By the end of this blog, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to create a visually captivating and cohesive ensemble for your picture-perfect moments.
An Expert Guide to Stunning Summer Family Photo Color Schemes
Why Color Schemes Matter
Before we dive into the world of color schemes, let’s understand why they hold such importance in family photos.
A harmonious color scheme brings a sense of unity and cohesiveness to your portraits. Therefore, it enhances the overall aesthetic and draws attention to the emotions and connections within the family.
Color combinations influence the photograph’s mood and vibe, helping you effortlessly convey warmth and playfulness.
In addition, choosing the right colors creates beautiful tones in your images. Thus, your skin will look its best, and the overall picture will pop.
Tips for Styling Summer Family Photo Color Schemes
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match: Aim for coordinating colors rather than everyone wearing the same shade. This adds visual interest and keeps each family member’s individuality intact while maintaining a cohesive look.
2. Start with a Base Color: Choose a primary color and build the color scheme around it. This base color can be a reflection of the location or a color that flatters everyone in the family.
3. Consider the Background: Consider the location and backdrop when selecting the color scheme. The colors should complement the surroundings and not clash with them.
For example, avoid green if you plan your family photo shoot in the forest or park. Instead, choose colors that will pop against the background, such as mustard or burnt orange.
4. Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns: Steer clear of clothing with large logos or busy patterns, as they can distract from focusing on the family’s connections.
5. Avoid Neon Colors: These colors create a harsh color cast on the skin. They are distracting from the subjects in the photos.
6. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories can add a touch of personality and style to outfits. Choose accessories that complement the color scheme and the overall theme of the photoshoot.
Additionally, shoes can make a significant impact on your photos.
Leave the old flip-flops or the bright sneakers at home.
Instead, wear timeless footwear such as brown or black shoes or a new pair of sandals. Above all, avoid socks with sneakers!
However, if we are at the beach, just take your shoes off and enjoy the sand between your toes!
7. Dress for the Season: Summer photoshoots are an excellent opportunity to embrace light and airy, comfortable fabrics that reflect the season’s vibe.
Serene Seas: Baby Blues and Neutrals
Let’s dive into the tranquil and calming colors of our first color scheme, inspired by the soothing essence of the ocean.
This palette combines soft baby blues and neutral tones to create a timeless, dreamy atmosphere.
Imagine your little ones playing by the water’s edge, with the gentle waves lapping at the shore while you photograph these precious moments.
Dress your family in a mix of baby blues, light grays, and creamy whites to evoke the serene and tranquil vibes of the sea.
Opt for adorable outfits in denim blues, sky blues, or aquamarine shades for the little ones.
For the parents, choose subtle, neutral tones like soft grays or beige, complemented by touches of cream to add a fresh and airy feel.
These small details will enhance the overall aesthetic and make your family photos memorable.
Rustic Chic: Dusty Rose, Blues, Greys, and Creams
These earthy tones evoke a sense of tranquility and romance, setting the perfect wardrobe for your family photos.
The soft and enchanting palette of dusty rose, blues, greys, and creams creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that beautifully complements natural outdoor settings such as wooded areas, sun-kissed meadows, or vistas of the Columbia River Gorge.
Embrace rich textures in the fabrics, such as flowing dresses and soft knits, to add depth and dimension to the ensemble.
Rustic chic accessories like delicate floral headbands for the little girls or suspenders for the boys will further enhance the theme.
The key to nailing this color scheme is finding the perfect balance between dusty rose, blues, greys, and creams.
Distribute these hues thoughtfully throughout the family’s outfits, ensuring a harmonious and visually captivating result.
With the rustic chic color scheme setting the stage, your family photos will exude timeless family photos.
Timeless Neutrals: Effortlessly Elegant
For a classic and timeless approach to family photos, neutrals are your best friends.
Soft creams, sandy tans, and muted grays create a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic, allowing the focus to rest on the emotional connections within the family.
Dress everyone in a combination of light-toned clothing. For a pop of interest like a floral print. Also, you can add pastel hues like blush pink or pale mint.
These gentle pops of color add a subtle playfulness, a glimpse into the delightful uniqueness of each family member, while still preserving the overarching sense of refinement.
The beauty of neutrals lies in their versatility, effortlessly adapting to any location or backdrop.
Whether your photo session unfolds against a picturesque beach or a serene meadow in the Columbia River Gorge, neutrals gracefully harmonize with the surroundings, allowing your family’s connections to take center stage.
Bold Earth Tones: Rich Greens, Mustard, Greys, and Neutrals
I present enchanting earth tones for families yearning for a dreamy and serene atmosphere in their photos.
A captivating palette of dusty dark greens, mustard, greys, and neutrals creates a harmonious and sophisticated ambiance that resonates beautifully with outdoor settings and natural light.
The soothing greys and neutrals complement the richness of dusty dark greens and mustard.
This earthy color scheme brings warmth and depth to your family photos that are unique and striking.
Mix and match dark greens, mustard, greys, and neutrals for each family member, avoiding excessive repetitions of one color.
This variation adds visual interest and keeps the individuality of each family member intact while contributing to the overall serene atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with texture and layering in the outfits. Earthy tones lend themselves well to different fabrics and patterns, allowing you to create depth and dimension in the ensemble.
Consider delicate accessories like layered necklaces and bracelets. These charming additions will add a touch of whimsy and elegance, harmonizing perfectly with the enchanting earth tones.
An Expert Guide to Stunning Summer Family Photo Color Schemes
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered choosing stunning color schemes for your summer family photos.
By thoughtfully coordinating colors and considering the setting. So, you’ll be able to create an ensemble that perfectly captures your family’s love and joy.
Whether you opt for ocean-inspired blues, rustic chic, timeless neutrals, or bold earth tones, these color schemes will elevate your family portraits to a new level of beauty and charm.
As you prepare for your upcoming photo shoot, have fun, relax, and cherish the precious moments shared with your loved ones.
Last, with the perfect color scheme, you’re all set to create timeless memories that will be treasured for generations.
THE LINK TO ALL STYLING GUIDES IS HERE!
If you are hunting for a family photographer, message me, and let’s chat about your next session. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
RELATED POSTS:
- What To Wear For Newborn Photos
- What To Wear For Fall Family Photos: 5 Tips For Busy Moms
- 5 Benefits of Fine Art School Portraits by a Portland Oregon School Photographer
