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Coordinating Colors for a Photoshoot: Do's and Dont's

Wednesday, October 09, 2024 | By: Harmann Studios - Jordan

Coordinating Colors for a Photoshoot: Do's and Dont's 

Do you have a family portrait coming up but feel unsure about what to wear? Don’t worry—choosing the perfect outfit can be challenging. From coordinating colors to finding pieces that fit well and make you feel confident, it’s a lot to consider. To help you navigate these choices, we've put together a comprehensive guide of helpful do's and don'ts. These tips will assist you in selecting outfits that not only complement each other but also ensure your family looks their absolute best in the portrait.

Options to Explore

First, let’s dive into the outfit do's and explore the key elements that will make your outfits truly stand out!

1. Matching Color Palette

  • Matching color palettes are always a great idea when it comes to family portraits!
  • This doesn't mean you have to wear the exact same outfit but each outfit can be tailored to the individuals personality while still looking cohesive in the same color scheme.
  • Alternatively, shopping for pieces together can help ensure that everyone is aligned on the overall look and style of outfit.

2. Light and Simple Patterns

  •  Simple and light patterns can add the right amount of texture to a portrait.
  • Light patterns and textures can add subtle detail to the portrait without drawing too much attention away from the main subjects. 
  • When choosing patterns pick similar patterns such as the same type of lace shirt. Try to avoid picking options that are going to be drastic in visual style, such as a flannel shirt and a stripped shirt.

3. Outfits Match the Season/ Location

  • Coordinating your outfit to the season can be another beneficial way to make your portrait stand out.
  • Wear clothing dependent on the weather. If it's cold, layer up or wear thicker clothing. If it's warm, a nice button up shirt or a sundress might be in order.
  • This can also play into coordinating your color scheme.

4. Accessories Match the Outfits (and each other's)

  •  The little details in photo's are everything, and when coordinated well it could tie together a family portrait beautifully.
  • Coordinated accessories can elevate a photo from great to fantastic! When shoes, hair accessories, and jewelry are matched effectively, they help create a cohesive and stunning family portrait.
  • When selecting accessories, consider coordinating with your family members to ensure that items complement each other well. 

5. Comfortable Clothing Options

  •  You not only want to feel confident in what you're wearing but also comfortable in what you're wearing.
  • Wear clothing item's that are comfortable to you! There's nothing worse than wearing uncomfortable clothing for long periods of time!
  • You also want to look your best, so choose an outfit that makes you feel confident. This will ensure you look and feel great in a photo that you’ll love.

6. Remember the Big Picture, Literally!

  • Overall, the goal is what you want the big picture to look like, and were not just talking about the photo!
  • You want to pair your photo's to the look of your home, coordinating with the décor and overall feel of the space.
  • When planning your portrait, consider choosing colors for both the location and your outfit that complement the color scheme of your home. This way, your portrait will harmonize with your interior style.
  • For instance, if your home features a classic style, you might opt for a classic style portrait. Conversely, if your home is more elegant or modern, choose a portrait that reflects those styles. This consideration should apply to both your outfit and the location of the portrait.
  • Another thing you should consider is if the portrait has more of a casual feel or a formal feel and that should play into the placement of your portrait within your home. 
  • For example, if your portrait feels more formal it should be placed in area's such as the dinning room or in a foyer. Whereas if you have more of a casual portrait it could be placed in a family room or a bedroom depending on the feel of your home.
  • Ultimately, you want to capture the moment in time and have a beautiful piece that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come. 

Options to Avoid 

Next, let's consider the outfit don'ts. Here are some things to steer clear of when selecting your outfit choices:

1. Bold Patterns

  • Bold patterns can be nice, but when pairing in a family portrait they can be distracting and draw the eye to unwanted area's. 
  • If you decide to wear a pattern, opt for something subtle that won't overpower the portrait. The goal is to choose a design that complements rather than competes with the overall composition, ensuring the focus remains on the people rather than the clothing.

2. Ripped Jeans

  • While these are a fun and causal option, they can be a bit distracting. 
  • For a family portrait, opt for non-ripped jeans to ensure a polished and professional appearance (if that is the desired look). 
  • Otherwise ripped jeans can be a great option if the look of the portrait has more of a casual feel.

3. Colorful and Busy Patterns

  •  While bright and colorful patterns may be a nice touch, in family portraits they can be a negative.
  • Depending on the pattern and colors you choose, you might end up standing out from the rest of your family in a way that’s not desirable. 
  • If you opt for a brighter color, ensure that everyone in the family is either wearing the same color or a coordinating color palette to maintain a cohesive look.

4. Bright Nails

  •  While they are small, nails can a small detail that distracts from a cohesive look. 
  • If your nails are brightly colored or have a design that clashes with your outfit, that small detail can become distracting within the portrait.
  • If you wanted to have your nails done go for a neutral color or a design, such as French Tips, that could match any color or design.  

5. Contrasting Colors

  •  When selecting an outfit, avoid using contrasting colors.
  • Contrasting colors can cause outfits to clash, potentially disrupting the overall harmony of the portrait. When colors are too starkly different, it can draw attention away from the subjects and create a disjointed appearance, undermining the cohesive look you're aiming for.
  • When selecting colors, stick to a cohesive palette. Choose cool tones paired with other cool tones, warm tones with similarly warm hues, or opt for a neutral color scheme for a unified look.

6. Mismatching Pieces or Accessories 

  •  When selecting each piece of your outfit, ensure that they all coordinate and match well with one another.
  • Details like mismatched shoes and socks or hair accessories that don't coordinate with a blouse can be subtle yet distracting.
  • When selecting accessories, opt for items that are within the same color palette or have a similar style. These subtle details can add the finesse you're aiming for in a portrait.

Conclusion

Planning family portraits involves significant effort and coordination, and it’s certainly no easy task. However, the end result is truly immeasurable. Capturing your family in that particular moment is a priceless gift that will hold immense value for years to come. These portraits are more than just photographs; they are a reflection of the unique connections and boundless love that each family member shares with one another. They preserve the essence of your family's story and serve as a lasting reminder of the special bond you share, making the effort well worth it. 

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