If there’s one question I get asked before almost every session, it’s, “What should we wear?”
And honestly, I get it. Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to coordinate an entire family.
After photographing families, seniors, maternity sessions, and couples throughout Phoenix for more than six years, I’ve learned that color matters just as much as the outfit itself. The right color palette can completely change the look and feel of your photos.
This isn’t a guide on what to wear. I actually have a separate blog all about that (be sure to read it after this one!).
This guide is all about choosing colors that photograph beautifully outdoors, complement the Arizona landscape, and help create timeless images you’ll still love years from now.
When you book a session with me, you’ll also receive my complete styling guide that goes even deeper into color palettes and how to coordinate outfits without everyone matching exactly.
But first, let’s talk about the colors I recommend using sparingly.
Before you panic, I’m not saying you can never wear these colors. Every family and every session is different. These are simply the colors I recommend using in moderation because of how they photograph outdoors. My goal is always to keep the focus on you, not your clothing.
Colors I Recommend Using Sparingly
Black is one of the most common colors people reach for because almost everyone has it in their closet. While black can absolutely work in small amounts, I don’t usually recommend dressing the whole family in it.
Too much black tends to hide details like texture, buttons, lace, and movement. Instead of seeing each person’s outfit, the eye sees one large block of dark color.
Black pants or shorts are perfectly fine. I simply recommend balancing them with lighter or softer colors on top to keep your photos feeling timeless and full of detail.
Dark blue photographs much like black. When everyone is wearing a lot of it, you lose some of the beautiful detail and dimension that make images feel warm and inviting. Denim is completely different and works wonderfully, so don’t worry about your favorite pair of jeans. I’m talking about solid navy tops, dresses, and shirts. If you love dark blue, try mixing it with creams, tans, or softer colors to keep your photos balanced.
Neon belongs on highlighters…not family photos. Neon is probably the one color I’ll always tell people to avoid. It pulls attention away from your faces, can reflect onto your skin, and often becomes the first thing people notice in a photo. Your family should always be the focus, not a bright shirt. If you’re looking for color, choose rich or muted tones instead of neon shades.
Bright white can actually photograph with a cool, bluish tone outdoors and sometimes makes skin tones look washed out. Instead, I recommend choosing cream, ivory, oatmeal, or off-white whenever possible. Those softer shades photograph beautifully and feel much more timeless. The exception, of course, is a wedding dress. The texture and detail in wedding gowns make bright white work perfectly.
I actually love red in the desert…when it’s the right shade. Deep reds like burgundy, rust, or wine add beautiful warmth and can really pop against the Arizona landscape. Bright fire-engine red, on the other hand, can become distracting and overpower the image. If you’re drawn to red, simply lean toward the deeper, richer tones.
Soft blues are some of my favorite colors to photograph, especially when paired with tans, creams, or browns. Bright royal blue is a little different. It tends to cool down an image and can feel out of place in the warm tones of the Arizona desert. If you’re choosing between the two, I’d almost always recommend a softer blue or denim-inspired shade.
Choosing Between Neutral Colors and Pops of Color
One of the biggest things to think about is where these photos will live once they’re printed.
Will they be hanging in your home?
Will they be part of a gallery wall?
Do you love timeless, neutral tones? Or are you someone who loves a little pop of color?
Neither choice is right or wrong. It’s simply about creating a look that feels like you.
Neutral vs. Colorful: Two Beautiful Looks
I wanted to share a couple of examples to show how different color palettes can completely change the feel of your photos.
The first image was taken during Blue Hour, just after the sun dipped behind the mountains. Mom chose just enough color to create interest without overwhelming the photo. That’s one of my favorite ways to incorporate color. Let one or two family members wear a richer tone while everyone else stays in softer, neutral colors.
The second image was taken during Golden Hour using an almost completely neutral color palette. Creams, tans, soft browns, and sage greens blend beautifully with the Arizona desert and create a timeless look that never goes out of style.
Both approaches work beautifully. It simply depends on the look you’re hoping to create.
Honestly?
I love both.
Years ago, I found myself recommending pops of color all the time. As my style has evolved, I’ve fallen in love with soft neutrals just as much.
The truth is, there isn’t one perfect color palette.
That’s one of the things I love most about photography. The same location can look completely different depending on the light, the season, and what everyone is wearing.
That’s what makes every session unique.
Instead of asking yourself, “What colors should we wear?”
Ask yourself,
“How do I want these photos to feel?”
Do you want them to feel warm and cozy?
Bright and joyful?
Classic and timeless?
Once you know that, choosing colors becomes much easier.
Need More Help Choosing Outfits?
Every family who books a session with me receives my complete styling guide.
Inside, I walk you through:
- Coordinating colors without matching
- Choosing outfits that flatter everyone
- In depth color pallets including a color wheel
- Tips for dressing the whole family
- Ideas based on your session location
My goal is to make outfit planning feel easy so you can spend less time stressing and more time looking forward to your session.
