When you book a professional photoshoot, there are so many things to think about – location, posing, hair and makeup, lighting and, of course, what everyone is going to wear.
One thing that is often overlooked is colour.
The colours you choose for your clothing, combined with the backdrop, location and lighting, can completely change the feel of your photographs. The right colour palette can make an image feel cohesive, timeless and intentional, while colours that compete with each other can distract from the most important part of the photograph: you.
As a photographer, I often spend a lot of time thinking about colour before a session. Here’s why it matters and how you can use colour theory to help plan your next photoshoot.
What is colour theory?
Colour theory is essentially the relationship between colours and how they work together.
Some colours naturally complement one another, while others create contrast. Certain combinations feel warm and inviting, while others feel cool, modern or dramatic.
When planning a photoshoot, we can use these relationships to create a particular mood and make sure everything within the frame works together.
This doesn’t mean everyone needs to wear matching outfits!
In fact, I usually recommend the opposite.
Instead of everyone wearing the same colour, think about choosing colours that coordinate.
Think about your backdrop first
Before choosing outfits, consider where your photographs are going to be taken.
A neutral studio backdrop gives you much more freedom with colour, whereas a colourful location may influence the entire palette of your session.
For example:
Warm, earthy backdrop:
Think creams, beige, caramel, rust, mustard, olive and soft browns.
Cool or blue-toned backdrop:
Consider whites, creams, denim, soft grey, navy and muted greens.
Greenery or outdoor location:
Earthy neutrals, warm browns, creams, dusty pinks and muted blues can work beautifully against natural surroundings.
Light or white studio backdrop:
Almost anything can work, but softer tones can create a light and airy feel, while deeper colours create more contrast.
The backdrop doesn’t need to match your clothing. It simply needs to work with it.
Choose a colour palette rather than matching outfits
One of my biggest tips for family sessions is to choose a colour palette rather than choosing matching outfits.
For example, instead of everyone wearing white shirts and blue jeans, you might choose:
- Cream
- Beige
- Terracotta
- Soft denim
- Olive green
These colours feel connected without looking overly coordinated.
You can also use different shades of the same colour. This creates depth and interest while still keeping the photographs cohesive.
Understanding complementary colours
Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the traditional colour wheel.
Examples include:
- Blue and orange
- Green and red
- Purple and yellow
These combinations create strong contrast and can be incredibly effective when used intentionally.
You don’t necessarily need to dress someone in bright orange and someone else in bright blue, though!
A softer version — such as dusty blue with warm rust or terracotta — can give you the same colour relationship while creating a much more sophisticated look.
Don’t forget about skin tones
Colour also interacts with your skin tone.
Some colours can make skin appear bright and healthy, while others can make the skin look washed out or overly red.
This is one reason I often recommend softer, muted or earthy colours for portrait sessions.
Creams, taupes, soft blues, olive, dusty pinks, warm browns and muted neutrals tend to photograph beautifully because they don’t overpower the person wearing them.
That doesn’t mean you can’t wear bold colours. If a bright red dress is completely you, wear it!
Your photographs should still reflect your personality.
Avoid too many competing colours
One of the easiest ways to make a family photograph feel visually chaotic is to have lots of different bright colours competing for attention.
Imagine one person wearing bright red, another neon green, another royal blue and another hot pink.
Each outfit might look fantastic individually, but together they can become visually overwhelming.
The eye doesn’t know where to look.
Instead, choose one or two colours that provide a little more impact and balance them with neutrals or softer shades.
Patterns can be beautiful – but use them thoughtfully
I’m absolutely not against patterns!
A beautiful floral dress, subtle stripe or textured knit can add personality and visual interest to a photograph.
The trick is to avoid having everyone wearing a different bold pattern.
If one person is wearing a statement floral dress, let that outfit become part of the inspiration for everyone else’s clothing.
Pull a few colours from the pattern and use those colours throughout the rest of the family.
This creates a beautifully connected wardrobe without making everyone look identical.
Texture is just as important as colour
Colour isn’t the only thing that creates visual interest.
Texture can make a huge difference too.
Think:
- Linen
- Knits
- Denim
- Lace
- Corduroy
- Wool
- Soft cotton
- Velvet
Combining different textures in complementary colours can make an image feel much richer and more layered.
A cream knitted jumper, flowing linen dress and denim jacket can create far more visual interest than several people wearing identical cotton T-shirts.
What about black and white?
Black and white can absolutely work in photographs, but it can create a very different feeling.
Black provides strong contrast and can create a sophisticated, editorial look.
White can feel clean, classic and timeless.
However, if everyone wears black and white against a very bright or colourful backdrop, the clothing can sometimes feel disconnected from the environment.
Again, it’s about considering the whole photograph, rather than looking at each outfit individually.
My favourite rule: choose colours that feel like you
Colour theory is a fantastic tool, but don’t let it take all the fun out of getting dressed.
Your photoshoot should still feel like you.
If you love colour, incorporate it.
If you live in neutrals, embrace them.
If your child refuses to wear anything except their favourite bright yellow jumper, that’s okay too!
The goal isn’t to create a perfectly styled Pinterest image where nobody looks like themselves.
The goal is to create photographs that feel authentic, beautiful and connected.
Before your next photoshoot…
When you’re planning what to wear, ask yourself:
Where are we shooting?
What colours are already in the environment?
What colours complement those surroundings?
Can we create a cohesive palette without everyone matching?
Are there different textures and layers to add interest?
And most importantly:
Do these clothes feel like us?
A little thought about colour before your session can make a surprisingly big difference to the final images.
And if you’re ever unsure about what to wear, ask your photographer.
Choosing clothing is part of the planning process, and a professional photographer should be able to guide you on colours, textures and styling so that everything comes together beautifully in camera.
Because the best photographs aren’t just about what happens when you step in front of the camera.
They’re about everything that goes into creating the image before you ever hear the shutter click.
