Before a portrait session a lot of my clients ask me how to color coordinate outfits for family pictures. Most people get overwhelmed with the endless amount of options. The thing is that it doesn’t have to be super complicated or stressful to put together a color coordinated family portrait.
The easiest way I’ve found to color coordinate an ensemble is inspired by this video from Parker York Smith. In this video he makes this simple by breaking colors into three categories: earth tones, neutrals, and black.
To recap the basic idea: every color falls into one of three categories—neutrals, earth tones, or black. When choosing outfits, stick to one category or a mix of two, but never all three. If you’re new to this concept and want to add variety, a good rule of thumb is to use the second color category as an accent—just a pop. Think of it as one intentional piece: maybe his belt and shoes, her dress, or just one item like a shirt or pair of pants.
Also remember to factor the background colors into this equation. For example, family photos in the forest tend to have lots of earth tones while urban environments can be more neutral with the greys of concrete and buildings. To blend with an area use a like color pallet. To separate the family from the background, choose a contrasting color category like earth tones in an urban environment or neutral colors in a forest setting.
The following are some example color schemes to help you better understand the concept.
Earth Tones
The reason these colors work so well in this setting is because the forest is full of earth tones. By choosing outfits that are also earth tones, their outfits complement the background so they don’t feel separated from the scene.
To further style the scene, she chose a red dress to complement the greenery of the forest we planned to capture their photos in. This red both complements the forest setting and makes her the focal point without feeling disconnected from the environment.
Other colors can pop well in forest settings also like oranges and purples but if adding a pop of color feels tricky, just reach out. I’ll help you build a color scheme that fits your shoot perfectly.
Neutral and Earth Tones
For this photo, the couple’s outfits are both neutral and earth tones. His shirt is white, which is a neutral tone. His pants, although blue, are fairly desaturated, which I would also consider a neutral tone. Her dress, being white (neutral) and covered with flowers (earth tones), doesn’t clash—instead, it adds that pop of color that ties in with the surrounding environment.
Even though she’s arguably wearing more earth tones than neutrals and he’s entirely in neutral colors, the theme works because there are only two color categories in the whole photo. The background is full of earth tones and neutrals, and so are their outfits.
In short, the absence of black in their outfits is why this photo feels stylized with a defined color palette.
Neutral and Black
This couple is dressed in neutrals and black. His shirt and pants are neutral, and he accents his outfit with black cowboy boots. Her dress is black, which matches his accent color.
In this example, the third color category is the earth tones in the background, which helps them stand out. The general rule is to dress in no more than two color categories. If you want to blend with the background, the entire photo—outfits and setting—should stay within two categories. If you want to stand out, like in this case, still only wear two categories and let the third be the background of wherever your photos are taken.
Neutral Tones
These kids were photographed in a park full of rich earth tones—warm grass, soft browns, and muted greens—with neutral pops from the daisies scattered across the scene. Their light, neutral outfits not only complement the flowers but also help them stand out beautifully against the natural backdrop. It’s a perfect example of how this approach make a photo feel effortlessly styled and harmonious with the setting.
Where to Rent Outfits for Your Family Photo Shoot
Buying coordinated outfits for a family photo shoot can get expensive—especially when you want everyone looking their best in clothes they might not wear again. The good news? You don’t have to purchase everything. These clothing rental services let you rent high-quality, photogenic outfits for a fraction of the cost, making it easy to style your whole family without breaking the bank.
Here are some of the top places where you can rent outfits for your next family session:
Best for: Designer women’s and maternity wear
Highlights: Offers a wide selection of designer dresses and stylish looks for moms and teens. Flexible plans include one-time rentals or monthly subscriptions—perfect for family sessions or holiday card photos.
Best for: Trendy and casual women’s wear
Highlights: Rent six items per month from brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters. A great option for modern, Instagram-worthy looks that feel effortless and stylish.
Best for: Professional and chic women’s attire
Highlights: Includes a wide variety of timeless, flattering pieces with personalized styling. If you’re after an elevated but not too trendy look, Armoire makes it easy to dress up without the stress of shopping.
Best for: Boutique children’s clothing
Highlights: Specializes in high-end, whimsical clothing for babies, toddlers, and young kids. Think tulle dresses, vintage overalls, and tailored pieces perfect for capturing magical moments.
Best for: Flowy women’s dresses and maternity looks
Highlights: Dresses are specifically chosen for their flattering shapes and ease of movement—great for outdoor or lifestyle shoots. Most dresses are adjustable for different body types and stages of pregnancy.
Best for: One-of-a-kind, handcrafted dresses
Highlights: These unique pieces are handmade and available for rent, giving your photos a romantic, timeless aesthetic. A perfect choice if you want to stand out with something truly special.
Feeling Overwhelmed? I’m Here to Help!
If all of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—I’ve got you. The best place to start is by choosing your photo location, then building your outfit choices around the colors in that setting. Once you’ve picked the spot, I can help you identify the natural color palette and create a style plan that fits your vision.
Still not sure where to begin? Contact me here and I’ll walk you through it step by step.
