How to Choose a Color Palette for Family Portraits

When it comes to family portraits, the question I get most often is about choosing clothing in colors that coordinate. The clients that ask for advice on this are spot on. Color coordination can make all the difference in a portrait that looks put-together, artistic, and professional and one that looks more like a cute snapshot. 

(Of course, I’m not knocking those other styles of family photography here. They can be very lovely, too. It’s just a different art form than a more formal, timeless family portrait.)

One of the best things about being here in the Charleston, SC area, is that there are endless, beautiful location choices with amazing color combinations to pull the whole thing together. I usually suggest that families start with their location: Downtown Charleston, Summerville, the beach on Isle of Palms, or any place that strikes the tone you’re looking for for your portrait.

See our gallery of Charleston, SC Family Portraits for inspiration

Then, it’s time to choose the color scheme for your family’s clothing. In the graphic below, I’ve put together some of my favorite color combinations as a guide for families. But the colors should match your family’s style and go well with the colors in your home, too.

Still feeling stuck? When I say I love to help families with this I mean! I love when clients text me before a portrait shoot with a quick photo of the clothes they’ve chosen so I can make suggestions. 

This also helps me to start imagining your portrait. I often start to come up with more specific ideas for where (at your chosen location) would serve as the perfect backdrop. The better the planning, the better the outcome will be--and the smoother and more enjoyable the whole process will be for everyone. 

Most of the families I work with are shocked at how quickly their family portrait comes together and by how quick and easy the whole process is.