Woohoo! You have family photos on the calendar! And I have a small feeling the next thought you had was: What on earth is everyone going to wear? Don’t stress, my friend. Sapphire Lane Photography has all the tips you’ll need to style your family so you look cohesive, comfortable, and effortlessly timeless for your Denver photo session.
If you’re a millennial like me, you have definitely seen the white shirt and blue jean family pictures everyone seemed to have growing up. But our goal is to avoid the uniform look. Instead, we want to focus on coordination while giving everyone the opportunity to showcase their own unique style.
How to Coordinate Colors Without Matching
Here is the foolproof 3-step rule to nailing your family’s color palette:
• Pick Three Core Colors: Start with one safe neutral (like cream, grey, or camel), one statement color (like dusty rose, mustard, or deep emerald), and one supporting shade that complements the statement color.
• Mix the Textures: If everyone wears flat cotton, the photos can look a bit two-dimensional. Mix it up! Combine knits, linen, denim, corduroy, or lace. Texture adds depth and visual interest.
• Distribute Evenly: Avoid putting all the kids in one color and both parents in another. Scatter your palette throughout the group so the colors balance out naturally across the frame.
How that looks in action:
Let’s say you choose cream (the neutral), rose (the statement), and brown (the complementary support). Dad wears brown pants with a cream shirt; Mom wears a linen rose-colored dress with a cream chunky sweater; your son wears cream corduroy pants with a dusty rose shirt; and your daughter wears a brown flowy dress. Keep it simple! When in doubt, check out Pinterest for photoshoot mood boards to get visual ideas.
The colorado weather plan
Colorado weather can change in a split second depending on the time of day and your altitude. But fear not! As an experienced Colorado Springs and Denver photographer, I know exactly how to dress for every season to ensure your wardrobe perfectly complements our gorgeous local scenery.
Spring & Summer Sessions
The vision: Light fabrics, breezy silhouettes, and soft or pastel palettes.
When the greenery pops at spots like Chautauqua Park (Boulder, CO) or Catamount Trail (Green Mountain Falls, CO), you want your wardrobe to match that fresh, airy energy.
• The Palette: Blush pinks, sage greens, soft sky blues, and creamy whites. These shades pop beautifully against lush greenery without clashing with nature.
• The Fabrics: Lean heavily into breathable, lightweight fabrics like linen, breathable cotton, and flowing lace.
• The Vibe: Long, flowy maxi dresses for mom (which look incredible when a front-range mountain breeze catches them) and light chinos with a rolled-sleeve button-down for dad.
Fall & Winter Sessions
The vision: Rich jewel tones, cozy textures, and smart layering.
Whether we are shooting among the golden aspens at Mueller State Park (Divide, CO) or against the iconic red rocks at Red Rocks Park (Morrison, CO), autumn and winter demand a smart wardrobe strategy.
• The Palette: Deep burgundy, mustard yellow, burnt orange, navy, and forest green. These rich tones look stunning against the changing leaves or crisp white snow.
• The Layering Strategy: Do not just throw a heavy ski jacket over a nice shirt. Instead, make the layers part of the outfit. Use stylish cardigans, tailored peacoats, textured scarves, and leather boots.
• The Secret: Thermals are your best friend! You can easily hide fleece-lined leggings or thermal undershirts beneath the kids' clothes so they stay warm and happy throughout the shoot.
Remember to Avoid: The "Identical Outfit" Trap
While the matching 90s look came from a place of love, putting your entire family in the exact same outfit actually washes out everyone's individuality. The camera loves dimension. By using the tonal coordination rules above, you ensure that every family member stands out while still looking like a beautifully connected unit.
