Harmony at Home: How to Choose Outfits That Complement Your Space

Hey friend! Let's talk about the chaos of getting your family ready for a photo session. I mean, I've been there too - trying to wrangle everyone into matching outfits while also refereeing arguments over who gets to wear what.

But here's the thing: with a few simple tips, you can create a stress-free (okay, maybe just stress-reduced) experience that will leave you with gorgeous photos to treasure.

As your photographer, I want you to know that I'm all about embracing personality and style - and that includes color! I don't believe in sticking to just neutrals; I love incorporating bright, vibrant hues into my images. However, when it comes to displaying your photos in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When it comes to choosing colors for your photo session, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, it's best to avoid an entire group wearing dark colors like black or navy when shooting at the beach. We will get to that in a minute…But if you're creating an album and like black and whites photographs, feel free to get creative and bold with your outfits!

However, if you plan to display your photos in your home, let's think about how to choose colors that will complement your space and make your images truly shine.

Understanding the Color Wheel

To start, let's talk about the color wheel! This handy tool is organized by warm and cool colors, with primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) at its core. By mixing primary colors, you get secondary colors (like purple, green, and orange), and by mixing primary and secondary colors, you get tertiary colors (like blue-green or red-orange).

So, how do you use the color wheel to choose complementary colors? Easy! Simply choose a color, then trace a diagonal line directly across from it on the circle. The color that you land on is its complementary color. For example, if you choose blue, its complementary color is orange.

Tips for Stress-Free Styling

Now, let's dive into some more tips for creating a stress-free photo session experience:

Neutral Base: Start with a neutral base of colors like beige, gray, or navy, which complement most home decor styles.

Harmonious Hues: Select complementary color schemes that work well with your home's color palette. Consider earthy tones for a cozy, natural look, soft pastels for a soft, calming atmosphere, or rich jewel tones for a bold, sophisticated statement. Check out this easy color palette for neutrals and minimalistic vibes.

Now, unpopular to what I just shared, here are some colors I do tend to avoid on the beach:

Black: It can dull an image & hide details. A small pop of black is OK, but a full outfit or group of adults all in black might not be the best choice.

Dark Blue: Similar to black, it can make the image feel heavy. Jeans are fine, but avoid super dark blue tops or dresses on multiple people.

Neon: Neon can be overwhelming, cast weird colors on skin, and distract from the subjects.

Bright Red: Red can be tricky to photograph, & bright red can cast colors on skin. Darker reds are lovely, though!

Disclaimer: Before you think I'm a total bold color hater, let me confess: I LOVE taking black and white photos! In fact, some of my favorite images are black and white conversions. So, if you're thinking, "But what about black and white photos?" - don't worry, these color preferences usually don't apply to those!

Thinking Outside the Color Wheel

Dress for the Room: Match your attire to the room's style and decor. For example, go for modern and sleek for a contemporary living room, warm and inviting for a cozy family room, or elegant and sophisticated for a formal dining room. Now, let's talk about dressing for the room where your photos will live. Think about the style and decor of your home - you want your photos to blend in seamlessly, right?

For example, if you have a beachy coastal home with light blues, whites, and sandy neutrals, you might choose outfits with similar hues, like:

-Soft blues and whites

-Lightweight, natural fabrics like cotton and linen

-Neutral sandals or bare feet

On the other hand, if you have a classic and clean aesthetic with a neutral color palette, you might opt for:

-Timeless pieces like white button-downs and dark wash jeans

-Simple patterns like stripes or polka dots

-Leather shoes or loafers

Layers and Textures: Add depth to your photos with layers, patterns, and textures that complement your home's decor. Consider mixing smooth and rough textures like cotton, denim, and wool, adding patterns like stripes, polka dots, and florals, or incorporating layers like cardigans, jackets, and scarves.

Be Mindful of Branding: Avoid prominent logos or distracting graphics that can clash with your home's style.

By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning visual display that harmonizes beautifully in your chosen room. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be yourself!

Remember, these are just my preferences, and ultimately, the goal is to have fun and capture your family's personality!

Happy styling, friend!