Choosing a Color Palette for a Family Photo Shoot
Choosing a color palette for your family’s outfits can elevate your photos from great to AMAZING! When you choose to do your photos outdoors, using a color palette that complements the location’s colors creates a cohesive, beautiful scene.
The following guide will help you select color palettes inspired by nature.
My style guide, available when you book with me, is another resource for color palettes that gives general suggestions about neutrals and jewel tones and colors that complement the seasons and type of shoot (Maternity, Newborn, Family). The advice below does not contradict the advice in the style guide, but rather, gives you more inspiration!
Reno's Golden Hour Glow
Palette Inspiration: Golden yellows, soft creams, warm taupes, and muted orange.
Setting: Perfect for fields or open spaces during sunrise or sunset. Reno has some great locations for this color scheme. There are a few fields in Dog Valley and Verdi, as well as wetland parks, with cattails and water grasses like you find in Hidden Valley.
Why It Works: These colors harmonize with the warm light of golden hour. The resultant photos are soft and natural.
Style Tip: Layering adds depth and lets you easily switch up your look. Stay away from shoes that are too light in color.






Finding Reno's Forest Greens and Earthy Browns
Palette Inspiration: Forest green, deep brown, beige, and mustard yellow.
Setting: Works beautifully in wooded areas or mountainous landscapes. Areas around Reno that have this aesthetic include Galena Creek Park, an open-forest setting with trails, bridges, and granite boulders. Another is a forested area near Verdi. With a carpet of red pine needles and a bit of dust coming off the nearby dirt road --the setting sun is scattered by the dust, bathing you in golden, magical light.
Why It Works: Earth tones blend with nature and create a timeless, natural look.
Style Tip: Avoid clashing patterns; stick to solids or subtle prints.
Hold Up: What about blacks? We don’t have to shoot at a volcano for you to wear a palette built around blacks. I’ve found black with touches of blue jeans and rust and browns is perfect for the forest. Perhaps it's because the trunks of the trees can be so dark and dominant that blacks can fit right in.






Lake Tahoe Blues and Sandy Neutrals
Palette Inspiration: Light blue, navy, beige, soft gray, and white.
Splash of Color: Rust or yellow (but not both)
Setting: Ideal for beach or lake locations. This palette works for Lake Tahoe beaches, where you can shoot close to the emerald and turquoise waters.
Why It Works: These colors mirror the environment of water, sand, and Tahoe boulders, creating a fresh, clean look.
Style Tip: Flowing fabrics like maxi dresses or linen shirts enhance the breezy feel. If you want photos in the water, plan ahead with dresses you can gather up and pants you can roll up.






Autumn Foliage Hues
Palette Inspiration: Burnt orange, rust red, burgundy, olive green, and cream.
Alternative Color Scheme: Royal Blue pops among orange leaves! Carefully pair it with burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green or cream for a bold but cohesive look.
Setting: Great for parks, forests, or any location with fall foliage. Areas around Reno that are absolutely stunning for these types of photos include Caughlin Ranch Park, Hwy 89 South between Truckee and North Lake Tahoe for some photos among aspen, and the Truckee River corridor.
Why It Works: Rich, warm tones complement the vibrant colors of autumn leaves.
Style Tip: Incorporate scarves, sweaters, or blue jean jackets for layering and added texture.






The Sierra's Winter Jewel Tones
Palette Inspiration: Deep red, emerald green, navy blue, and charcoal gray.
Setting: Best for snowy backdrops, evergreen forests, or urban settings in winter. For snowy backdrops, I recommend the Mt. Rose Meadows after a snow --you'll have large, open expanses of snow with evergreens and red willow branches as your backdrop. You may even find a pre-built snowman you can borrow for your session. For urban settings, you can’t beat Reno’s Midtown district! It has lots of amazing murals, old brick architecture, and its a short walk to Reno’s iconic arch.
Why It Works: Jewel tones pop against white or muted winter landscapes, adding a punch of color.
Style Tip: Add accessories with a subtle sparkle for a polished, seasonal look.








Tips for Choosing the Right Palette
Consider the Setting: Look at the natural colors in the location and choose complementary tones.
Seasonal Alignment: Match the palette to the season for a cohesive look.
Coordinate, Don’t Match: We encourage our families to coordinate colors without being overly matchy-matchy. Having everyone in the same plaid is a no-no. Having one person in a plaid where the dominant color complements the colors worn by the rest of the family is a yes.
Test the Palette: Lay out your outfits together to see how the colors interact.
Choosing the right color palette for your family’s outdoor photos can make your images stand out. By drawing inspiration from nature and tailoring your outfits to the season and location, your photos will feel timeless and unique.
If you’re ready to book your session and make memories with your loved ones, I’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot! When you book with me, you’ll also receive my comprehensive style guide for even more tips and inspiration to ensure your family looks and feels amazing. Let’s create something beautiful together—contact me today to get started!