(The short answer, before we get into the detail)
Pick one palette and choose two or three colours from it for the whole family. Neutrals, soft earthy tones and rich jewel tones are the easiest to get right. Brights and black and white work well too, as long as you keep everything else simple and think about where the portrait will hang.
(It’s the first thing you notice on the wall)
When you look at a family portrait, you see the faces first and the colour second. The clothes themselves come a distant third.
That’s why we talk about palettes rather than outfits. Get the colours working together and the outfits almost sort themselves out. Get them fighting each other and even the nicest pieces will pull attention away from what matters: your family.
A good palette does three things:
RICH, MOODY AND ELEGANT
Why it works: Deep jewel tones feel rich and elegant, and they give skin a lovely warmth. They suit families who love a moodier, more editorial look, and they’re a perfect fit for Melbourne’s cooler months.
Best colours: Emerald, sapphire, burgundy, plum, deep teal, mustard gold, chocolate brown
How to style it:
When choosing Velvet and satin, be aware these can show every crease.
Hang them the night before or borrow our steamer when you arrive at the studio.
FULL OF ENERGY
Why it works: Bold colour against a clean backdrop makes a confident, fun statement.
Best colours: Cobalt blue, emerald, hot pink, tangerine, sunshine yellow
How to style it:
Pro Tip: Bright colour reflects onto skin, so keep the boldest pieces away from little faces.
Bright colours will reflect onto skin, so a hot pink top can give a little one a pink glow.
Keep the brightest pieces a little further from faces, like a skirt, pants or a jacket.
STRIKING AND MODERN
Why it works: Done intentionally, contrast looks clean, graphic and modern. It’s a confident choice that suits families who like a bolder, more styled look.
Best colours: Black, charcoal, navy, white, cream, soft grey
How to style it:
Avoid jet-black for babies and toddlers – charcoal or dark navy photograph softer
SOFT CALM AND TIMELESS
Why it works: Neutrals reflect light softly onto skin and never compete with faces for attention. They let expressions and connection take centre stage, and they won’t date, so your portraits feel as fresh in 20 years as they do today.
Best colours: Cream, beige, tan, oatmeal, soft grey, warm browns
How to style it:
This is the trend right now. Elevate it by mixing textures to add depth without adding visual noise.
Or, make is yours by adding some soft earty colours.
WARM GROUNDED AND RELAXED
Why it works: Earth tones feel warm, grounded and flattering on all skin tones. They bring a relaxed, natural feel to your portraits, like a slow Sunday afternoon together, and they sit comfortably in most homes.
Best colours: Sage, olive, rust, terracotta, soft mustard, dusty rose
How to style it:
When choosing soft earthy tones, avoid mixing with bright primaries or neons in the same group.
They will pull against each other, creating visual disharmony.
FRESH CALM AND EASY TO WEAR
Why it works: Blues feel calm and relaxed, and they sit comfortably with most skin tones. They’re one of the easiest palettes to put together, because most families already own something blue.
Best colours: Navy, teal, aqua, sky blue, beige, white
How to style it:
Denim counts. Your favourite jeans are already part of this palette, so you may only need to add one or two pieces.
(This is a guide, not a rulebook)
These five palettes are a starting point, not the full list. We haven’t touched on pastels, and there are plenty of other combinations out there that photograph just as well.
There are no wrong answers. If you already have outfits you love, you don’t need to go shopping or change everything for your session. Bring what feels like you, and we’ll help you pull it together.
Your portraits should look like your family, not like a page from a style guide.
“The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.”
(Start with the wall, not the wardrobe)
The easiest way to choose is to work backwards from where your portrait will hang.
For more on fit, comfort and what to avoid, read our full guide: What to Wear for Your Photo Session.
You can. Colour blocking is popular right now (thanks, Kardashians), and a family all in one colour can look striking. If you’d like everyone’s personality to come through as well, choose two or three colours from one palette and mix the tones and textures. You’ll still look like a group, just not a uniform.
Some combinations work, such as neutrals with a soft earthy accent. Others fight each other, like earthy tones with brights. If you’re unsure, stick to one.
Neons, large logos and busy patterns. They pull attention away from faces.
Choose natural fabrics like cotton or knits, and skip anything stiff, scratchy or covered in details. If you’re dressing them in dark tones, charcoal or navy photograph softer than jet black. And bring a spare outfit, just in case.
Usually the children. Our eyes go straight to the boldest colour in a photo, so whoever wears it becomes the focus. If Mum is in red and everyone else is in black and grey, you’ll look at Mum first. In most family portraits, the goal is for the children to catch your eye, so give them the brightest or boldest colour and keep the adults a little softer.
Absolutely. Every family session includes a pre-shoot styling consultation, so you never have to work it out alone.
If you’re ready to create timeless family portraits that feel natural, relaxed and beautifully styled, we’d love to photograph your family.
Book a call HERE us to discuss the best session colour for your family
Your future walls will thank you.
