Jane Atter Photography

Guide to Dressing for a Family Photo Session in the Woods/Park: Complementing Colors and Styles

Hello and thank you for choosing me as your photographer for your upcoming family photo session in the woods/park! I’m excited to capture beautiful memories for you. This year out photo day will take place at Cannizzaro park near Wimbledon Common — beautiful little park with a lot to offer!

I am here to help you get ready for the day and make your photo session as enjoyable as possible and also ensure you will be happy with the photos — you can be surprised how much the right clothes can help in creating style for the photos — we need to ensure that all of you look organic and beautiful as a group!

Here are couple of points below on understanding how to combine clothes right for your family photo shoot.

1. Understanding the Color Wheel:

The color wheel is a valuable tool in photography and fashion. It consists of primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (green, purple, orange), and tertiary colors (mixtures of primary and secondary colors). Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the wheel and, when paired together, create a visually pleasing contrast.

2. Coordinating Colors:

When choosing outfits, opt for colors that complement each other rather than matching entirely. This will create a nice modern look without being overly uniform. Consider these tips:

• Analogous Colors: Choose colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. For example, combine warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, or cool colors like blue, green, and purple.
• Complementary Colors: Pair colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Examples include blue and orange, green and red, or purple and yellow.

3. Nature-Inspired Colors:

Since the photo session will take place in the woods or a park (Cannizaro Park in our instance near Wimbledon Common) , it’s a great idea to draw inspiration from the natural surroundings. Earthy tones like greens, browns, and yellows work exceptionally well in this environment.

4. Avoiding Busy Patterns:

Large and busy patterns can be distracting in photographs. Opt for solid colors, simple patterns, or textures that add depth without overwhelming the image.

5. Dressing for the Season:

Consider the season during your photo session and choose clothing accordingly:

• Spring/Summer: Light, breathable fabrics and pastel colors work wonderfully in warmer months.
• Fall: Earth tones, cozy textures, and deeper colors like burgundy, olive, or burnt orange are excellent choices.
• Winter: Layer up with sweaters, scarves, and hats. Darker, rich colors like navy, deep greens, and maroon can be great for winter settings.

6. Coordinating Styles:

While it’s essential to coordinate colors, it’s also important to align the overall style of the outfits. Aim for a cohesive look that reflects your family’s personality and taste:

• Casual: For a relaxed and comfortable look, opt for jeans, khakis, maxi dresses, or flowy skirts.
• Semi-Formal: Choose dressier options like button-down shirts, blouses, blazers, and sundresses.
• Formal: If you prefer a more elegant look, consider formal dresses, dress shirts, slacks, and ties.

7. Comfort is Key:

Above all, ensure that everyone feels comfortable in their chosen outfits. If your family is comfortable and confident, it will show in the photographs, resulting in natural and beautiful images.

8. Layers and Accessories:

Layering can add depth and interest to your outfits. Scarves, hats, vests, and jackets can enhance the visual appeal of the photographs. Be mindful of accessories, ensuring they complement the overall color scheme and style.

Final Tips:

• Avoid logos or large brand names as they can be distracting.
• Remember to coordinate shoes with the chosen outfits.
• If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for my advice or opinion before the session.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the principles of the color wheel and complementary colors, your family will look stunning and coordinated in the natural setting of the woods/park. I’m looking forward to capturing some wonderful moments with your family! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to me. See you soon!

READY FOR SPECIFICS?

Lets discuss specific colour schemes that would HELP YOU to get ready for your family photo session in a PARK (Cannizaro Park near Wimbledon Common in our case).

APRICOT, ORANGE AND TAN SCHEME

This color palette is for those of you that need something fresh. Something bright and whimsical but clean and soft. Think pastels but more neutral. Take the pastel yellows and apricot but add in shades of cream, beige, tan. Fresh is absolutely the word that comes to mind when I see this.

EMERALD GREEN AND MOSS YELLOW

You get the cool greens but with the deep, lush color of the emerald shade. You also get the warmth and softness from the spice/rust shade and blush. Ooo not to mention Moss! This may be my favorite shade this year! Moss. Moss color scheme! I’m a fan!

I love the combination of the colors that pop and the softness of others. It makes me so happy. This color scheme would be perfect for seriously any season. Imagine spring with the blossoming daffodils , summer in the woods, winter with the snowy pine trees. I approve them all!

NAVY GREEN & NEUTRALS

Family Photo Colours – Navy, Green, & Neutrals. When starting to plan outfits, I offer help finding a colour scheme for the group. Often times, I will ask for a base colour to go off of. A colour they really like themselves in or that the group already has a lot of or that they have envisioned for their photos.

I would also consider getting 1 outfit with some sort of pattern — let’s say a girl’s dress have flowers — the dress will dictate what other colours can wear — you don’t need to invent a whole — just look at the colours of the pattern and wear them all for the rest of the group. Similary — Dad’s shirt can be check — so the rest of the group is dressed in the colours of the checkers. Genius!

NEUTRALS

My all time favourite colours  for the Family photo — any day!

Neutral colours scream nature to me! Go for toned down colours  of all Earthy shades — tan, beige, white, milk and brown  — you will look organic amongst the pine trees,  ferns, cuddling on the lawn and spending happy time as forest nymph family. These muted shades help to concentrate on your family emotions without any distractions and these colours will stand the test of time! Beautiful family photos guaranteed.

DUSTY ROSE & GREEN COLOUR SCHEME

Family Outfit Ideas 2023 – Dusty Rose & Green. Such a pretty combination! Very fresh and feminine. A well balanced amount of warm and cool. This colour scheme is built of complimentary colours. Have you ever seen the colour wheels in an art class? Pick a colour, look at the opposite side of the color wheel, and there you have a complimentary colour.

If you are dying to include a shade of pink, a dusty rose or blush is the way to go. It’s important to avoid reds or bright pinks! They can reflect and make skin tones look off. Think soft!

PERIWINKLE & GREEN COLOUR SCHEME

Family Photo Outfit Colours – Periwinkle & Green. “I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it!! I loove this colour scheme for family photos, engagements, maternity photos. The simplicity, the balance of the warm and cool tones, the endless options!

I’m curious, if you were given this colour palette for your photo session with me, who would wear what color??

My first instinct is periwinkle for mama, but it would look so pretty on baby or baby girl too! I personally feel like men look so handsome and manly in tan/camel. However, sage green button up on dad? Yes! Throw in a little white button up on boy or white romper on baby to brighten everything and tie the warm and cool tones together and voila!

DID YOU KNOW??? I also have got a collection of dresses that clients are welcome to use. See the collection here.