As the holiday season approaches, many families are starting to plan out their annual family photo shoots. Choosing coordinating outfits and colors is an important part of capturing the perfect winter family portraits. When selecting colors for your winter family photos, it's important to consider the location, skin tones of your family members, and the overall tone you want your photos to convey. Read on for tips on picking the best colors for your winter family photos.
Choosing Colors Based on Photo Location
Shooting in Snowy Settings
If you plan on taking your family photos in a snowy setting, such as amongst snow-covered trees or landscapes, you'll want to avoid wearing white or other light colors. These shades will likely blend in too much with the snowy background.
Instead, go for deeper, richer hues that will stand out against the white backdrop:
- Dark red
- Forest green
- Navy blue
- Burgundy
- Black
These colors will make your family "pop" in the photos. They also convey a warmth that works well for winter shots.
Urban Winter Backdrops
Family photos taken in urban locations, such as in front of city buildings, have more flexibility when it comes to color options. Feel free to get more creative with brighter shades. Some festive choices include:
- Bright red
- Emerald green
- Royal blue
- Gold
- Fuchsia
Just be careful not to choose too many wildly different colors within the same group. This can make images look overly busy and chaotic. Ideally, pick 2-3 coordinating colors and stick to those for your family's outfits.
Choosing Colors Based on Skin Tones
The skin tones of your family members should factor into your color selection for winter portraits. Certain shades will be more flattering depending on complexion.
Fair Skin Tones
People with fair or pale skin often look best in warm, richer shades that add color to the face. Excellent options include:
- Burnt orange
- Coral
- Forest green
- Royal blue
- Pink
Avoid pure white or extremely light colors right next to fair skin as it can make skin look washed out. Deeper shades make features pop.
Darker Skin Tones
Individuals with darker skin have more flexibility when it comes to color options. Darker, cooler shades tend to look striking and elegant:
- Navy blue
- Burgundy
- Forest green
- Plum purple
- Charcoal gray
Brighter, warmer colors also look beautiful. Just avoid too many different bright colors together, as it can look overly busy:
- Golden yellow
- Ruby red
- Emerald green
- Royal blue
Choosing Colors Based on Overall Tone
The mood you wish to convey in your winter family photos should also guide your color selection. Certain palettes lend themselves to more formal vs casual looks.
Classic, Elegant Look
For more formal family shots, traditional color pairings look refined. Excellent options include:
- Black and white
- Navy blue and maroon
- Forest green and navy
- Silver and light blue
These versatile shades convey timeless sophistication perfect for formal portraits. They also coordinate beautifully in layers, like a navy pea coat over a gray sweater.
Fun, Festive Look
If you want a more playful, casual vibe for your winter photos, go for brighter, energetic color pairings:
- Red and kelly green
- Royal blue and gold
- Fuchsia and lime green
- Turquoise and coral
These exciting shades pairings lend themselves to funkier, less posed photos. You can capture your family having fun in their bright coordinating outfits.
Additional Tips for Winter Family Photos
Along with carefully selecting colors, keep these extra tips in mind:
- Pose family members together and individually - Capture group shots as well as solo images of family members to showcase personalities.
- Use natural light whenever possible - Low winter light can be very flattering. Position near large windows to utilize.
- Move closer together - Huddling near one another conveys warmth and connections.
- Play with settings - Don't be afraid to play with exposure, shutter speed and other adjustments to create artsy effects.
- Scout location ahead of time - Visit potential winter photo shoot spots to visualize how your color schemes will look there.
With some planning and coordination, you're sure to end up with frame-worthy winter family portraits to cherish for years to come. The colors you select will play a key role in creating images with the perfect holiday spirit.
Conclusion
Choosing the best colors for your winter family photos involves considering several factors - the location backdrop, your family members' skin tones, and the overall vibe you wish to achieve. With some thoughtfulness and coordination when selecting hues and color pairings, you can create beautiful, festive winter portraits to enjoy for holidays to come. The most flattering shades tend to be rich, deeper tones for snowy backdrops and fair skin. But don't be afraid to get creative with elegant metallic or even bright, energetic shades as well. Use color thoughtfully to showcase your family's warmth, connections, and personalities this holiday season.
