Why I Don't Ask Clients to Wear Neutrals to a Family Portrait Session

Bianca Jo
May 23
3 min read

There is a trend going on, not sure you noticed or not but I certainly have being in the photographer world.

What is this trend?

Wearing neutrals to a family portrait session. Different photographers have different reasons for this, and one is that it keeps their images looking cohesive, so they have clients choose outfits or provide outfits that fit the color scheme they want. If that is what their client wants, that is perfectly fine, whatever floats your boat. Neutrals are usually whites, light browns, and beige, they can also be blacks and grays. The trend is the warm tones, and it goes with the photographer's warm tone style of editing as well.

However this is not my style and not what I ask my clients to do so I am sharing why I don't ask clients to wear neutrals to their family portrait session.

Three people smiling on a sunny beach, wearing white outfits. Waves crash on rocks in the background. A joyful, relaxed atmosphere.

1- They Get Dirty Easily

This is pretty obvious as a reason to limit how much white or light brown you wear. I've had moms worry about kids getting their clothes dirty, and I wouldn't want my clients having that added stress because, let's face it, kids will find a way to get dirty during a location session.

Family of five in coordinated beige and white outfits holding hands on a beach, ocean in background. Mood is joyful and relaxed.

2- White will be see-through

I had family wear all white linen clothing. The dad wore shorts underneath, and for the most part, it wasn't noticeable, but when I photographed them at a certain angle, you could clearly see a bright yellowish-green stripe from the shorts underneath. Something to think about when you wear anything white.

Family of four in white clothing smiling by a lake, surrounded by trees. Sunny day with a hillside in the background. Serene and joyful mood.

3- It's A Trend Right Now, But Will Look Dated In The Future

Do you remember the popular family portraits where they took the photos at the beach and everyone wore white shirts and jeans? Yeah, I do, that was from the 90s, and when you look at those images, you can tell that is when they were taken from. So many people had that same look for family portraits. I want to create timeless images. And that starts with choosing what makes you feel good.

Family of five sits on sandy beach, gazing at the ocean. Bright daylight, turquoise waves, relaxed atmosphere. All wear light clothing.

4- You can blend In With The Environment

I've noticed that depending on the location you choose for your family session that this can happen. If you choose white and beige and decide on a beach session, you will blend in with the sand. If you choose light brown and beige and a trail location, you will blend in with the brown tall grass and trail paths. The season with also effect this as well.

A family of three stands on the beach at sunset, wearing white. They hold hands and smile with the ocean in the background, creating a warm mood.

5- It can look Monotone

This can go with number 4, but it is a reason for me. It like everyone matching you kinda get washed out and everyone looks the same.

Family of four in white clothing holding hands, walking in a sunlit forest, smiling and joyful. Green trees and brown path in background.

6- It Doesn't Reflect The Person's or Family's Unique Personality

This is the most important reason for me! I want to make sure your family feels comfortable in what they are wearing. That means some won't feel comfortable in white and like darker colors. This is why I suggest a color scheme. It gives everyone the ability to choose the colors and outfit styles they love while keeping everyone looking together.

I will suggest adding a neutral to the colors, which can tie everyone together, but it can be an accessory or a layer of clothing. Having a color scheme will give so many options for outfit ideas that will allow for each persons unique style to be celebrated.

Is this what you want from your family photographs?

Book your phone consultation, and I'd love to tell you how I help you feel confident during your session!

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