As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall offers a stunning backdrop for photography. But to make the most of the season's beauty, choosing the right color scheme for your photo shoot is as important as choosing a great location. The right colors can enhance the natural surroundings, complement your personal style, and make your photos timeless. Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect palette for your fall session.

1. Embrace Earth Tones

Fall is all about earthy hues that reflect the changing landscape. Think deep browns, warm oranges, muted yellows, and rich greens. These colors blend seamlessly with the environment, allowing you to stand out while still looking cohesive with nature. Consider incorporating shades like:

• Mustard yellow: A warm, inviting color that pairs well with the season's golden light.
• Rust: A deep, burnt orange that echoes the changing leaves.
• Olive green: A versatile hue that complements both warm and cool tones.
• Chocolate brown: A rich, grounding color that adds depth to any outfit.

2. Layer Neutrals for a Timeless Look

Neutral tones are always a safe bet for fall photography. They’re classic, versatile, and work well with any background. Think shades of cream, beige, taupe, and gray. You can create a polished, timeless look by layering different neutrals. For example:

• Pair a cream sweater with a tan coat and taupe boots for a cozy, monochromatic look.
• Add texture with knit scarves or wool hats in neutral tones to keep the outfit interesting.

3. Add Pops of Jewel Tones

If you want to add a bit of color without overpowering the fall scenery, consider incorporating jewel tones. Deep, saturated colors like emerald green, burgundy, and navy blue can add richness and contrast to your photos. These tones look especially striking against fall foliage. Try these combinations:

• Emerald green dress with a camel coat for a sophisticated look.
• Burgundy sweater paired with dark denim and brown leather boots for a casual yet chic vibe.
• Navy blue jacket layered over neutral basics for a pop of color that doesn’t dominate the scene.

4. Consider the Location

Your color scheme should also complement your photo shoot location. If you’re shooting in a forest with lots of green and brown, go for colors that contrast, like mustard or burgundy. If your location has vibrant fall foliage, consider more neutral tones or jewel tones that won’t clash. For urban settings, muted tones and neutrals often work best to balance out the city backdrop.

5. Coordinate, Don’t Match

If you're taking photos with family or friends, coordination is key. You don’t all need to match exactly, but your outfits should complement each other. Choose a color palette with 2-3 main colors and have everyone wear different variations or shades within that palette. This approach keeps the group looking cohesive without being too matchy-matchy. For example:

• Palette: Mustard yellow, olive green, and cream.
• One person could wear a mustard sweater, another in olive pants, and another in a cream dress with mustard accessories.

6. Think About Texture and Patterns

Don’t forget about texture and patterns when planning your outfits. Cozy knits, plaid scarves, and denim jackets add visual interest and depth to your photos. Just be mindful of patterns—if one person is wearing a bold print, keep the rest of the group in solid colors to avoid clashing.

7. Stay True to Your Personal Style

While it’s important to consider seasonal colors, don’t forget to stay true to your personal style. You want to feel comfortable and confident during your photo shoot, and that starts with wearing something that feels like "you." If you love bold colors, find a way to incorporate them into your fall look. If you’re more of a minimalist, stick with neutrals and simple lines.

8. Don’t Forget Accessories

Accessories can tie your whole look together and add a touch of personality to your photos. Think scarves, hats, belts, and even boots that complement your chosen color scheme. Just remember, less is more—choose a few key pieces that enhance your outfit without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts

We know that choosing the perfect outfits can be overwhelming, so we provide all our photography clients with a style guide that’s packed with even more tips and tricks. From advice on how to coordinate outfits for the whole family to suggestions for making the most of your chosen color scheme, our guide has you covered.

Choosing the right color scheme for your fall photo shoot can make all the difference in creating beautiful, cohesive images. By embracing earth tones, layering neutrals, adding pops of jewel tones, and considering your location, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning fall memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to coordinate with others in the shoot, incorporate textures and patterns, and most importantly, stay true to your style.

And don’t forget—our personalized Style Guide is here to help you every step of the way. Happy fall, and happy shooting!