Choosing Colors and Fabrics for Family Beach Portraits
Beach family portraits are a wonderful way to capture memories against the backdrop of sun, sand, and surf. To ensure your photos are picture-perfect, your choice of wardrobe is crucial. Selecting the right wardrobe can make a significant difference in the outcome of your photos. In this blog, we'll guide you through the best wardrobe colors and fabric types to wear for your beach family portraits, as well as colors and fabrics to avoid. With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to create timeless and beautiful beach portraits.
Ocean-Inspired Colors
When it comes to beach portraits, consider drawing inspiration from the ocean itself. Soft and calming shades of blue and aqua can evoke the tranquil spirit of the sea. These colors not only complement the beach setting but also create a harmonious visual experience for your portraits. Whether it's light blues or deeper shades, incorporating ocean-inspired colors can make your family look like a part of the serene beachscape.
Soft Blues and Aquas
Embrace the serene beauty of the beach by wearing shades of soft blue and aqua. These colors complement the natural scenery and create a harmonious look that's both soothing and visually appealing.
Neutrals: Timeless and Versatile
Neutral colors such as whites, creams, and beiges are timeless and versatile choices for beach portraits. They exude a sense of purity and simplicity while allowing your family's faces to take center stage and stand out while creating a clean, elegant, and cohesive look These hues work well for both casual and formal beach portraits and can be effortlessly coordinated among family members, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.
Pastel Hues for a Gentle Touch
Pastel colors like soft pinks, pale yellows, light yellows and minty greens can add a gentle, dreamy quality to your beach portraits. These shades are especially fitting for beach portraits taken during sunrise or sunset when the light is warm and soft. Pastels create a soothing and romantic ambiance that complements the natural beauty of the beach.
Earthy Tones
Earthy shades such as sandy beige or warm coral can provide a pleasing contrast against the ocean's blues. These colors evoke a sense of warmth and can complement the natural surroundings beautifully.
Complementary Color Schemes
Consider choosing complementary colors that harmonize with the beach environment. Opt for outfits that coordinate without being overly matchy-matchy, striking a balance that showcases your family's individuality while maintaining a unified look.
Wardrobe Colors to Avoid
Bright Neon Colors
Vibrant neon colors can be distracting and may not complement the natural beach setting. They tend to draw attention away from your family's faces and the overall composition of the photo.
Heavy Dark Tones
Dark, heavy colors like deep blacks, dark greens or rich browns can create a stark contrast that distracts from the serene beach backdrop, and believe it not, will soak up the light flattening your photos. Overly dark wardrobes While a touch of black or dark blue can be fine for accents, it's best to avoid these as primary wardrobe colors.
Best Fabric Types for Beach Family Portraits
Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
Given the often warm and breezy conditions at the beach, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray. These materials will keep you comfortable while creating a relaxed beachy vibe.
Flowy Garments
Flowy dresses for women and light, airy shirts for men and children can capture the essence of beach elegance. Dresses with movement and flow can create beautiful, dynamic compositions as they catch the ocean breeze. Flowy garments not only enhance the visual appeal of your portraits but also allow for natural, unposed moments.
Practical Footwear
Don't forget about footwear! Opt for beach-appropriate shoes like sandals or even better, barefoot for that authentic, carefree beach experience. Coordinating shoe choices can complete the overall look of your family's beach portrait ensemble.
Fabrics to Avoid
Heavy and Bulky Materials
Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet, wool, or heavy denim as they can be uncomfortable in the beach environment and may not allow for natural movement in your photos.
Stiff Fabrics
Stiff fabrics such as starched shirts or dresses can appear too formal and rigid for a beach portrait session. Opt for softer, more relaxed materials instead.
Small Prints
Large colorful prints can work well for adding a distinctive pop to your photo, provided that is they don’t compete to heavily with other subjects’ clothing. When it comes to prints however, avoid small patterns and repeating small detail like dots, checks and stripes. Camera sensors often turn these into wavy lines with shades of color distorting the finished procuct.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wardrobe for your family beach portraits can significantly impact the outcome of your photos. By selecting ocean-inspired colors, neutrals, pastels, and coordinating color schemes, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. Lightweight, breathable fabrics and flowy garments add comfort and elegance to your portraits, allowing for natural and authentic moments to shine through. With these wardrobe tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to capture unforgettable family moments against the breathtaking backdrop of the beach.