What Colors to Wear at Your Next Photo Session

Marlo Moody Photography - Family, Newborn, Senior, Fine Art Portraits

Do you remember the acronym for the colors of the rainbow? I know, I know…it’s like asking if you remember how to ride a bike even if it has been years since you have been on a bike. Or for me, I learned to drive a manual five-speed vehicle when I was 16 (a 1986 Honda Prelude five-speed to be specific) but haven’t driven for over 20 years. Our mind and body just remember. I’m sure if I got behind a manual vehicle tomorrow my mind and body would remember how to shift the gears. 

ROY G BIV - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet! I love the description that Oxford Dictionary gives for the word rainbow. “An arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun’s light by rain or the water droplets in the atmosphere.” I am a visual person and like to have pictures for inspiration, especially in an area that is not my strongest, like what to wear during a family photo shoot. I personally had two family photo sessions for my family in the last few months and still asked friends for help and found myself searching Pinterest for suggestions. I hope my research on the rainbow colors “ROY G BIV” and the connection of the rainbow color wheel can help guide your steps in selecting the best outfits/color for you and your family. 

The awareness of color’s disposition 

When we view a color or walk into a room with a specific design around a color how does it make us feel? The awareness of color’s disposition or the mood it conveys is powerful. I believe designers and therapist understand this concept more than anyone else. I strive during all my private photography sessions to dig into how you feel when you interact around your family. To orchestrate your authentic feelings for each other during our photo session so I can capture those fleeting moments with my camera. My artist eye is chasing after your feeling in the family images because I desperately want you to feel and remember the feelings you experienced during that specific season of your life when you see your images. Furthermore, if we understand the spirit of color extends and connected the color with your family’s vibe then it will guide us in selecting the colors, patterns, and textures, so you can be the best interpretation of YOU! Let’s break down the rainbow colors and the mood that it typically conveys along with other colors that complement each other. 

With all the rainbow color examples below consider the following to add personality, depth, and more feelings: 

Clothing Texture - Lace, corduroy, denim, knit, linen, wool, cashmere  

Muted Color Patterns - checkered, stripes, dots, chevron, stitch, plaid, diamond 

With Bold Colors - mix in cream, gray, black, beige, ivory, taupe, black and white

Think Movement - long dresses, layering with a whimsical longline cardigan, keeping your hair long.  

Accessories - hats, scarfs, jackets, sweaters, jewelry, shoes 

Less Interruption by saying no to neon, logos, or overpowering patterns  

Red - A proud statement of color that is bright, sharp, daring, and courageous. The colors opposite of red (complentary) on the color wheel are yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, and blue-violet. 

• Red paired with green gives us a “ho ho ho Merry Christmas” feeling. A traditional holiday groove. Complementary color. 

• Red and White fresh and vintage. White is similar to black and does not have color hues. White is not on the color wheel but is a great color to pair with many other colors. 

• Red with blue portrays nautical and loyal. Another example of complementing colors. 

• Red and yellow glittering and fun-loving. This combination is considered complementary because they are within a triangle of opposites on the color wheel. 

• Red and Black theatrical feel. The color black is a color without hues. Because colors are formed with light and black is missing light. 

• Red and pink using monochromatic romantic and perky 

Orange - An energetic and cozy rainbow color. The monochromatic colors (colors opposite of the color wheel) are green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, and violet. Adding black, white, or gray will cool down the orange. 

• Orange and green give a genuine, lyrical, and earthly sentiment  

• Orange and blue conveys stimulating coolness 

• Orange and violet paired together give vivid alluring sensations. With boldness try to add gray or tan to balance it out.  

• Orange and yellow - (analogous colors next to each other on the color wheel) give joyful and carefree feelings

Yellow - A complementary shade to numerous colors that vividly portrays hospitality and sparkling feelings. The monochromatic colors are red, red-violet, violet, blue-violet, and blue. 

• Yellow and Red -  glittering and fun loving.

• Yellow and Violet - A noble and glorious combination

• Yellow and Blue - a refreshing and soothing pairing 

• Grey - a color without hue adds a contemporary and royal feel to a look

• Yellow and Green - an analogous combination that is next to each other on the color wheel which is fitting that this combination shows togetherness. 

Green -  A soothing hue in our rainbow that pairs well with numerous colors. The colors opposite of green on the color wheel are: orange, red-orange, red, red-violet, and violet. 

• Green and Orange - Warmhearted sentiment with a splash of energy

• Green and Red - Classic holiday feel with daring and joyful feelings 

• Green and Blue - With greens soothing color adding blue adds a fresh feeling 

• Green and Purple - A glorious collaboration of colors that adds a striking fondness

Blue - A fresh and soothing color that cools down so many monochromatic colors like yellow, yellow-orange, orange, red-orange, and red. 

• Blue and Yellow - Cheerful and loving 

• Blue and Orange - Snugglly and safe feelings 

• Blue and Red (or shades of pink) - Adventurous and spirited  

• Green (next to the color wheel) - Intimate and deep connection 

Indigo- Deep ultramarine blue/purple hue that adds a rich depth to photo sessions. Complementary colors opposite of the color wheel are: Yellow, orange, and red. 

• Indigo and Yellow - smiles, excitement, and fun hearted

• Indigo and Orange - cozy and joyful 

• Indigo and Red - Strong and dashing  

• Indigo and Green (on the same side as Indigo on the color wheel) Togetherness and earthy 

• Indigo and Pink (roughly next to each other on the color wheel) Fun loving and exciting 

Violet - An ambition hue with feelings of mystical wisdom. Colors opposite to violet are orange, yellow, and green. 

• Violet and Orange - Orange adds calming and dynamic to the violet

• Violet and Yellow - Vivid Yellow brings intense joy 

• Violet and Green - Lyrical notes mixed with clean feelings 

I hope these rainbow steps have helped guide you in selecting colors that fit your family vibes. The MOST important thing is to be YOU! Select clothing, colors, patterns, shoes, accessories, the texture of your clothing items, etc… that make you feel comfortable and show your personality! I would love to connect with you! Send me an email below so we can book your next photo session.