Bay Area Fall Photoshoot Outfit Guide: 5 Stress-Free Color Palettes
You’ve booked your fall photoshoot—yay! Now, the fun (and sometimes stressful) part begins: figuring out what everyone should wear.
Choosing outfits doesn’t have to feel like a massive puzzle. As your Bay Area photographer, I’ve put together this quick guide based on what works best with our unique golden light and natural backdrops. The goal is to look cohesive, comfortable, and classic!
Coordinate, Don’t Match (And Embrace Texture!)
Forget the identical white shirts and jeans. The secret to a beautiful, modern family photo is coordinating colors, varying textures, and layering.
Color Harmony: Choose a core color palette (see the options below) and have everyone wear pieces from that family of colors.
Texture Adds Depth: Mix cable-knit sweaters, denim, corduroy, wool, and velvet. Texture catches light beautifully and makes the image feel richer.
Bay Area Layers: Our weather can change in minutes! Layers are essential. Think cardigans, light jackets, scarves, and vests that can be easily added or removed to keep everyone comfortable and looking great.
5 Stress-Free Fall Color Palettes
Here are five tried-and-true color combinations that look absolutely stunning against the golden and warm backdrops of a Bay Area autumn:
1. Classic Neutrals (Creams, Tans, and Greys)
This palette is timeless, elegant, and ensures the focus stays entirely on your faces and connection.
The Mix: Cream, oatmeal, beige, tan, soft grey, and white.
How to Style: Think chunky cream sweaters, light wash denim, camel-colored coats, and warm grey scarves.
Best for: Clients who love a minimalist, high-end look.
2. Earth Tones (Rust, Mustard, and Olive)
If you want a cozy, traditional autumn vibe, this is your palette. These colors are gorgeous with our dry California landscape.
The Mix: Deep olive green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, terra cotta, and deep brown.
How to Style: A dad in a brown corduroy jacket, a child in a mustard knit dress, and mom in an olive sweater.
Best for: Capturing that quintessential, cozy fall feeling.
3. Dusty Blue & Burgundy
This combination offers a beautiful contrast that feels rich and sophisticated without being too loud.
The Mix: Dusty blue, navy, burgundy, wine, and a touch of deep green.
How to Style: The main family members wear the core colors, and the accent colors are used in accessories or smaller items (like a child's deep-red shoes or a blue plaid scarf).
Best for: Adding depth and a pop of color that still feels seasonal.
4. Rich Jewel Tones
Perfect for evening or slightly shaded sessions, jewel tones shine brightly and look fantastic on camera.
The Mix: Emerald green, deep plum, sapphire blue, and a hint of gold or bronze.
How to Style: Focus these colors on solid pieces like dresses or shirts, balancing them out with neutral pieces like grey pants or dark denim.
Best for: Creating a vibrant, rich, and formal feel.
5. Simple Denim & White
For a casual, beach-friendly, or urban look, you can always rely on this simple, classic combination.
The Mix: All shades of denim (jeans, jackets, button-ups), mixed with white, cream, and black.
How to Style: Use denim as the base and let accessories (a patterned scarf, leather boots) add the fall flavor.
Best for: Families who prefer an effortless, laid-back style.
The Final Step
Remember, your wardrobe decisions should make you feel confident and comfortable! When you feel good, you look good—and that’s what truly shines in your photos.
Now that the outfits are planned, you're ready for the fun part. If you haven't secured your date yet, don't wait! Fall dates are filling up fast as we approach the holiday season.
