Clothing Colors for Family Photos | Houston Family Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits and can help with clothing colors for family photos.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

Clothing Colors for Family Photos

During the family consultations, we talk about wardrobe.  This is often the hardest part for Mom.  She’s the one usually in charge of finding outfits for everyone that will coordinate and look good in the family photos.  As your photographer, it’s my job to help with this task!  I have examples to show you from other family portrait sessions so you can see what colors you like that coordinate well together.  Here are some tips for selecting wardrobe.

  1. Location: consider the location of your family photo session.  If it’s indoors in the studio, colors should be in the same tone as the background that you’ll be using.  So if it’s a light background, choose lighter colors.  If it’s a darker background, choose darker colors.  If the session will be outdoors, choose colors that will coordinate and be complimentary to an outdoor scene with lots of greens and browns.  I really enjoy blues in an outdoor scene.
  2. Colors: many families like to wear jeans or khakis.  These are great options and do not count toward your color choices.  Choose two or three coordinating colors.  Remember the color wheel from art class?  Here is a great article on color theory.  Depending on your tastes and preferences, choose complimentary colors directly across from each other on the color wheel.  Or choose monochromatic colors in different hues.
  3. Review: once you have chosen a color palette and wardrobe pieces, lay them out together.  Review the selections and see if anything in particular stands out or doesn’t coordinate.  Adjust as needed.

Choosing clothing colors for family photos can be fun!  With these tips and a little preparation, you will be ready for some beautiful family portraits!

The Paul Family

I photographed the Paul family several years ago and this year, the kids were in town for the holidays.  We were able to catch up and get some gorgeous family portraits!  The session started in the studio (it was December in Texas so you never know what the weather will be like).  It’s always a good idea to have a safe location option in case of bad weather.  Then we moved outside and the weather was absolutely perfect!  The timing couldn’t have been better…we captured the family just as the sun was setting on the horizon.  Between individual portraits of the kids and parents to the entire family and some fun shots in between, it was a family portrait session success!

Color choices for family photos couple studio shotClothing Colors for Family Photos family studio woman outdoors with vibrant colors and matching scenerywoman leaning against a tree with yellow blouse and yellow foliagechoosing clothing colors for family photosfamily walking and talking and laughing in the woods family photos

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

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@taraflanneryphotography

It’s never just pressing a button.

It’s reading the room.
Adjusting in real time.
Knowing how to bring out confidence—even when someone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The technical side matters.
But the connection, the instinct, and the ability to see what others don’t… that’s what turns it into something more.

📩 If you’re ready for photos that feel like you, you can book through the link in my bio.
Come along with me as I set up for a headshot + branding session 👇🏻

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to think you need all the gear before you can take on client work.

You don’t.

For in-office headshots, a solid setup really comes down to a few essentials:
✅ reliable lighting
✅ a strong lens
✅ a backdrop
✅ reflectors to help control light and keep skin tones consistent

That’s how I’m able to create clean, professional headshots—without being in a studio.

And for branding? That’s where I shift.

Instead of a backdrop, I’m using the client’s space—capturing environmental images that feel more natural, personal, and aligned with their business.

Same session, two different approaches—both intentional.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having more gear…
it’s about knowing how to use what you have.

📥 If you’re a newer photographer, I’ve put together resources to help with gear, lighting, and posing—click the link in my bio to check them out!
If your brand hasn’t been updated this year… this might be your sign 👇🏻

Summer is one of the best times to refresh your branding imagery—and most people don’t take advantage of it.

Things tend to slow down just enough to step back and actually look at what your brand is communicating.

And for a lot of businesses, this is when it becomes clear:
→ the photos don’t match the level you’re operating at anymore

A mid-year refresh isn’t about starting over—it’s about making sure your visuals reflect where you are now, not where you were a year ago.

But before you even book new photos… you need clarity.

What do you want your brand to feel like?
How do you want to show up?

That’s exactly why I created my Brand Personality Workbook—to help you define that first, so your photos actually align.

📥 Grab it through the link in my bio, and then let’s plan your next session.
Shooting outdoors doesn’t always mean “perfect lighting.” 👇🏻

One of the biggest challenges with natural light is inconsistency—
skin tones can shift depending on shade, surroundings, and even reflections (hello green grass 👀).

That’s why I use off-camera flash, even outside.

It helps create:
✅ consistent skin tones
✅ balanced lighting
✅ a cleaner, more polished final image

So instead of guessing what the light is doing…
I’m controlling it.

📥 If you’re a photographer trying to figure out lighting + gear, I’ve put together a guide with the setups I actually use—link in bio.

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.