If you’ve spent more than five minutes on Pinterest looking up “family photo outfit ideas,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over: cream linen, soft beige, everyone in matching white. And don’t get me wrong – I love a neutral palette. But lately, I’ve been thinking about all the families who show up to their sessions a little… muted. Not because neutrals are wrong, but because they were scared to wear what they actually love. If that’s you — whether you’re booking a session in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, or anywhere in between — this post is for you.
The Fear Is Real (But So Is the Regret of Holding Back)
Here’s what I hear all the time: “I want to keep it timeless, so I figured we’d just stick to neutrals.” And I get it. There’s a fear that bold colour will look dated down the road, that you’ll hang it on the wall and cringe in ten years.
But here’s something worth sitting with – your photos are going to be dated regardless. That’s kind of the whole point. They’re a snapshot of right now, of who your kids are at this exact age, with their specific little personalities and quirky preferences. Trying to strip all of that out in the name of “timelessness” can actually take away the very thing that makes a photo feel alive.
So yes, neutrals are beautiful and classic. But if your kid is obsessed with a bright blue stripe or you feel like yourself in a rich jewel tone, that matters just as much.
A Session That Changed the Way I Think About Colour
I worked with a Chatham-Kent family recently who went for it – bold colours, patterns, the works. They chose greens and blues that were still natural and grounded, but with a modern, playful twist. Classic patterns, bright tones, and a look that honestly reflected who they were.
Their home was decorated in neutrals, and that contrast? It was stunning. The kids and parents genuinely popped in that space. The kids’ personalities came through in a way that felt so true to them – playful, full of energy, a little bit bold. It was one of those sessions where the colour choices elevated everything.
That family could have easily talked themselves into cream and denim. I’m so glad they didn’t.
My Actual Framework for Choosing Colours (The Non-Generic Version)
I’m not going to tell you to “coordinate, not match” and leave you there. Here’s how I actually think about it when I’m helping families across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia Lambton plan their looks:
Start with Confidence, Not Colour Theory
Confidence is something you genuinely cannot skip. If you feel stiff or self-conscious in what you’re wearing, it will show up in your photos. So I always say: go with comfort first – both physically and emotionally.
- If neutrals make you feel like yourself, wear neutrals. That’s not playing it safe, that’s playing it smart.
- If a bold colour or a fun pattern makes you feel good, we run with it.
One Thing to Actually Avoid
The only colours I steer clients away from are fluorescent or extremely intense brights – think neon or screaming-bright shades – because they can reflect onto skin and create unflattering colour casts in photos. That’s a technical thing, not a style thing.
But a rich blue, a deep forest green, a warm cherry red in a classic pattern? All good. More than good, actually. And if you’re game for primary colours – that takes the fun to a whole new level.
Let the Kids Lead (Sometimes)
Kids have strong opinions about what they like, and honestly, that personality is part of what makes your family yours. If your kid loves a bright colour or a bold pattern, leaning into that creates photos that feel true to who they are right now – and those are the ones you’ll treasure most later.
Think About Where the Photos Will Live
This family’s neutral home actually made their bold outfits look even better. It’s worth thinking about where you plan to display your images – but don’t let that talk you into something that doesn’t feel like you. A little contrast can be a really good thing.
Why This Actually Matters
The best family photos aren’t the ones where everyone looks perfectly put together and interchangeable. They’re the ones where you look back and feel something – where you can almost hear the laughter, remember the little details, and recognize your family exactly as they were in that season of life.
Colour is one of the ways we get there. It’s personality. It’s joy. It’s your kid’s favourite shade showing up in a photo you’ll hang on your wall for years. And for families here in southwestern Ontario — from Chatham-Kent to Sarnia-Lambton and the communities in between — that feeling is exactly what I’m here to capture.
You don’t have to be bold to have a beautiful session. But if bold is who you are, please don’t talk yourself out of it.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
If you’re sitting here second-guessing your outfit choices or wondering whether to go for it with that fun pattern your kid loves – let’s talk it through. Helping families figure out what to wear is genuinely one of my favourite parts of the process, because it sets the whole tone for how the session feels.
I work with families throughout Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, and the surrounding area, and I’d love to help you feel confident before you ever show up in front of my camera. Reach out here and we can start there. Whether you’re going full colour or keeping it calm and neutral, I’ll help you feel confident before you ever show up in front of my camera.
Chat soon, my friend.
B
