Natural Colors of Spring

Light green, brown, soft purple, yellow, and white in color are the dominant colors found in nature during this season. Despite the common conception of leaning into bright neon colors, I highly advocate against them for an outdoor photoshoot in Spring.

Spring is a season of soft, muted tones as nature takes its sweet time waking after a long slumber. Muted colors look gorgeous against an early Spring back drop and pastels are a solid winner for later in the season. Especially colors like sage, muted yellow, and lavender.

Spring's Weather and Light

Most of this season, I stick to indoors solely because of the unpredictability of this season's weather. I do not recommend outdoor photoshoots until the snow has melted completely and temps are above forty five. That usually puts us around mid to late April. Spring has a TON of rain, which limits activity options. It's a good idea to have a road, sidewalk, or other sturdy area nearby the desired location.

But something beautiful about late Spring? The temps rise to a comfortable level that allow gentle layering of clothes, sunshine is abundant, and a gentle breeze can add desirable movement to the photo.

Summer's Natural Colors

Summer has strong green tones stretching far over rolling hills and strung through forests. Despite Spring being more well known for flowers, did you know Summer actually has more floral photo opportunities? And if you're shooting for a golden hour photoshoot, the fiery colors that peek into each Summery shot is phenomenal.

Summer has a boldness to it that can hold its own just fine if you'd like to wear something a little more saturated. Matching the greens around you is a fun optical illusion that gained popularity over the years that I fully stand behind. Summer's best colors: yellow, blue, green, white, and black. Brining in light neutrals is a great way to cohesively bring the outfits together.

Beware of bold reds and pinks - it WILL color cast onto anyone and everyone around you when in sunlight. Bold red is a tricky color I don't recommend in a group setting, unless you can luck out with a super overcast day.

Weather and Light

Storms are the secret to the most breathtaking photos I've ever produced. Have you seen the skies right before a storm rolls in? Perfection.

Allowing probably the most flexible of activity opportunities, the world is your oyster for a summer session. We've done fancy tea parties, picnics, the flower-top trend, took a vineyard stroll, and of course went to a local beach. I always recommend bringing water, sunscreen, bug spray, and wearing breathable clothing.

Late sunsets keep us more relaxed on time and allows for fun set ups, location changes, and more depending on your desires. If you're wanting a family photoshoot at golden hour, I recommend August so we're not keeping the kids up too late.

Fall's Color Array

September rolls in with deep greens and neutral tan long prairies, but after a week or two, fiery colors of yellow, orange, red, and deep purple spread across the countryside.

As Summer fades out, you can keep the bold toned clothing; especially darker shades! Navy, red, burgundy, rust, mustard, evergreen, brown, and black are staples of a Fall photoshoot, and rightfully so. October hues shift to an allover burnt orange and brown toward the last half, so I'd avoid wearing those tones so you don't just blend in to the background.

Bottom line, dark colors are beautiful in autumn with small accents of tan or cream. Both bold and muted tones look great.

Weather and Light

Autumn is the master of moody lighting. The thick clouds diffuse sunlight to spread evenly over everything, creating a soft glow. It is gorgeous! Golden sunsets are rare, and while not unheard of, shouldn't be counted on if you're booking in Fall.

Activities can include getting cozy in a blanket together, clutching a mug to keep your fingers toasty, hitting up the local pumpkin patch or orchard, or if you just want to just hang out in front of some pretty trees... It is an effortless season. Hence why it has been the reigning popular option.

Due to the weather fluctuation of Fall, I always recommend getting a blanket and/or extra layer of clothing to go along with your outfits in case that day is colder than anticipated.