Years from now, the colors in your photos will take you right back to this season with your family: golden light on the bluffs, cozy knits at home, little ones who won’t stay this small.
After photographing dozens of families along the coast, I’ve learned which colors glow in our light and which ones get lost. Here are six fall palettes I love for Orange County sessions, three for outdoor locations, and three for at home indoor sessions.
Outdoor palettes
Beach, grassy bluffs, and parks
Olive greens and moss echo the dry grasses on the bluffs, and one rust piece brings in warmth at golden hour.
- Parents: olive green, ecru, camel
- Kids: moss, ecru, one rust piece
- Shoes: tan leather or white
Golden hour at a park
The deeper mahogany in this palette stands out when everything goes intense warm at golden hour.
- Parents: mahogany, or chocolate with denim
- Kids: muted clay, oatmeal
- Shoes: brown boots, cream sneakers
Beach sunsets and harbors
Deep navy blues are a classic contrast against the ocean as well as the white hues of boat harbors in Newport Beach. The warmer colors keep dark navy neutral base from looking flat.
- Parents: deep ocean, cream
- Kids: soft blue, cream, one moss piece
- Shoes: barefoot or neutral sandals
In-home palettes
Bright living rooms
At-home sessions are some of my favorites, because your space tells part of your family story. For a look at how that plays out, see this documentary family session in Irvine.
If your home has a bright interior color palette, consider wearing soft sage greens and browns to stand out.
- Parents: cocoa, linen
- Kids: clay, sage green, ivory
- Layers: chunky knits, linen
Cozy homes and evening light
For homes with darker wood and evening light, add in jewel colors like plum to stand out against the base cream neutrals.
- Parents: plum or chocolate, cream
- Kids: soft lilac, taupe
- Tip: keep plums matte, since satin reflects light
In the kitchen
Muted colors work in the kitchen against the energetic backdrop of the family kitchen and eating nooks.
- Parents: denim, oat, camel
- Kids: burgundy, olive
- Tip: one striped piece max
Tomato red, cobalt, chartreuse, magenta, and bubblegum pink are everywhere this fall. They’re fun in photos when one person wears them, like a little one’s sweater or a bright pair of sneakers.
Dressing for Orange’s County’s warm fall
- September to November often runs warm. Linen, cotton gauze, and light knits read “fall” without overheating.
- Golden hour warms everything, so keep rust and mustard to one or two people.
- At the beach, blues and creams blend with the ocean. Add one warm neutral so your family stands out.
Need a second opinion?
Clothing colors and combos are such a big part of what makes your photos beautiful that I include wardrobe help with every session.
Ready for your fall session?
Once you book, we’ll pick a palette together based on your location and your family’s style, whether that’s golden hour on the bluffs or a slow evening at home. You won’t have to stand in front of the closet guessing.
Fall light in Orange County is my favorite of the year, and the dates go quickly. If you’ve been thinking about family photos, I’d love to hear from you. Check fall availability.
Want to see how I approach styling? Read more about family photo styling in Orange County.
