Why Outfits Matter for Golden Hour Family Sessions
Thinking about booking golden hour family photos but feeling overwhelmed by the sea of neutrals you see everywhere? Outfits make a huge difference. Color styling is one of the key pre-planning steps I guide my clients through. It becomes even more important when planning a golden hour family photoshoot set against golden light.
The right color choices help your photos feel timeless, effortless, and elevated. These are images you’ll actually want to print, share, and display your favorite family photos.
Styling a Real Golden Hour Family Session
For this repeat client, the goal was to feel comfortable and relaxed for an evening at the park with her family. We started by looking at what she already had on hand. The aim was to communicate that vibe for their golden hour family photos.
She chose a soft neutral outfit for herself. So, we balanced it out by pulling a contrasting print for her oldest daughter — a sweet jumper that allowed her to run freely (always a win with active kids). Since the baby was the new addition to the family, we decided she would be the pop of color for their golden hour family photos.
How Color Choices Elevate the Photos
Here’s where color styling becomes intentional:
- Blue denim for the baby → communicates warmth, comfort, and familiarity, while the ruffles add playful texture.
- Neutral tones for mom + big sister → ground the photos and give them a classic feel.
- Contrast in textures and prints → ensures the family doesn’t blend into a single block of color.
Together, these choices created balance while still letting personalities shine in their golden hour family photos.
Breaking Up Neutrals in Golden Hour Family Photos
With mom and daughters styled, we turned to dad. A bright white shirt would have reflected too strongly and clashed under golden light. Instead, he wore a cream polo — softer and more flattering. For pants, rather than defaulting to another brown, we introduced a mustard yellow. The tone blended beautifully with the baby’s denim blue in the family’s golden hour photos. It added depth to the family’s overall palette.
The Results: Mix Neutrals With Personality
Color styling for golden hour doesn’t mean abandoning neutrals. It means using them as a base and weaving in just enough personality. A pop of color, a hint of texture, or one playful print can completely transform the look of your golden hour family photos — and pulling it all together can take as little as 30 minutes.
Ready to plan your own golden hour family photos? Let’s create a session that feels easy, elevated, and true to your family. Click here to book your golden hour session or reach out to start planning outfits and locations together.
