Your family session outfit starts with a color scheme. Here are a few to use!
It's time to dress your family for photos, but... how? The first place to start is with a color scheme. Ideally, a color scheme that complements your location. This post will give you several proven color schemes for many iconic San Francisco and Marin County locations, so the outfit foundation is taken care of for you.
FIRST, WHAT'S A CORE COLOR SCHEME?
Core Colors are the colors that you choose to dominate your family's outfits. Typically you pick 2-3 core colors based on season, location and desired mood. These colors + an accent color create harmony with room for individuation, creating a coordinated look for your family that's authentic and stylish.
To learn more about Color Schemes and Family Outfits, you can visit the Family Styling 101 post, which has everything you need to make a stylish and authentic family outfit.
COLOR SCHEMES for 4 iconic bay area settings
1. Marin county open space
Ring Mountain, Sorich Park, or Mt Tam are classic examples of the expansive Marin County Open Space session locations. Marin County Open spaces are known for their mostly golden grass in the summer and fall, as well as their hilly, tree-lined views and blue skies (through in a dash of fog here and there). The predominant colors are gold, sky blue, deep green and tan. You will want your colors to stand out in this environment, while still working with the natural hues of the environment.
Soft Neutrals with a Pop
- Dusty Rose, Warm Beige, Soft Grey, Accent: Sage Green
- The dusty rose adds a soft, warm contrast to the golden grasses, and the beige and grey blend perfectly with the natural tones. The sage green pulls it all together as a fresh and relevant touch.
Rich Earth Tones
- Terracotta, Olive Green, Cream, Accent: Deep Teal
- Terracotta complements the warm tones of the grass while olive green connects with the trees. Cream brightens the look, and deep teal offers a striking but natural harmony with the blue skies.
Calm Elegance
- Charcoal Grey, Slate Blue, Ivory, Accent: Mustard Yellow
- Charcoal and slate blue create a cool, elegant look that contrasts nicely with the warm surroundings. Ivory adds lightness, and mustard yellow introduces a bold accent that echoes the golden grasses.
2. SAN FRANCISCO BEACH WITH GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Baker Beach and China Beach are two of the most popular mini session locations in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is known for its Orange Vermillion color, nestled by the ocean and sky blues. The sand and cliffs offer deep, warm earth tones.
Earthy Coastal
- Terracotta, Soft White, Sandstone, Accent: Ocean Blue
- Terracotta and sandstone reflect the warm earth tones of the cliffs and sand, while soft white adds brightness. Ocean blue brings in the coastal element, balancing the warmth with a cool, refreshing tone.
Sunset Warmth
- Burnt Orange, Warm Taupe, Deep Olive, Accent: Soft Coral
- Burnt orange and warm taupe mirror the natural warmth of the earth tones, while deep olive ties in with the greenery or darker aspects of the rocks. Soft coral adds a subtle, warm contrast that complements the bridge’s vermillion without overpowering it.
Rustic Elegance
- Mustard Yellow, Charcoal, Clay Brown, Accent: Deep Turquoise
- Mustard yellow and clay brown harmonize with the warm earth tones of the hills and sand, while charcoal adds depth. Deep turquoise introduces a rich, ocean-inspired accent that contrasts beautifully with the warm tones.
3. EUCALYPTUS GROVES
The adaptable and towering Eucalyptus Trees have given us some of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in San Francisco and Marin County, like Lovers Lane in the Presidio and Sorich Park in San Rafael. Noted for their light smooth bark, leaf-lined forest floors, and symbiosis with ivy and oak plants, the eucalyptus groves offer a beautiful muted pallet that reflects and diffuses light both on hills and in valleys. The dominant colors are soft browns, beiges, and greys of the eucalyptus bark, mixed with the darker browns of the forest floor and the muted greens of the foliage. Depending on whether you're in a valley, or up on a sunlit hill - here are some color schemes for you!
ON A SUN-DRENCHED HILL
Warm Neutrals with a Pop
Warm Beige, Soft White, Terracotta, Accent: Sage Green
- The warm beige and soft white reflect the sunlight and blend with the lighter tones of the eucalyptus bark, while terracotta adds warmth. Sage green provides a fresh, natural accent that ties in with the foliage.
Golden Hour Glow
Mustard Yellow, Olive Green, Light Grey, Accent: Burnt Orange
- Mustard yellow and olive green complement the warm, earthy tones of the grove, while light grey adds a soft contrast. Burnt orange accentuates the warm light and adds depth to the color scheme.
Soft Earth Tones
Sandstone, Cream, Taupe, Accent: Dusty Rose
- This scheme uses soft, neutral tones that echo the natural colors of the eucalyptus trees in bright light. Dusty rose provides a subtle, warm accent that adds a hint of color without overpowering the look.
IN A shadey VALLEY
Moody Forest
Deep Charcoal, Forest Green, Soft Beige, Accent: Maroon
- The deep charcoal and forest green blend with the cooler tones of the shaded eucalyptus grove, while soft beige adds warmth. Maroon offers a rich, contrasting accent that stands out in the moody light.
Refined Earthiness
Chestnut Brown, Warm Taupe, Sage Green, Accent: Deep Burgundy
- Chestnut brown and warm taupe reflect the earthy tones of the grove, while sage green ties in with the muted foliage. Deep burgundy adds a rich, elegant touch that contrasts beautifully with the cooler, shadowed environment.
Subtle Contrast
Slate Grey, Cool Olive, Soft White, Accent: Plum
- Slate grey and cool olive resonate with the cooler, muted tones of the valley, while soft white brightens the overall look. Plum introduces a subtle, sophisticated contrast that stands out gently against the natural backdrop.