Why are neutral colours typically suggested for photos?
When preparing for a photoshoot, whether it’s for family portraits, or a maternity photoshoot, one common piece of advice you'll often hear is to choose neutral colors for your outfits. But why are neutral tones—think white, beige, gray, navy, and soft earth tones—so frequently recommended? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this suggestion and explore how neutral colors can help enhance your photos.
Neutral colors are often considered timeless. Unlike bold or trendy colors that may date a photograph or make it feel “of its time,” neutral tones have a classic, enduring quality. When you wear neutral shades, your photos have a much longer shelf life and won’t feel like they belong to a specific era or trend. This is particularly important for things like family portraits or professional photos where you want the image to be relevant and fresh for years to come.
One of the key goals in photography is to ensure that the subject (you, your family, or whoever is in the photo) stands out. Bold or overly bright colors can sometimes distract from the subject and shift the viewer’s attention to the clothing itself. Neutral tones, on the other hand, serve as a subtle backdrop that complements rather than competes with the subject. This allows the focus to remain on the person or people in the photo, rather than their attire.
Neutral colors are incredibly versatile and work well in almost any setting or environment. Whether you’re shooting outdoors in nature, indoors in a studio, or at an urban location, neutral shades blend well with a wide range of backgrounds. Bright colors or patterns might clash with the environment, drawing unnecessary attention or making the photo feel chaotic. Neutral tones help create a balanced, harmonious look that complements the surroundings, ensuring your outfit never overwhelms the scene.
Neutral tones are also easy to mix and match, allowing for more freedom in styling. For group photos, for example, you don’t have to worry too much about clashing colors or looking overly coordinated. You can combine different neutral shades, and the result will always look cohesive. This flexibility makes neutral tones an excellent choice when dressing for a group or family shoot, where you want everyone to look unified but not too uniform.
Another reason neutral colors are favored in photos is because they help set a calm, soft mood. They don’t overpower the image or create visual tension. This effect is especially helpful in portraiture, where the goal is often to evoke warmth, intimacy, and authenticity. Whether you’re capturing a relaxed, casual vibe or something more professional, neutral tones offer an understated elegance that makes the image feel balanced and approachable.
Certain colors, especially neutrals, have a way of enhancing natural skin tones, making your complexion appear fresh and even. Bright or fluorescent colors can sometimes cast unwanted hues on your skin or make you look washed out. Neutral colors, on the other hand, tend to complement all skin tones, giving you a natural, flattering look that feels more authentic and fresh.
While patterns can be fun, they can also be distracting in photos. Busy prints, stripes, or logos can pull attention away from the subject, or make the photo feel too “loud.” Neutral colors, by contrast, tend to be solid and subtle, allowing the composition to shine without distractions. This is particularly important in professional settings where the focus needs to stay on the individual and the message being conveyed, not on what they're wearing.
Choosing neutral colors for photos is about more than just following a trend; it’s about creating images that are timeless, balanced, and flattering. Whether you’re preparing for a professional photoshoot or just want your personal images to look their best, neutrals provide a perfect backdrop that lets your personality and the environment take center stage. So, next time you’re planning an outfit for a photoshoot, consider reaching for those soft, versatile neutrals. You’ll be amazed at how they elevate the overall aesthetic of your photos!
