A Comprehensive Guide to Color Choices
Picking out the perfect outfit for your equine photo shoot can feel like navigating a maze of choices. While going on a shopping spree and just buying all the things may be tempting, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when selecting your wardrobe. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from color palettes to seasonal hues, ensuring you step in front of the camera feeling confident and stylish.
Exploring the Color Palette:
When it comes to colors, there are three main categories: warm tones, cool tones, and neutrals. It’s crucial to stick to one palette to avoid a clash of colors that could distract from the main focus of your portraits.
Warm Tones:
If you rock blonde or brown locks with olive-toned skin, warm tones are your best friend. Think hues like orange, red, gold, magenta, and turquoise, also known as earth tones.
Cool Tones:
Cool tones are a match made in heaven for those with the darkest shades of blonde, chestnut, or near-black hair. Opt for colors like lavender, royal blue, ruby, or emerald green, which are reminiscent of water tones.
Neutral Tones:
Neutral tones are versatile but can be a bit of trial and error. If you sport hazel eyes and your hair boasts a natural blend of hues, light pink and other muted shades are your go-tos.
Matching Colors to the Season:
Consider the time of year for your session to harmonize with the seasonal vibe. From pale pastels in spring to bold reds and oranges in summer, aligning your color choices with the season can enhance the overall aesthetic of your photos.
Spring:
Embrace the freshness of spring with colors like pale pink, mint green, baby blue, cream, and soft yellow. These light and airy hues evoke the essence of the season, perfect for capturing the beauty of nature in bloom.
Summer:
Make a statement with bold colors like white, yellow, red, orange, and turquoise. These vibrant hues capture the energy and warmth of summer, creating a dynamic and eye-catching look for your photoshoot.
Fall:
Channel the rich tones of autumn with shades of brown, mustard yellow, burnt orange, dark green, and deep purple. These warm and earthy colors complement the changing landscape, adding depth and richness to your photos.
Winter:
Embrace the elegance of winter with colors like white, cream, brown, black, and deep jewel tones. These sophisticated hues capture the magic of the season, creating a timeless and refined look for your winter-themed photoshoot.
Coordinating with Your Equine Companion:
matching your horse’s coat color can add an extra touch of elegance to your photoshoot. Whether your noble steed boasts red, neutral, or dun factor hues, selecting complementary colors can create a striking visual ensemble.
Red Horses:
If your horse boasts red tones in their coat, such as a sorrel, chestnut, red roan or bay with strong red tones, opt for colors like sand, rust, brown, peach, or greens. These earthy hues complement their natural coloring and create a harmonious visual ensemble.
Neutral Horses:
For horses with black, bay, white, gray, or brown coats, jewel tones like red, blue, purple, and greens are ideal. These rich and vibrant colors provide a striking contrast to their neutral coloring, adding depth and dimension to your photos.
Dun Factor Horses:
If your horse is a palomino, buckskin, gruella or something similar, favor colors like sand, rust, brown, peach, greens, red, blue, purple, or greens. These earthy and versatile hues complement their unique coloring and create a cohesive look for your photoshoot.
Appaloosas, Pintos, and Paints don’t fit neatly into the above categories. However, if your horse has more than 50 percent white hair, select a jewel-toned colors to contrast your horse’s coat. If your horse has less than 50 percent white hair, use your horse’s primary coat color as a guide. If you’re going to be photographed with multiple horses, blues and greens are the most versatile colors. They look great on almost any horse.
Caveats to Keep in Mind:
While color is key, there are a few additional considerations for optimal photo session attire.
While selecting your wardrobe, keep in mind that pale pastels and whites can wash out fair skin tones. Opt for bolder colors or warmer tones to enhance your complexion and add warmth to your photos.
Avoid distracting patterns, logos, and extreme accessories that can detract from the main focus of your photoshoot. Instead, opt for simple and elegant pieces that allow you to shine.
Sleeveless tops may detract attention from your face and enhance your shoulders instead. Choose outfits that flatter your silhouette and draw attention to your best features without overpowering the frame.
For more do’s and don’ts on what to wear to your session, check out my What to Wear: Equine Portrait Session blog
Bring Options:
To ensure you get the perfect shot, bring a variety of colors and styles to your photoshoot. Experiment with different combinations and let your photographer help you select the most flattering ensemble for each scene.
Deep reds, blue-greens, and grays are versatile choices that flatter almost any complexion. Consider layering complementary colors to add depth and dimension to your photoshoot wardrobe.
With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to curate a picture-perfect wardrobe for your upcoming photoshoot. So go ahead, express your style, and step confidently in front of the camera, knowing you’ve nailed your photo shoot style!
