FRANZELLYPhotography

The Style EditWhat to wear for your session

Guía de estilo y colores para tu sesión de fotos

For most clients, the outfit is the most stressful part of the session.

Too many colors. Clothes that fight the background. Kids in logos at the last minute. It happens all the time, and it is easy to fix.

This guide shows you the color palettes I recommend for every season, every type of session and every kind of location in the Valley. Pick your palette, build around one anchor piece, and you're done.

I'm Franzelly Garcia. After more than 3,000 sessions, these are the combinations I see photograph best.

Escoge tu paleta, arma tu look alrededor de una pieza principal y listo.

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The golden rules

Las reglas de oro

These work for every session, every season, every location.

Coordinate, don't match

Coordina, no combines igual

Pick 3 colors plus 1 neutral. Everyone wears a mix. No identical shirts.
Start with one anchor

Empieza con una pieza principal

Choose the boldest piece first, often mom's dress. Everyone else pulls colors from it.
Texture over print

Textura antes que estampado

Knits, linen, lace and ruffles add depth. Small busy prints and stripes can flicker on camera.
No logos or neon

Sin logos ni colores neón

Big logos pull the eye away from faces. Neon reflects color onto skin.
Fit is everything

El buen ajuste lo es todo

Clothes that fit well look expensive. Steam everything the night before.
Shoes count

Los zapatos cuentan

They show up in full-length photos. Clean, simple and in your palette.
Bring a second look

Trae un segundo look

A second outfit doubles the variety in your gallery.
Dress for the weather

Vístete para el clima

A comfortable client smiles naturally. Breathable fabrics win in the Valley.

By season

Por temporada

The Valley is warm most of the year, so every palette comes with fabric tips that keep you comfortable on camera.

Spring

March to May

Primavera

Soft, fresh and romantic. Spring light is gentle, so pastels and creams glow.

Sage#A7B79A
Blush#E8C4BE
Cream#F4ECDF
Soft denim#9DB0C4
Butter#EBD9A0

Wear / Usa

  • Flowy midi dresses
  • Linen button-downs
  • Light denim
  • Floral prints in soft tones

Skip / Evita

  • Heavy dark colors
  • Thick knits
  • Bright white head to toe
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaSpring is wildflower and butterfly season in the Valley. Garden locations look their best now.

Summer

June to September

Verano

Bright, airy and coastal. Keep it light so you stay cool in the heat.

White#FBFAF6
Sand#E3D3BB
Ocean#6E9AA6
Terracotta#C47B5A
Olive#7E8460

Wear / Usa

  • Linen and cotton
  • Sundresses
  • Short sleeves for kids
  • Sandals or bare feet at the beach

Skip / Evita

  • Polyester (it shows sweat)
  • Black in full sun
  • Layers you'll want to take off
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaBook summer sessions for the last hour before sunset. It's cooler and the light is golden.

Fall

October to November

Otoño

Warm and rich. Earth tones look beautiful against golden grass and palms.

Rust#A65A3A
Mustard#C9993F
Olive#6E6B45
Cream#EFE4D2
Chocolate#5A4033

Wear / Usa

  • Rust or mustard dresses
  • Light sweaters on cool evenings
  • Brown boots
  • Cream knits

Skip / Evita

  • Gray with brown
  • Halloween orange
  • Heavy coats (it's still warm)
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaThe Valley stays warm in fall. Choose the colors of fall in lighter fabrics.

Winter and holidays

December to February

Invierno y días festivos

Deep, elegant and cozy. Jewel tones make holiday cards pop.

Emerald#2F5D50
Burgundy#6E2A35
Camel#B88A5E
Ivory#F3EDE2
Charcoal#3B3B3B

Wear / Usa

  • Velvet and satin
  • Camel coats
  • Cable knits
  • One jewel tone per person

Skip / Evita

  • Head-to-toe red and green
  • Character sweaters
  • Glitter all over
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaOne person in a jewel tone, everyone else in neutrals. It reads elegant, not costume.

By session

Por tipo de sesión

Family, professional, couples, quinceañera and more. Each one has its own formula.

Family

All ages

Familia

Soft neutrals with one accent color. Everyone connected, nobody matching.

Cream#F2E9DB
Taupe#B9A792
Dusty blue#8FA3B5
Sage#9FAF93
Blush#DDB5AC

Wear / Usa

  • Mom's anchor dress first
  • Dad in a solid that pulls from it
  • Kids in comfy textured pieces
  • Mix lengths and textures

Skip / Evita

  • Matching white shirts and jeans
  • Big logos and characters
  • New shoes that hurt
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaDress the kids last. Let them choose between two options you already approved so they feel involved.

Professional and branding

Headshots, business

Profesional y marca personal

Clean, confident and timeless. Solid colors keep the focus on your face.

Navy#2E3A4B
Camel#B88A5E
White#FAFAF7
Charcoal#3D3D3D
Your brand color#7B5B36

Wear / Usa

  • A structured blazer
  • Solid tops in 2 or 3 colors
  • One item in your brand color
  • Simple jewelry

Skip / Evita

  • Tiny checks and pinstripes
  • Wrinkled fabric
  • Busy statement jewelry
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaBring three tops and one blazer. That gives you four looks for your website and social media.

Couples and engagement

Engagement, anniversary

Parejas y compromiso

Complement each other. One of you sets the tone and the other follows softly.

Dusty rose#C9958F
Cream#F3EADD
Taupe#A8957F
Navy#33415A
Sage#9AAA8E

Wear / Usa

  • One look casual, one dressed up
  • Flowing dress for movement
  • Tailored pants or chinos
  • A pop of color on one person

Skip / Evita

  • Matching outfits
  • Clashing patterns
  • Shoes you can't walk in
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaPlan a dressy look first and a relaxed look second. You'll loosen up by the second outfit.

Quinceañera and portraits

Quince, sweet 16, birthday

Quinceañera y retratos

The gown is the star. Everything else supports it.

Champagne#E8D7B9
Rose gold#D4A59A
Emerald#2F6B57
Royal blue#2F4A8A
Blush#EFC9C6

Wear / Usa

  • The gown, steamed and ready
  • A second casual or cocktail look
  • Crown and jewelry in one metal
  • Comfortable shoes for walking

Skip / Evita

  • Mixing gold and silver
  • A second look that competes with the gown
  • Brand-new heels for the walk to the spot
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaBring a helper to fluff the gown and hold the train. It saves time and every photo looks better.

Maternity

28 to 34 weeks

Maternidad

Soft, flowing and feminine. Fitted at the bump, flowing below.

Ivory#F4EEE4
Blush#E9C6BF
Terracotta#BE7B5E
Sage#A3B096
Dusty blue#9BAEC0

Wear / Usa

  • A fitted maxi gown
  • Fabric that moves in the wind
  • Partner in a soft neutral
  • Barefoot for beach sessions

Skip / Evita

  • Boxy dresses that hide the bump
  • Tight waistbands
  • Busy prints
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaSchedule between 28 and 34 weeks. The bump is beautiful and you'll still feel comfortable.

Seniors and graduation

High school, college

Graduación

Show your personality. One look classic, one look that's totally you.

School color#7A1F2B
White#FAFAF7
Black#262626
Denim#5E7A99
Cream#F0E6D6

Wear / Usa

  • Cap and gown plus one outfit
  • Your school colors as an accent
  • Something that shows your style
  • Props that mean something

Skip / Evita

  • Outfits you don't feel like yourself in
  • Wrinkled gowns
  • Too many props
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaSteam the graduation gown. Creases from the bag show up in every photo.

By location

Por locación

Your background matters as much as your outfit. Match the palette to the place. Need a spot? Browse my RGV Locations guide.

Beach and bay

Sand, water, wind

Playa y bahía

Light and airy against blue water and pale sand.

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, Laguna Madre, Port Isabel Lighthouse

White#FBFAF6
Sand#E3D3BB
Seafoam#A9C5BE
Soft coral#E2A48F
Denim#7891A8

Wear / Usa

  • Flowy linen and chiffon
  • Bare feet
  • Hair tied or styled for wind
  • Light neutrals

Skip / Evita

  • Black (looks heavy at the beach)
  • Heels in sand
  • Stiff fabrics
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaThe wind is part of the magic. Flowing fabric makes movement shots. Bring hair ties just in case.

Garden and nature

Green, trees, trails

Jardín y naturaleza

Warm tones pop against all that green.

Quinta Mazatlán gardens, Edinburg Wetlands, National Butterfly Center, Resaca de la Palma

Cream#F3EADB
Rust#B0654A
Mustard#C9A04A
Dusty rose#C99A93
Navy#33415A

Wear / Usa

  • Warm earth tones
  • Cream and soft whites
  • Florals in warm colors
  • Walkable shoes

Skip / Evita

  • Green outfits (you'll blend in)
  • Bright white in full shade
  • Long trains on dirt trails
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaSkip green. Against leaves and grass, it makes people disappear into the background.

Hacienda and historic

Adobe, arches, old homes

Hacienda y lugares históricos

Rich colors and crisp whites against warm adobe and old brick.

Quinta Mazatlán, Stillman House, The Bryan House, Hacienda Antigua, Frontera Audubon

Crisp white#FAFAF7
Emerald#2F5D50
Terracotta#B5674A
Gold#C9A04A
Black#262626

Wear / Usa

  • Jewel tones
  • Classic white
  • Embroidered or lace details
  • Gold accessories

Skip / Evita

  • Tan or orange that matches the walls
  • Overly casual tees
  • Neon
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaA white dress against adobe is a timeless combination. It photographs like a magazine cover.

Urban and downtown

Streets, murals, brick

Urbano y centro

Bold, modern and confident. Solids stand out against busy walls.

Downtown McAllen, Market Square in Brownsville, Oval Park, Downtown Pharr

Black#262626
White#FAFAF7
Camel#B88A5E
Denim#5E7A99
Red#A8343A

Wear / Usa

  • Solid bold colors
  • Tailored jackets
  • Denim and leather
  • Sneakers or boots

Skip / Evita

  • Busy prints next to murals
  • Colors that match the wall behind you
  • Flowy gowns on rough streets
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaLook at your background first. If the wall is colorful, wear a solid neutral. If the wall is plain, wear the color.

Ranch and rustic

Fields, barns, lakes

Rancho y estilo rústico

Warm, relaxed and a little western.

Rancho Guadalupe, La Muñequita Ranch, Hidalgo Pumphouse, Bentsen State Park

Denim#5E7A99
Cream#F0E6D6
Rust#A65A3A
Tan#C2A27E
Brown#5A4033

Wear / Usa

  • Boots
  • Denim with cream
  • Flowy prairie dresses
  • Hats, if they're your style

Skip / Evita

  • Brand-new white sneakers
  • Shiny dressy fabrics
  • Heels on grass
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaBoots handle grass, dirt and uneven ground. You'll move more naturally in them.

Luxury estate

Mansions, chandeliers, grand gardens

Mansión de lujo

Formal and glamorous. Dress up to match the setting.

Chateau D' Mont, Villa de Palmas, Rancho La Pergola, Quinta Mazatlán interiors

Black#1E1E1E
Ivory#F4EEE2
Champagne#E3D0AE
Burgundy#6E2A35
Gold#C9A04A

Wear / Usa

  • Gowns and cocktail dresses
  • Suits or tuxedos
  • Satin, velvet, sequins
  • Statement jewelry

Skip / Evita

  • Casual denim
  • Flip-flops
  • Wrinkled fabric
Photographer's note / Nota de la fotógrafaGo all in. A grand staircase deserves a grand outfit.

Before your session

Antes de tu sesión

  • Steam or iron every piece
  • Try outfits on together and send me a photo
  • Clean, comfortable shoes for walking
  • A second outfit in a garment bag
  • Lint roller and safety pins
  • Hair ties and bobby pins
  • Blotting papers for the heat
  • Water for everyone
  • Snacks for the kids
  • Remove watches, fitness bands and hair ties from wrists
  • Empty pockets (phones, keys)
  • Nails clean or done in a soft color

Not sure about your outfits?

¿Tienes dudas con tus outfits?

Send me photos of your options before your session. I'll tell you which combination will photograph best at your location.

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Guide by Franzelly Photography, Brownsville, Texas. Outfit illustrations and palettes are original artwork for this guide. Pinterest links open public idea searches.