Best Colors & Textures for Every Season in Central Oregon Family Photos

One of the biggest questions families ask before their session is: “What should we wear?” The answer? It depends on the season! Central Oregon’s landscape changes beautifully throughout the year, and choosing the right colors and textures can make your family photos feel natural, timeless, and perfectly suited to the environment.

Here’s a season-by-season guide to help you choose the best outfits for your family photos in Bend, Sunriver, and beyond!

One of my Go-to places is Old Navy!

🍂 Fall – Warm & Earthy Tones

Fall in Central Oregon is golden and dreamy, with crisp air, glowing aspens, and stunning sunset hues. This season calls for rich, earthy tones that complement the warm colors of the changing leaves.

Best Colors for Fall Family Photos:

🍁 Burnt orange, mustard yellow, rust, deep red
🌲 Olive green, warm brown, terracotta
🌾 Neutrals like cream, beige, taupe

Best Textures for Fall:

✔ Cozy knit sweaters
✔ Wool or felt hats
✔ Flowy dresses with soft layers
✔ Denim and leather accents

🧣 Pro Tip: Add a textured shawl, flannel, or scarf for a warm, layered look!

❄ Winter – Cool & Neutral Tones

Winter in Central Oregon means snowy landscapes, crisp mountain air, and soft, diffused light. Whether your session is in the woods or near a frozen lake, neutral and cool tones work best.

Best Colors for Winter Family Photos:

❄ Deep greens, navy, charcoal, burgundy
🕊 Soft grays, ivory, camel, warm white
🖤 Classic black for contrast

Best Textures for Winter:

✔ Soft wool sweaters
✔ Faux fur-lined coats
✔ Ribbed or cable-knit fabrics
✔ Layered thermals and warm accessories

☕ Pro Tip: If your shoot is in the snow, avoid bright white outfits to prevent blending into the background! Instead, opt for creams and warm neutrals.

🌷 Spring – Soft & Fresh Pastels

Spring in Bend brings blooming wildflowers, bright blue skies, and fresh greenery. It’s the perfect season for soft, airy colors that feel light and fresh.

Best Colors for Spring Family Photos:

🌸 Blush pink, dusty rose, soft lavender
🌿 Sage green, light blue, butter yellow
🤍 Off-white, warm beige, light taupe

Best Textures for Spring:

✔ Flowing maxi dresses
✔ Linen shirts or skirts
✔ Soft cotton layers
✔ Light knits for cooler mornings

🌼 Pro Tip: A floral print dress or subtle pattern can add a whimsical touch to your spring session!

☀ Summer – Bold & Natural Tones

Summer in Central Oregon is bright, golden, and warm, with long sunsets and golden meadows. Choosing warm neutrals and nature-inspired tones helps your outfits pop against the sunlit scenery.

Best Colors for Summer Family Photos:

☀ Warm whites, sand, caramel, honey
🏜 Terracotta, ochre, burnt sienna
🌿 Sage green, deep teal, dusty blue

Best Textures for Summer:

✔ Lightweight linen or cotton
✔ Flowy maxi dresses or skirts
✔ Subtle prints like floral or plaid
✔ Breathable fabrics for warm days

🌞 Pro Tip: Avoid neon colors or super bright whites, which can reflect too much light. Stick to soft, muted versions of your favorite shades!

Final Tips for Coordinating Outfits

👗 Mix & Match Colors – Choose 2-3 complementary shades instead of everyone matching exactly.
🎨 Stick to Neutrals + Pops of Color – Earthy neutrals keep the look timeless, while a pop of color adds visual interest.
👞 Consider Your Backdrop – Think about where you’re shooting (mountains, desert, river) and choose colors that blend well.
🧥 Layers Add Depth – Adding jackets, scarves, and accessories creates dimension and variety in your photos.