What to Wear for Family Photos at Saltair
Saltair is one of the most breathtaking locations in Utah for family photos. With its soft sandy tones, expansive salt flats, and golden sunsets over the Great Salt Lake, it creates a natural, dreamy backdrop that photographs beautifully. But because the scenery is so light and neutral, choosing the right outfits can make all the difference in how your final gallery looks. If you’re planning a family session at Saltair, here’s your complete style guide to help you feel confident, coordinated, and effortlessly timeless.
Lean Into Soft, Muted Neutrals (But Don’t Blend In)
Saltair’s natural palette is made up of warm sand, soft whites, and pale blues. Wearing colors that complement the landscape will create a cohesive, elevated look — but you still want to stand out against the scenery, not disappear into it.
Some of the best colors for Saltair include:
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Soft sage, muted olive, or eucalyptus green
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Warm taupe, oatmeal, beige, or light caramel
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Blush, dusty rose, muted mauve
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Pale blue, fog blue, or soft storm grey
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Cream, off-white, or ivory
Try to avoid wearing colors that are too close to the sand, like exact beige or tan, or you’ll blend into the background. Soft pastels and muted mid-tones tend to create the perfect amount of contrast.
For inspiration, you can explore Pinterest boards on family photo outfits.
Textures Photograph Beautifully at Saltair
Because Saltair is naturally minimalistic, textures add depth and dimension to your images. Think flowing dresses, light linen, ribbed fabrics, lace, cotton gauze, or knit sweaters in cooler months. Little details — flutter sleeves, smocking, embroidery — add visual interest without feeling busy.
If you need help choosing pieces, these style-friendly brands are great starting points:
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans (seriously, please don’t). Instead, choose a color palette with 3–4 tones and mix them throughout your family. This creates variety while still looking cohesive.
For example:
Saltair palette: Sage green, dusty blue, soft cream, and warm taupe.
Mom in a flowing sage dress, dad in light khaki chinos with a cream button-up, kids in dusty blue and taupe. Perfectly coordinated without looking overly matched.
Plan for Movement
Some of the most stunning images at Saltair involve motion — walking, twirling, snuggling, or letting the breeze catch your dress. Flowy dresses for women and comfortable, breathable pieces for kids make movement look effortless.
If you’re unsure what flatters best on camera, I always send my clients a personal style guide and help you select outfits as part of the experience. Learn more about sessions here.
Consider the Weather and Footwear
Saltair can be windy, chilly in the evenings, or warm depending on the season. Bring layers for kids and keep footwear simple: sandals, barefoot, or neutral boots work best. High heels sink into the sand and are best avoided.
If wind makes you nervous — don’t worry. Movement gives your photos life, and wind actually creates some of the most beautiful, natural moments.
Accessorize Softly
Accessories should be subtle — think delicate jewelry, hair bows for little girls, a simple hat, or a textured (solid colored) blanket for cozy sitting poses. Avoid large logos, bold patterns, or neon colors, which can overpower the serene Saltair landscape. I want to make sure that your family photos at Saltair are classy and not gaudy or too heavily styled.
Think About Timelessness
Family photos are meant to last for decades, so aim for outfits you’ll still love ten years from now. When in doubt, choose pieces that feel classic, elevated, and simple. Saltair is already dramatic and beautiful — your outfits should enhance the scene, not compete with it.
Bonus Tip: Schedule for Sunset
Saltair is at its absolute best during golden hour. The light reflects off the sand and water to create a soft, luminous glow. If you’ve seen dreamy, ethereal Saltair photos online, they were almost always taken at sunset.
I look forward to doing your family photos at Saltair!
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