Color Trends I’m Seeing Everywhere for Summer 2026 Brand Sessions

One of my favorite parts of planning a branding session is helping clients choose colors that feel both timeless and current, while also representing their brand. I’m always a believer in staying true to your brand over chasing trends, however, there are definitely a few color trends I’m seeing everywhere for Summer 2026 brand sessions. These colors feel fresh, elevated, and extremely versatile, which makes them easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, accessories, props, and even the locations we choose for your session. If you’re planning a branding session this summer, here are a few color trends I’m loving right now.

Color Trends I’m Seeing Everywhere for Summer 2026 Brand Sessions

Cherry Red

Cherry red is having a moment, and it brings so much personality to brand imagery. 

This shade feels bold, confident, vibrant, and energetic, making it a great choice for brands that want to stand out and make a statement. It naturally draws the eye and adds life to your images without feeling overwhelming. To bring balance to your images, try mixing cherry red with neutral tones like cream, ivory, beige, white, or denim to keep the overall look elevated and timeless.

Whether it shows up in a blazer, a dress, or even a pop of color in your accessories, cherry red instantly adds interest to your images.

Burgundy

Burgundy is a color that feels rich and sophisticated. It also conveys trust and depth, which makes it a wonderful choice for brands seeking to communicate trust and professionalism with their branding images. Typically, this darker color is often associated with fall, but burgundy transitions beautifully into summer when paired with lighter tones and airy fabrics. I especially love seeing burgundy mixed with creams, soft blush, and warm neutrals. 

Ocean Blues

Blue has always been a classic and popular choice, but this season I’m seeing more rich ocean-inspired tones. Think coastal blues, soft navy, and shades that feel inspired by the sea. Blue photographs beautifully and naturally communicates a sense of calm, trust, and reliability, which are all valuable qualities for service-based businesses. If you are a service-based Nashville business owner, blue would be a wonderful choice for your next session.  

Butter Yellow

Butter yellow might be one of my favorite trends for Summer 2026. Not only is yellow associated with summer, but unlike brighter yellows, this creamy, butter yellow is a slightly softer shade. It feels warm and welcoming, which is perfect for making your brand feel approachable. I love how it brings a little sunshine to images while still feeling professional. 

For a more in-depth look at colors and what they communicate to your audience, read my Brand Color Meaning Guide Here!

Tips for Mixing Colors into Your Brand Session

The good news is that you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to embrace these trends. If you want to weave these colors into your photos and mix them with your own brand colors, you can do so in a variety of ways, 

Think about items you already have. Maybe a blazer, statement top, a notebook, or coffee mug can be subtle ways to include these colors even if they aren’t your brand colors. Adding a pop of one of these colors in an accessory, prop, or even a location can be a great way to mix these colors with brand tones. The goal isn’t to force trends into your brand, but rather use them intentionally in a way that complements the colors and personality your audience already knows and recognizes.

At the end of the day, trends come and go. Your brand, however, should feel consistent and recognizable. The best brand sessions aren’t built around what’s popular. They’re built around what aligns with your business and helps you connect with your audience.

So if you’re planning a Summer 2026 brand session, consider incorporating one of these beautiful colors, but always through the lens of your brand first and foremost. 

If you’re a Nashville or Franklin, TN business owner planning a branding session this summer, I’d love to help you create images that feel fresh, intentional, and aligned with your brand. Reach out to start planning your brand photoshoot and create images that feel aligned with your business.