Worried about how to prepare for your next photo session? Don’t stress! Getting photographs taken of your family is something everyone should do at least once a year! It’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable, and with just a few tips and tricks you’ll be ready to go and feeling good in to time.

What to Wear

Remember when it was all the trend for everyone to wear all white or all black and stand in line? No thank you! You should definitely all look like you belong together, but dressed up in one color is not the way to go. Instead, choose colors that compliment each other, and keep the patterns and prints simple. You’ll look awesome all together, but you won’t look like a bunch of twins! Pop over to my Pinterest page for seasonally inspired color palettes to prepare for your session!

My top suggestions: Everyone should be the same level of “dressed up”. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than under. In the spring & summer think flowy dresses, khakis and a button up. In fall, a pair of jeans, great shoes and a dressy top does the trick. Next: Don’t forget the details. Scarves, necklaces, bracelets, watches and clean nails are all important in close up shots! For the boys: no running shoes here! It’s time to break out those dress shoes, or throw on a nicer pair sneakers. Last & Most Important: Make sure you’re clothes fit and that you’re comfy! If you feel uncomfortable you will look uncomfortable.

 

Patterns, Textures and Layers, Oh My!

Patterns get their own special category. If you’re a pattern kind of person, keep it simple. Think small patterns if you’re going to wear it all over, or a big pattern if you’re just rocking an awesome scarf. In lieu of patterns altogether think textures! Great cable knit sweaters, chunky scarves, lace details, heathered fabrics and lots of layers always look fantastic. If you’re looking for a great way to make one outfit look like two –wear a sweater or scarf that you can take off halfway through!

Things to bring… and not

The best way to be prepared for your session is to choose wisely. Don’t carry anything more than you have to. Leave your purse at home or locked up in the car, you’re not going to want that in all your photos while we wander around your location. Bring a toy for your kids if you think they’ll need it, but make sure it’s one you’re ok having photographed, or make sure it’s small enough to slip into a pocket occasionally. I can always throw a few small things in my camera bag while we’re walking around – but you giant tote bag won’t fit!

Posing Tip: Get close!

Get ready to snuggle! The magic to family photos is being close. Whether it’s holding hands, giving hugs, climbing on top of each other, or a toss into the air.. being close shows the love. Your little ones will never snuggle like this when they get older, so let’s be sure to capture it now!

Last but Not Least: Let’s Have Fun!

These shoots are all about having fun together. We’re not going to stand still and pose slowly for really formal shots.. instead we’re going to play. We’re going to run around, laugh, climb on one another, dance around, sing a song and maybe even play tag! Having fun and just being you ensures that we will get some really wonderful and unforgettable images of you all loving on each other! And in the end, that’s what we’re really looking for! Check out my Galleries to get a little inspiration and get ready for your own shoot!