Your Family PHoto Prep Guide
The most stressful part of most photo sessions for moms is typically not the actual photo shoot itself, but figuring out what to wear beforehand. You want your family to look great and timeless, but it can be such a stressful decision! Here are the tips I share with my clients to help make their shopping a little easier!
Where to start? Try to coordinate outfits without looking to “matchy, matchy”. A hat, scarf, a statement necklace can give a drab shirt or dress the right amount of punch to make it fabulous. Color is good. Patterns are great. It’s okay to mix and match a bit. You can mix stripes, plaids and even polka dots – gasp! But, Try to only have one patterned outfit for every three people. Otherwise it just to over the top. Keep away from small and tiny prints and patterns… Go bold or go home!
Shopping - When shopping for outfits a lot of people will start with the easiest person in their family to shop for. I like to shop from hardest to easiest. I tend to tell moms to start with them, you are more critical of your clothes and how they look, then to your husband. Lastly, the children. If you have a daughter choose her clothes last (little girls are so easy). Layers are fantastic for boys and girls…. Jackets, vests, leggings, tights. Accessories can add an extra pop too….Hats, scarves, necktie, bowtie, headbands, socks…..
Take Comfort Into Consideration – I tell my clients they should be able to sit, stand, lay down, jump, do the hokey pokey and turn themselves around in whatever they are wearing. If they are not comfortable in their outfits it will show in their pictures, especially with kids. Although their outfit may be picture-perfect, if their shoes are uncomfortable or their shirt is itchy your child will not be happy and it will show in the pictures. For anyone under two, steer clear of collard shirts. They tend to make little ones look a lot older and many times the collared shirts bunch up around their face. For little girls, make sure to put a diaper cover under any dresses.
Let The Kids Dress Themselves – Don’t really let them dress themselves, but give them options. Pick out 2 or 3 “mom approved” outfits and let them decide which one they like best. Let them think they are in charge. They will feel proud that they “picked” out their outfit and it will show.
Photograph It – Be sure to take a picture of all of your outfits together before your big photo shoot. There’s no need to get your whole family all dressed up twice. Just lay it all out on the bed and take a picture in natural light. Make sure the colors look well together. If you are questioning any of the pieces feel free to send it to me for advice. I love when clients send me their outfits beforehand!
Hangry- Nothing is worse than a hungry child (and parent) during your session. Eat a meal before you leave or make sure to pack some snacks and water.
Bribing - I don’t judge when it comes to bribing children. I actually used to do the same thing, and sadly enough… I still do! (Even my husband sometimes!). Bring a few rewards, maybe a new small toy. Snacks are great. You will be a dolled up and looking adorable in your outfits… I often bribe them all with a fun lunch or supper afterwards. Plus, you deserve a cocktail after all the hard work you put into this!
Don’t be stressed- I’m not a huge believer in having an “exact” time frame. I usually allow for a cushion in between my sessions, so if we are having fun, we get to have some fun time at the end or incase we have a melt down, we still have time to get some good shots in.
Please, Be flexible- Sometimes we have to switch locations last minute due to weather or special events at the location we really wanted to shoot. Sometimes we have no option but to reschedule.
Sniffles- If anyone is sick the day of the session, I Kindly ask that you reschedule. I can’t risk passing the germs to other clients or my own family. Plus, when kiddos don’t feel well, their little eyes show it. Also, usually wait about 3-4 days after vaccines for your session.
Relax and have fun!!