Thes best way to have a good time on a shoot is to be prepared and then on the day of the shoot, don't stress. Here are some Tips to Help you prepare.

CLOTHING

Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive.  What do your dream family photos look like?  If they are soft and elegant?  Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues.  Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family?  Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy ) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. My favorite way to figure out colors is to consult a color wheel and pick complimentary colors. For example if we are shooting in a red rock landscape, greens look awesome against red because green is the complimentary opposite of red.

Adding fun accessories like jackets, headbands, hats, etc. can add a twist and interest to your images. 

Go-To Options for each Family Member

Dad-Button up shirt with rolled up sleeves and slacks

Mom-Flowy dress

Son- Button up shirt rolled up sleeves or polo with jeans/khakis

Daughter- Flowy blouse with skinny pants or dress

Baby- Some sort of romper or one piece item

Visit My Pinterest Board of Family Outfit Ideas for Inspiration for your own shoot

Picture Outfit Ideas

Fed & Rested

Be certain not to schedule your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime.  The best time for lighting is the two hours before sunset and after sunrise (The golden Hours).  If this is a bad time for your children, let me know, we can figure out sometime to shoot. Don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach.  I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end.  If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot.

Everything in a timely matter

Moms are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. I encourage you moms to have their hair and makeup professionally done. Give yourself a little pampering! Also, this will not only get you ready for pictures but give you more time to prep your family and when mom is feeling pretty and confident, the family will feed off those good vibes and feel good too. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. Bonus tip: Don't get a baby and smaller kids in their outfits until you arrive to the shoot. Less likely for messes on their picture outfits.

All Men dislike photos. Be Happy Anyways

Dads, please cheerfully participate. I know that many dads dread the family photo session, but fathers, please understand how important capturing your family is. These images will be left as a legacy, when your children are grown, with families of their own some day. Family photos are treasured forever and they are so important. Once you see your happy wife and amazing photographs, you will be so glad that you gave this time to your family.

Have fun

Don’t be afraid to look away from the camera, in fact, please look away at times. If I want you all to look at me, I will ask you to. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Embrace. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Doing these things will allow me to capture the emotion and true beauty of your family. And remember Kids are just kids so let them act like it.