What to wear? Family Edition

The most important tip. Be true to YOU! My photography style is meant show the authentic YOU. If you don't usually wear dressy clothing, DON'T. If your daughter HATES dresses, don't put her in a dress. If your son can't stand wearing button down shirts, don't put him in one. If you are a sporty family, dress sporty. You can find clothing that fits your style that is clean, nice, AND comfortable. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't dress your best, but it DOES mean that you can dress your best in your OWN style. Maybe you have an outfit in the closet you bought but have never had the perfect time to wear it.. Now's the perfect time. If you buy new clothing for your session, please delicately wash those items before your session to get rid of any fold creases.

Coordinate don't match. There are RARE occasions where everyone in the same color works, however generally you want diversity in colors and patterns. To be honest, it is awkward and out of style for everyone to be wearing jeans and white polos. When thinking about colors, choose colors that complement each other. If dad is wearing a flannel choose some colors off of it to use. Often times if two people are wearing the same color they look like one blob and it's hard to see where one person starts and the other one ends.

Stay away from graphics and florescent colors. Please, don't let your kids wear athletic shirts that are bright neon orange or yellow. The light will reflect, and your kids face will be neon orange or yellow. Graphics tend to go out of style, so I suggest staying away from them. If someone is going to wear a flannel pattern it's generally best for only one person to wear it. It's hard to find the same pattern flannel in different colors and most times the patterns will clash with one another.

Make sure the clothing you choose fits. I get it. Kids grow fast and you want to get the most out of each clothing item. But this isn't the time. It doesn't look good when kiddos clothing is baggy, hanging past their arms, or rolled up to fit. This usually creates a distraction for the little one and every picture your little one will be fidgeting with their oversized shirt causing you unnecessary frustration. Instead find something in their closet that you know looks good and fits well.

Mom, this is your time to SHINE! I love when moms are in dresses (if they like dresses) or an outfit they feel great in! Mom, go out and buy your outfit or choose your outfit out of your closet FIRST. Choose something you feel amazing in and build the families outfits around yours. When we feel good, we look good! I know this was your idea, so you looking and feeling your best is vital, if you don't you won't like your gallery.

Dress in layers. Layers add interest but also allow for removing clothing to create more beautiful images that don't all look the same and gives a variety to your galleries. Think scarfs, hats, vests, cardigans, tights, blazers, jackets etc..

Don't forget shoes and accessories are important too. A great outfit with ratty shoes won't look as good. Think about how the shoes will match as well as necklaces and headbands etc. These items can add a pop of color too! Or simply don't wear any! I promise I will not be zooming in on your feet.

Make a Pinterest board or inspiration board with outfit ideas. It will help you get a feel for colors and patterns you love as well as trends you like.