Explore your reasons

This can help you decide what the best approach is for how to prepare your family.  If you are just looking for updated photos that is wonderful, but I hope that you take these photos and do something with them. 

Look around your house and determine if you are going to get these images printed and if so - you can choose a color pallet that will be cohesive with how your home feels. No kidding, I’ve planned whole sessions around what I wanted to hang on my walls! 

You can also determine if you want your clothing to be seasonal or timeless - great “seasonal” photos are used for Christmas cards or milestone photos for children.  

Be comfortable

This seems like a no-brainer, but if you are uncomfortable with what you are wearing, it will show in the images.  People want to see you in clothing they would recognize you in, so keep elements of your “everyday style” in mind when you are assembling outfits for your session.  I encourage clients to wear a “base layer” such as jeans and a tank top or t-shirt. Different items of clothing can easily be quickly layered to create different looks for your images. And you don’t have to change your clothes behind a bush, although that can make for a fun story, it’s not exactly fun when you’ve got to do it at a session.

Color coordination

Gone are the days when everyone had to match in family photos. A more timeless look will focus more on color coordination.  Complimentary colors are a palette of colors that work well together.  Family members or individuals can mix and blend colors and patterns to help express their individuality. 

Creative layering

There are so many different patterns, colors, textures, and accessories to add personality to your photos.  Using coordinating colors and patterns reinforces the individuality of each family member.  Layers add texture and depth to your images; think about adding a scarf, hat, or tie to a family member. It’s also fun to add texture by playing with materials; the bulk of a warm wool sweater next to the silky smooth fabric of a dress, or a sleek herringbone blazer and jeans.

Also, keep in mind the mood and style of your house and décor. These images will be on your walls and in your frames. You are much more likely to show off your images if you put time into planning the details of your wardrobe.  These photos are an investment, it’s worth the extra time to go above and beyond with what you are wearing.

Brand labels

Although we all love our brand names, we don’t love them in photos. Brand labels can be an added distraction from the real subject.  The only exception is when the logo itself is making a statement. If you are looking for timeless and classic photos it might be better to stick with clothing that will fit that style. Avoid clothing with large branding graphics or brand names across the chest, torso, or up the leg on pants.

Hair & makeup

Yes, by all means, focus on your hair and makeup!  You might be surprised by what the camera picks up. You might see lines you never knew you had! That being said, it’s worth taking some time to apply makeup to accentuate your beauty and hide blemishes.  I would encourage the ladies to use a shade darker for photos to accentuate their eyes and even out their skin. If you are confident in your makeup skills, go for it! Or you can look into getting your hair and makeup done at a local salon.  I mean, who doesn’t love getting all dolled up for a couple of hours?

Location & timing

Choosing a location in the Pacific Northwest can be daunting. Keep it simple and meaningful to you. Places to avoid might include parks with a large amount of flowers or blooms. Although they are pretty to look at, the overly colorful flowers can distract from the true subjects of the photos (a few exceptions might be an apple or cherry orchard, a vineyard, and tulip or daffodil fields).

Consider the time of day for your photo session. The best times to capture great photos are earlier in the morning before the sun gets high or within 90 minutes of sunset on a bright sunny day. If your day is overcast, generally anytime during the day is okay. If it is raining, this is something we can work around if you are open to doing photos in more covered, urban locations.

Also, keep in mind meal and nap schedules. Littles photograph at their best when they have been fed and are well rested. This also means, don’t schedule your family session during their meals and nap time or risk a long car ride that could evoke napping, if you know your child is a grumpy riser!