We’re heading into fall and many of you are preparing for fall family pictures! Family pictures outfits can be tricky to choose, especially with lot of kiddos, so try these 7 tips for choosing outfits for family pictures.

NEED SOME HELP WITH FAMILY PICTURES OUTFITS?

Many of you like to take family pictures in the fall, and also in the winter for holiday cards. This means we need to talk about family pictures outfits. As crazy and stressful as family pictures can be, they’re such a gift and when you look back you’ll be so glad you have them.

Step 1. Choose a location.

Do you want a beach location? Fall trees and mountains? A cozy photoshoot in your home? Maybe a snowy background? It’s best to decide this and PICK a location before you do anything else. This will help lay the foundation for the entire shoot so it’s easier to make the rest of the decisions.

Step 2. Find a photographer and schedule a date.

If you’re traveling this month and want to take family pictures while you’re on vacation, ask local friends (or influencers) or look on Instagram under local hashtags (like #stpetephotographer). If you need a photographer in your area, look through your options and decide whose style fits what you’re looking for. Do you want something bright? Moody? More posed or more lifestyle? Look at different photographer’s work and choose accordingly.

And remember, this is every photographer’s busiest time, so book way in advance!

NOW IT’S TIME TO PICK OUTFITS. ALWAYS THE MOST STRESSFUL PART!

Step 3.  Choose YOUR outfit first.

Try these tips when picking something for yourself:

• Wear a dress. Trust me on this one. It’s more flattering and you’ll feel prettier!
• Pick a dress that’s figure flattering. I recommend any kind that has a fitted waist..
• If you’re not a big fan of dresses, choose a skirt and top combination. But again, choose one that’s fitted at waist and flows out at hips.  
• Wearing something more dressy than your everyday. 
• Choose the color you want to wear and build from there. We all know it’s hardest to get us dressed, so start with yourself instead of fitting yourself in at the end

Step 4. Choose your family color palette.

Now that you’ve picked your outfit, it’s time to figure out the entire color palette. I’d recommend choosing 2-3 colors for your color palette, and then have variations of those colors, like darker or lighter shades of green.

Step 5. Choose your family’s outfits.

Most of the outfits, should include solid colors. If you’re going to do patterns, keep them subtle, and in small doses. The point of family pictures is for your beautiful faces to show, so don’t let them be overpowered by large, loud patterns.

Also play with layers like vests, jackets, or sweaters, tall socks under boots, etc.

Step 6. Have fun and set realistic expectations

My most favorite family pictures are of us snuggly, playing, and having fun together. Don’t worry about props for the shoot.

Also, set expectations and bring snacks. Usually the day before the shoot, I prep my kids and tell them we’re doing a photoshoot and it’ll be 30 minutes long, and then we’ll go get donuts. I may or may not bribe them 😉 An incentive helps, and reminding them during the shoot that it’s just 10 more minutes until donuts usually keeps everyone pretty happy.

Step 7. Get the shot.

Make a list of shots you want before the shoot, and then tell your photographer when you get there. You’ll probably want a variety of posed and candid, some with just mom and dad, some pictures with just dad and the kids, some with just mom and the kids, one with all the kids together, one of each of the kids individually, and one of mom and dad together.

In the craziness of the shoot, I can never remember which shots I want, and we almost always walk away without all the shots I wanted. So make a list and check it before you finish the shoot.

This is how it went Last year, Holidays 2020! Come back for Part 2 from this year’s Fall 2021 Shoot! I cannot wait!