Preparing for Fall Photos!

Ok so you found a photographer that matches perfect with your style and you're all scheduled, now what? What to wear? Will my kids cooperate? Will my spouse cooperate? Should I go on a diet? So many questions are now making this whole thing you wanted so stressful. Well I am here to tell you no more! This does not and should not be anything to get you panicked over. I primarily photograph children and families so I have some inside info if you're ready.

What to wear....

I say while I very much want my clients to take photos serious enough to put thought into their outfit planning I also very much encourage staying you! Keep it simple and comfortable. If you wear dresses and heals fairly often by all means wear your dress. If you're a jeans and boots kinda girl, do it! I want everyone to be themselves in photos. If you're uncomfortable it will show and then I have to get all "hey, none of that grumpy face stuff here" on you during the session. I do have some easy Do's and Don'ts that will help you choose

Do:

-Plan ahead

-Choose neutral colors (gray, brown, blue ect)

-Think head to toe (hats, scarves, shoes,)

-accessorize! little embellishments can make big improvements

-Dress for the weather

-Consider your location in your outfit choice. Think not only color but setting too.

-Coordinate colors of family members outfits so they look nice together

-Remember to consider textures of things, different textures can really add to your photos.

-check out my Pinterest board with great color scheme ideas 

Don't:

-Match everyone in the same outfits (Don't worry I'm guilty too, but let's not do it again)

-Wear clothes that are too big or too small

-Force your kids into something they don't like. Instead offer them color choices and let them help especially older children/teens

-Don't wear clothing with logos,words, or busy prints. 
-Don't experiment with makeup you do not normally wear

Ok on to the next big issue that almost every parent  worries about for the photo session...their kids!  First of all let me say this I have 5 boys..yes 5! Ranging from 4-15 and I have seen a lot of interesting things from them so please do not worry about your kids with me. Anyone who photographs kids knows that kids are not perfect little statues that sit and smile. I promise your child is not the only one to cry, run away or give me the stink eye lol. However, at some point they end up thinking I'm not so bad and that's when I put my ninja/photography skills to work and get awesome photos.  So do not apologize for your kids (well, unless you told them to cry or run off then ok apologize).  FYI all this applies to husbands too or maybe it's your wife who knows, right?  Regardless of who or why, I get it and I won't judge, I promise. I actually see it as a challenge and want to work even harder to make sure they end up being the one to call me next time photos are needed. I love what I do and I like everyone around me to be in on the fun I'm having.

Women are all too often so incredibly hard on themselves. Here you are in a photo with your amazing family and you find something wrong with you in it. Stop it, please...pretty please :) Cherish the beauty of your family for all that it is and do not criticize your appearance. You're beautiful! You are incredibly lucky to have this family whether it is 1 person or 20 beside you. I enjoy doing the best job I can do. I use various techniques to flatter you and your family so everyone looks their best. If you tell me ahead of time a certain concern you have about yourself  I will be extra aware of that and ensure you look your very best. However, the best photos come when you trust me to capture you beautifully and not worry about all that and let me do that worrying ;).

Ps years and years down the road when your babies are grown they won't care if you're overweight, too thin, bad hair style ect. The same way you cherish photos of those you love remember you too are loved and cherished for who you are. 

I hope this helps take some of the pressure or worry out of your next family photo session. Please feel free to comment below any other questions you may have. Also if you have a great photo session tip please share. 

See you soon! 
-Jess

Here is some highlights from a recent Family Session just for fun.