Tis’ the Season for FAMILY PHOTOS!

A little fall breeze, some leaves changing colors, FOOTBALL SEASON.

That could only mean one thing…

It is time to prepare yourselves for what you might refer to as the most stressful time of the year.

The time when you spend a fortune on some outfits that the kids will only complain about the whole time and never wear again. The time when you are beginning to mentally prepare your husband to ”PLEASE JUST SMILE LIKE YOU WANT TO BE HERE.” And of course, Mom putting out all the fires with everyone asking, “Are you doing Christmas cards this year? Please ACTUALLY print these pictures!”

It is family picture season.

Here is the good news. I am a professional family photographer who has been around in the business most of my life, but I have been THE photographer for the last almost 12 years. I also am a mom to four kiddos, a wife, and someone who simply wants a DECENT picture to print out and send to the family. Literally, I am happy to just get ONE good one.. and well, I am here to help!

The number one thing my clients reach out to me for before their session is “What do you suggest we wear?” and that is tied with the question, “You are going to pose us and tell us what to do, right?!”

And while there are things like Pinterest and other sites that help put together outfits & share picture-perfect models with kids looking like they are loving every second of their session- the reality is it isn’t always that easy.

So, let me share some tips to make your family pictures smooth & easy from the time you are purchasing outfits to the time you are walking away from your photographer.

What Do I Wear, Kelsei?!

All photographers are different! So remember this when you are choosing your family photographer.

Do you like their style of editing? Is it light and airy or bold & colorful? Are you planning to have your pictures taken in lush wooded greenery, or are you hitting the beach?

All of these things come into play when making the decision of your clothing choices.

I always like to tell my clients that COMFORT outweighs anything else. If you aren’t comfortable in your clothing, it will be obvious in every single picture I take of you.

So. number one is comfort. Even if comfort means jeans and a button-down for Dad and a flowy dress for Mom. As long as YOU are comfortable, it will make a world of difference!

Number two is location. If it’s a busy location (buildings, downtown scenery etc.), I always suggest solids.

Solids don’t have to be boring, either! Layer those solids. If you are going with a blue theme, do different shades of blue layered with a vest or coat, and put the kiddo in a simple solid button-down or shirt.

Layer some jewelry on you, Mom! Nothing too busy, but just enough to have some pops of color on your clothes. If solids aren’t enough pizazz for you, MIX your solids with subtle patterns.

I don’t typically suggest stripes or busy patterns. In my opinion, they don’t photograph the best.

But, like this family pictured here, the pattern plus solid combo worked out beautifully!

Number three is COLOR. I am a photographer who loves incorporating color & contrast. Depending on the season you are having your photos done in, the colors and choices are definitely personal preference.

However, since we are entering the Fall season, I will base my opinion on that. I am a sucker for neutrals- whites, creams, tans, browns. Layer on top of the white, throw a fur vest over a solid cream-colored tee, and rock a gorgeous pair of boots.

If you like incorporating more color into your photos, I would suggest a deeper side of the color wheel, like deep blues, mustard yellows, and browns.

Last but not least, accessorize! Whether that means a hat, jewelry, or a belt that goes over your dress- try it! I love a good, simple look, but I also love a little pop of personality in there. Whatever fits your family & their style the best!

Most importantly, remember these are YOUR photos to have forever & ever.

Although it is so stressful for most to want to pick the perfect outfits & create the perfect look- the candid in-between moments we catch as photographers end up being the favorite.

Look through your closet, see if you have something you’ve been wanting to wear, and start there.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be YOU and your family.

Never feel like you need to spend your life savings on beautiful outfits when the most important thing for you to do is just to show up and let your photographer make magic with the love your family already has!

I am going to share some family sessions I have taken, and you can see that the outfits are anywhere from comfortable and basic to a little extra and glamorous.

Make it how you want it to be! And don’t ever feel like you can’t ask your photographer for help.

That is what we are here for!

I hope these suggestions help, and I hope more than anything that you find the photographer that fits your family the best!

There is nothing more special for a photographer than to have families that come back year after year, moment after moment, building that relationship with each other so between you, your husband, and the kiddos- everyone is comfortable and EXCITED for their family pictures and not dreading it!

Remember to show up to have FUN and let your photographer do the rest!

Don’t stress about the kiddos or if you look picture-perfect. Your photographer knows kids and how quickly kids get tired of being instructed to pose or go here or there.

Trust us, let us make the stinky toot jokes, let us guide you even if it feels silly, and HAVE FUN!

Signed,

Your Chaos Coordinator Family Photographer