Family photo pics…they can be stressful! What should we wear??? Are the kids going to behave? Are we too matchy-matchy? Is it going to rain? Will I be tired? Will it be a good hair day?…etc, etc. All these thoughts are enough to make your head spin! But with a little planning ahead and the use of your cell phone camera I can assure you that my tips will make the process a little easier. And don’t be surprised if you even have a little fun!
I always start with a piece that will make all the other outfits fall into place. I call that your “Anchor piece”. For example I completely fell in love with this Free People Dress and knew this was the perfect look for the location of our photos. I knew I had to wear this…and so the Free People Dress was my “Anchor piece”…ie: starting point. Then I went into my kids closets and found the rest of their outfits. I know I lucked out not having to buy theirs since white pieces are already staple items in their closets. Then on to my husbands closet. I brought my FP dress along to find a good coordinate. Holding the dress up I scanned it against all of his shirts. The soft blue shirt worked perfectly with my dress! I grabbed that shirt along with some linen pants…and on to the next step. I then laid everything out on the floor. Added accessories on top of the clothes and then took some photos with my iPhone. This step really helps, especially when you’re debating between 2 different looks. Once you take your pics you can toggle back and forth and you’ll know which one feels off or which one feels more right. Keep in mind that some clothes look great in person but are not very photogenic. So by taking photos with your phone you will see how they translate in picture.
Great places to shop for kids basics: H&M, GAPkids, JCREW and TARGET. When shopping for your outfits seek those that make you feel confident. If it’s fussy or something that you’re not use to wearing…(i.e.)maybe a low cut shirt. You will be less secure in the photos (and that will come through in the pictures). You don’t want to be fidgeting and checking to make sure a nipple or anything else is peek’n out ;). So wear something thats YOU. And especially something that you can move around in. Pictures look great when they capture motion.
Photos taken by the very talented Marisa Mcbride Photography. Love her!! To see more of her amazing work please click here.
P.S. When taking pics with kids always make sure to bring some type of bribe. If you’re not one that engages in bribing…I’m so sorry ;). Sour patch kids did the trick! Although BEWARE…hide all the blue ones. You don’t want blue tounges and lips in the pics…lol!
