Ok, you found a photographer that matches with your style and you’re all scheduled for photos, 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 to do a bit stressful. I am here to tell you no more of that! This does not have to be and should not be anything to get you panicked over. I have photographed children and families for over 4 years now and I have some inside info to make this smooth sailing!
I live in Guerneville, Ca and I love this area. I have fell in love with photographing in the serene sunset light as it spreads across the beautiful backdrops here. The river, the redwoods, the coast, open fields, mountain tops we have it all here! While I love this area I am happy to accommodate an area special to you/your family, just ask.
What to wear….
It is important to put thought into your outfit planning however, I also very much encourage you to not stress too much. Keep it simple and comfortable. If you wear dresses and heels fairly often by all means wear your dress/heels. 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 then I have to get all “hey, none of that grumpy face stuff here” during the session ;). I do have some easy Do’s and Don’ts that will help you choose your outfits
Do:
-Plan ahead
-Choose neutral colors (gray, brown, blue ect)
-Think head to toe (hats, scarves, shoes,)
-Layering is an easy way to look more put together (vest, cardigan, jean jacket)
-Accessorize! little embellishments can make big improvements (jewelry, hair clips, headbands, suspenders, hats)
-Dress for the weather
-Consider your location in your outfit choice. Think not only color but setting too, choose colors that contrast the surroundings, I want you to stand out not blend in to the area.
-Coordinate colors of family members outfits so they look nice together. (remember the color wheel you learned in art class)
-Remember to consider textures of things, different textures can really add dimension to your photos.
Don’t:
-Match everyone in the same outfits (Don’t worry I’m guilty of it too, but let’s live and learn from that fad)
-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.
-Avoid neon colors.
-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 4 boys..yes 4! Ranging from 7-18 and I have seen a lot of interesting things from them so please do not worry about your kids being kids at photo sessions. 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. 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 they want to call 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.
Last I want to chat woman to woman with all you ladies reading this. 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 yourself in it. Stop it, please…pretty please 🙂 Cherish the beauty of the whole picture. You’re beautiful! You are incredibly lucky to have this family whether it is 1 person or 20 beside you, they love you! Rest assured that I use various techniques such as lighting, poses and the right lenses to flatter you and your family so everyone looks their best. If you tell me ahead of time any specific concerns you have I will be extra aware of that and ensure you look your very best. The best photos come when you relax and trust me to capture you being the beautiful person you are naturally with your family.
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. They will simply see a photo of their family. The same way you cherish photos of your loved ones, you too are loved and cherished for who you are not how you look. 🙂
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
