How do you envision the perfect family photo? When you look at your portraits ten years from now, what do you want to see? Over the next few weeks we are going to talk about details surrounding these questions. Through this process, I am going to share with you what drives me as a family, newborn, and senior portrait photographer and what you can expect to experience by working together with me.

Let’s begin with styling. I’ve been talking a lot about styling lately in my social media. Why is styling so important and what can you expect when you have your session “styled” by me?

First of all, don’t panic! Choosing your family’s outfits is not easy to do every day, let alone for professional photographs. This is why I have designed a way for you to choose your outfits with as little effort as possible, but with the confidence that you will look amazing.

What styling means is that I am offering you my expertise in choosing outfits that will provide you with timeless images that will look beautiful for years to come. What you wear is part of the “art” of your image. If you are all wearing the same color of dark blue in your images, and mom forces her feet in uncomfortable heels and a stiff dress, if your little boy who normally wears t-shirts and jeans all day is forced to wear a suit, you are not only going to be miserable, but your images won’t look very good either!

Remember, you are investing your time, money, and emotion into your family photographs, you want them to look amazing, but in the most effortless way. Allow me to take care of the details while you enjoy the ride!

First, Let’s start with some dos and don’ts

DOs: Wear colors that compliment each other in similar tones and palates.

DON’T: Choose all blacks, grays, whites, etc. Choose a variety of colors that coordinate and then throw in accessories, hats, scarves to add texture and fun.

DO: Wear outfits with delicate patterns in similar color palettes mixed with others that are solid and neutral. But, DON’T all wear busy patterns. Again, remember balance: some wear patterns and others a neutral color.

DON’T wear hoodies, shirts with logos, or athletic wear and no bright, fluorescent colors!

DON’T force kiddos to wear a hat or accessory that they never do normally. Also, NEVER force kiddos to wear something new they’ve never worn before! There will be a mysterious tag that is scratchy or that beautiful flowing dress will suddenly feel “too tight” 10 minutes before your session. Give time for “practice” wearing around the house a few days before or choose pieces that are familiar to them.

Other DON’Ts: No athletic running shoes or high heels. DOs: Boots for fall, simple comfortable shoes for guys, or neutral colored sandals that match that flowing dress are all perfect. We may go barefoot too!

Styling that is Easy, Beautiful, and Fun

Ok. Deep breath. How will we figure this all out? I am here to guide you every step of the way and take care of all the details so that you can come to your session confident, relaxed, looking amazing, and ready to create some magic!