One of the questions I get asked the most is "WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?" 

So here are my top camera-friendly style tips for you:

1. I recommend AVOIDING fluorescent clothing close to the face. Pops of color like graphic design elements, pieces of pattern and jewelry are perfectly okay, but it's best NOT to wear whole pieces of clothing or anything primarily fluorescent that will be close to the face or skin (ex: shirts/ dresses/ jackets/ scarves) that are bright pink, green or yellow, as they aren't very flattering to skin tones.
   
2. You do NOT need to all dress the same. (Ex: everyone wearing white shirts and blue jeans.) Because, let's get REAL... when is the last time you and your grandmother ever dressed alike on purpose? Even more so, I do not recommend having some people wear white shirts and others wearing black shirts, as it's difficult to get great camera exposure to balance both equally.
   
3. When selecting outfits for the entire family, a good rule of thumb is to look like you all stepped out of the same catalog/store display. Meaning, that you should all be dressed at the same level of dressiness. (Ex: if you’re in a cocktail dress, it wouldn’t make as much sense for your daughter to be in a strappy tank top and shorts.)
   
4. To achieve a cohesive look, I suggest picking a color scheme and selecting your outfits around that. Avoid big LOGOS, but bring on the mix-and-match patterns, accessories and PERSONALITY.
   
5. If you already know that you want your new family portrait to hang in a certain room in the house, you can even let that room's design dictate the clothing colors that would fit best.
   
6. For a few ideas, click here to see a Pinterest Board I’ve put together for some outfit inspiration.
   

But with all of that in mind... feel free to DISREGARD ALL THESE RULES and WEAR WHAT YOU WANT!!! For REAL. Yes, it's great (in theory) to pull together an amazing head-to-toe look for you and your family. However, sometimes it's really, really not worth the additional stress. 

Instead... wear something that makes you FEEL fabulous. Maybe that's not what you think you're "supposed" to wear. But everyone has a go-to outfit that they feel comfortable and fantastic in. WEAR THAT. 

Maybe instead of coordinating the family's outfits, you simply plan to capture this stage in all of your lives, so you have something awesome to remember about it. And if you DO purchase new clothes for the occasion, let the kids be involved. 

(Psssst... in the photo above, this 3-year old was going through a phase where she didn't want to wear ANYTHING except her "Princess and the Frog" dress, so her parents decided to go-with-the-flow and get extra-dressy to match! Absolutely ADORABLE, and now their photos have a story!)

Try This: To avoid arguments with the kids (and the husband), select TWO OPTIONS for each person, and let them pick out what they'd prefer to wear. 

Why it works: Giving people a CHOICE between two options (no matter how small) gives them a sense of control over the situation, and they'll feel more involved in the process. 

Another question I get asked ALL the time is "WHERE SHOULD WE TAKE OUR PICTURES?"

Now, I could drone on and on about how nature provides a beautiful backdrop no matter where you go, or how you could embrace the texture and color of an urban shoot, but here's the hard-core TRUTH:

The absolutely BEST place to take your photos is someplace that MEANS something to you. 

Is there a place your family loves to hang out in on the weekends? Go there.

Maybe there's a spot that secretly inspires your creativity? Do that.

How about the diner where you had your first date, or the park where your daughter had her first steps, or even the place where your man proposed?

Yeah. That.   

Now, I have NOTHING against photo shoots happening in the woods, at the beach, or even at the local park. In fact, I have a few favorites of each of those types of places, and still shoot there all the time.

But even THOSE sessions are less about the beautiful background, and more about the interactions that happen within each one.

Here's why: In my somewhat biased opinion, the most beautiful photos aren't ones where the subjects could easily be lifted out and replaced with someone else instead. Because it shouldn't be about finding the most picturesque place, but finding the perfect place where your family's personalities shine through. Now THAT'S beautiful.

(Psssst... the above photo was taken at the vacation home this family had rented for their annual winter trip to Sunriver, Oregon. We simply wandered down the path for a bit, and I think we were even playing a game of "Red Light, Green Light" at the time.)

Try This: Think about a few places in your area that hold precious memories for you, inspire your creativity, or that you simply LOVE. Make a list, and go with one of THOSE. 

If you've done any kind of online research into the "best" time of day for photos, you've probably stumbled across something called the "Golden Hour." If not, here it is in a nutshell: the first hour before sunset or after sunrise provides these delicious golden rays that warm the skin while the sun is low in the horizon. And some photographers still liiiiiive by this rule and will only book sessions during this time. They gasp and swoon at the mere mention of shooting during high noon. 

However, by now, you've probably assessed that I am somewhat of a rebel, and that this is definitely another rule I break.

I will agree that yes, there are definitely some times that are better than others if you are looking to include a particular background and don't want to be staring into the sun while you take your photos. (I like to use THIS APP to figure out the "best" time of day for various locations.)

However, be aware that figuring out the BEST time for your photo session might have nothing to do with the angle of the sun at all.

The BEST TIME for your family session is actually the one that fits best into your normal daily routine. Especially if you've got kids.

Here's why: Most kids (especially the young ones) are their most "easy-going" selves in the morning. They're rested, they're fed, and they haven't yet been bombarded by tons + tons of stimuli. 

For that reason, I've found that kids are usually at their best with a morning session. If that's not possible, a second choice is a bit after their afternoon nap (and no, it doesn't count if they nap in the car on their way over to the session). Make sure they've got full bellies and are fully awake after their rest, and you'll have a MUCH happier kiddo.

With the older kids, it varies. Plenty of rest and full bellies work here, too, but often there are crazy schedules to work around. Make sure you aren't fitting this session in between a few other time-sensitive events... otherwise, they'll be preoccupied, stressed, and cranky the whole time.

Sometimes a WEEKDAY session can actually work in your favor, and also works to clear the crowds from the area(s) in which you might be photographing. It's also a TREAT if you pull them out from school for a few hours (I still love to tell the story of when my mom surprised my brother and I with an afternoon of roller-skating just for the FUN of it), and something they might always remember. Just make sure there aren't any conflicts with any important tests, practices or games. Otherwise you'll have one uber-cranky kiddo on your hands. And this only works if you + your significant other can play "hooky" during a weekday, too. Otherwise you'll have a grumpy husband, too.

(Psssst... the above photo was taken in early afternoon when the sun was still high in the sky. The kids had napped (and the wee one napped through most of the session, too). We also stopped a few times along the way for his feedings (full belly equals happy baby).)

Try This: For the next few days, note the time of day when your kids are truly at their "best." Then check your family's calendars and come up with a date and timeframe that fits into your busy family's routine.

Pinterest is a GREAT place for inspiration. But it can also drive you a bit CRAZY if your main goal is to replicate what you see.  

Maybe you've spotted the perfect pose. Or the perfect location. Or the perfectly adorable styled session with 10 photos you'd like to copy exactly. Your heart skips a beat as you think "oh em geee... we are sooooo doing THIS." You download the pics to your phone, study them intently, and spend time dreaming about the day when YOUR perfect little family can do this, too. 

But sometimes the best laid plans just don't go the way you'd like. Maybe the weather isn't cooperating and your favorite spot is a giant mud puddle. Maybe that pose you picked out just isn't all that flattering to your body. Or maybe your kids are just in one of THOSE moods, and don't want to cooperate with your perfect vision. 

That can lead to bribing the kids, giving some warnings, and then come the tears. From the kids AND you. Maybe in the end you even DO get that "perfect" photo... but now, every time you look at it, you'll get a knot in your stomach and remember all the stress involved. NOT exactly what you originally had in mind, right? 

Unfortunately, I've heard of this happening time and time again. For this reason, I propose going in with a PLAN, but being ready to go with the flow. 

Instead of creating an extensive shot list, how about thinking of just one or two MUST-get shots. That way you can relax and enjoy all the in-between moments, too. 

(Psssst... the above photo was taken on "one of those" days. It'd been warm and sunny right up till that morning, when we woke to extreme cold, rain, and plenty of mud. But we continued with their session anyway. Her perfectly styled hair went a bit flat, but she didn't even notice as he gently moved it from her face. They just hugged more tightly, kept each other warm, and danced in the rain.)   

Try This: Come up with a compromise. Decide which photo you reeeeally want to happen, and do that one FIRST, while everyone is still in the best of moods. And then let the rest just happen.

Stand here. Tilt your head. Now tilt a bit more. Rest your hand gently on his shoulder. Look at the camera. Smile. Smile bigger. Okay, now pretend to laugh. *CLICK*

Ummmmm... totally awkward and uncomfortable, right? Now imagine being a toddler, and being told to stand still and pose like this. Over and over and over again. No wonder so many kiddos have meltdowns during photo sessions like this. It's toooooorture. Then you're back to bargaining and threatening, trying to clean up their tear-stained cheeks and snotty noses... feeling tired, a lil bit embarrassed, and maybe pushed to the point where you're wishing YOU could just lie down and throw a tantrum, too. 

Not. Fun. At all.

But there's a better way. An easier way. An ENJOYABLE way. Cross my heart.   

Instead of treating the photo session like something solemn and formal, how about making it seem like a FUN OUTING for all involved? This will make it feel less like a trip to the dentist, and more like a trip to Disneyland. 

HOW? Let the kids be kids. And let yourself play, too. 

The BEST formula I've found is this: 

• Let music set the mood. Sometimes things are tooooo quiet, so I like to put on a family-friendly Pandora playlist while we photograph... something like Disney music, Kids Bop, or the fun + funky Guardians of the Galaxy channel.
  
• Don't feel embarrassed by the kids' behavior. One of two things might happen when the kids meet the photographer... they might either (a) suddenly turn super-shy, becoming a barnacle and hiding behind your legs and crying if you try to pry them off too soon; or (b) start acting as if they suddenly swallowed a thousand sugar pills on the drive over, with full-on "look what I can do" fervor. This has happened to me over and over and over again. And each time, the parents are shocked and embarrassed in the "what the heck is happening?" way. Please note... this is NORMAL behavior for kids when they meet someone new, and when you're aware of that, it's easier to deal with and control along the way. And nothing to worry over or be embarrassed about.
• Pose, play, repeat. Kids (and adults) get wiggly. Rather than fight it, just roll with it. To keep things loose and FUN, I suggest gathering the family for a formal pose, then relaxing and capturing some candids. Let the kids move, wiggle, and come back for more. Not only will they be able to handle the serious stuff a lot more when it's not all at once, but the entire event will be more enjoyable for everyone when the kids are kept happy. And moving around a bit will also allow for some amaaaazing candid moments to happen, too. So pick them up, hug and kiss their chubby cheeks, and get the giggles going. Your heart will MELT when you see these kinds of photos, and just how much the love, connection, and personalities shine through. 
• If your kid has a "lovey," bring it along. Instead of hiding this stage in life, incorporate it. Grab a few photos of the well-loved item, and hand it over to the photographer to get them looking at the camera. (I can't tell you how just many times I've had a tap-dancing monkey on my head.) Another idea: buy a NEW toy for the occasion... something that they're allowed to keep if they listen well and follow directions. (I try to keep a few of these ready in my camera bag, should the need arise.) Hint: make it a toy that's small enough to be hidden in a fist or shoved in a pocket so it can hide out of sight for the photos. That way there's no fight to pull it away from tightly clenched fists when they won't relinquish hold. 
• Relax and enjoy yourselves. Trust me, I KNOW it's weird to be in front of the camera. But the more relaxed you are and the more you actually enjoy yourselves along the way, the less of a CHORE it will be, and the more amaaaazing memories you'll actually make. So treat it as if you're simply "hanging out together" as a family, and let the photographs capture THAT. Let yourselves be be silly and play. And let your awesome selves shine through.

(Psssst... did you know that each parent's nose makes a different kind of sound when you "beep" it? Yup. At least, that's what I told those kiddos in the photo above, to get some real belly laughs going.) 

Try This: Come up with a great playlist that the family can agree on. Listen to it in the car ride over to get in the mood, then continue to let it play during the session. (Just hand your phone with the playlist to the photographer to stick inside their pocket, and let the good times roll.)

Trust me... I tooooootally get how AWKWARD it can be to be in front of the camera. I actually force myself to do just that every few months, so I can step inside my client's shoes and be reminded of the experience. It's like, all of a sudden you realize... wait... I have hands. Hands? What the heck am I supposed to do with my HANDS?!  

The struggle is real, my friends. 

Thankfully, there ARE a few ways to boost your confidence and prep for a great session that don't involve practicing your poses in front of your bathroom mirror:

• Wear something that makes you FEEL confident. Never underestimate the feeling of power that washes over you when you step into the world wearing your favorite "look out world, here I come" outfit. For real. So if that's a pair of boots, a certain bangle, a sweater, or a head-to-toe ensemble... ROCK IT.
• Set the mood with music. Yup, this bears repeating. Let's say you show up first to a party. It's quiet. You can hear yourself breathe. Majorly weird, right? But if you show up and there's a rockin' beat, you can't help but sway a bit. Your body naturally relaxes when you hear a familiar tune that you like.
  
• Let GO of perfection. That's right... I said it. Stop comparing yourselves to the models in your favorite magazines, or even your favorite blogger's pics. I can guarantee you that most of them are photoshopped beyond belief. Don't worry so much about the wind mussing your hair a bit, or trying to holding your head at the "perfect" angle. You've heard that "the camera adds 10 pounds," right? It's kinda TRUE. Because in real life, you're constantly in motion... your face and body is moving, the clothing is moving around you, and light is reflecting off of all your beautiful angles. But the camera isolates + freezes one single, solitary moment... wherever angle the light is highlighting, whatever shape your dress takes as it was mid-flow as you step. That being said, trust in your photographer to not only work their magic to find the best angles, but also bring out the best in YOU. And just ask yourself THIS: what if it was your YOUNG DAUGHTER saying she didn't want to be photographed from a certain angle because it showed how "fat" she really was... what would you say to HER? Most likely, you'd tell her how beautiful she REALLY was, and set out to prove how unnecessary that comment was, right? Now, simply give YOURSELF that very same speech. Please please PLEASE don't let that one moment in time DEFINE you. You are sooooooo much MORE than that one single photograph.
• It's 5:00 somewhere... Don't underestimate the effect of a little "liquid courage." I don't suggest doing this if it's a mini-session and if you're the one driving, and I definitely don't suggest over-imbibing. But having just one mimosa, shot, adult hot chocolate or beer can take the edge off just enough to relax your mind and body so you can relax and stop over-thinking the process. Cheers!
• Trust in your photographer. Before you select a photographer, I'm guessing you've checked out their sample images, right? If you only see skinny models posed at awkward angles and airbrushed within an inch of their lives (I'm sorry, but REAL people DO have pores), then it might be time to run the other way. But if you see photos in their portfolio that really, really resonate with you, then trust in the process and let them work their magic. (I always show a few images from the back of my camera as we go along, so that everyone feels totally confident in what is being captured.)

(Psssst... the photo above was a request from this amazing mama, who wanted a "power pose" of herself with the family blurred in the background... as if she was proudly proclaiming "look at the awesomeness I've created.")

Try This: Whether it's repeating your favorite words of affirmation, or packing a tiny flask, pump up the volume on your favorite playlist and do what you know will make you feel amazing. 

Mini Sessions pop up like wildfires near the end of the year (helloooo, holiday photos), and seem the optimal way to go, right? I mean, they're low-cost with little time commitment, will give you that one perfect picture for the Christmas card, and can be a great way to test out a new photographer without making a major commitment, right? I mean... what could go wrong?

PICTURE THIS: You step into this adoooorable new shop that you've never been before. There are So. MANY. Things. to see. You're SQUEEEEEING with glee and getting ready to drool because you just can't stand the cuteness, but before you can do ANYTHING you're suddenly yanked by the arm to the center of the store where everything is just out of sight, and definitely out of reach. You try to sidestep to a colorful shelf that calls your name, but you're redirected again. Told you can't even LOOK in that direction. Frustration mounts, you find yourself checking your watch over and over again, wondering WHEN you can just have a peek... when you're suddenly pulled out of the store and led away.

Not cool, right?

Unfortunately, mini sessions with wee ones can be a bit more difficult than you might expect, because this can be what it feels like to them. This is what your toddler feels like whenever they're brought somewhere new and magical, and aren't allowed to touch or look or explore at all. And told to sit still and look straight ahead. But SMILE, dammit!

While most moms tend to want to book a MINI session because the kiddos' attention span is incredibly limited, this is actually the opposite way to go. A mini session can be "crunch time" if you're trying to get all those smiling family photos, and with little time to wiggle or play, the kiddos tend to melt down even more.

But by booking a full-length session, there's still in-between time for them to easily make the transition from moment to moment, stop for a snack, and explore the area from time to time. There's also plenty of time for everyone to warm up to the camera, and for authentic personalities to shine through.

Now, before you start to panic because you've already booked that mini session or your budget just won't allow for the full session at the moment, let me remind you: the MINI session CAN be an absolute blast. I still actually offer them myself, and get GREAT results every time. But the KEY is to remind yourself that this is, truly, a MINI session. You won't be able to get those 25 dream Pinterest poses or multiple locations or outfits in 20-30 minutes without giving yourself, your family (and maybe even your photographer) a heart attack in the process. Instead, pick out one MUST-HAVE photo idea, and leave room for plenty of candid moments. And start saving up for a bigger session to get the rest of those dream photos you crave.

(Psssst... the above photo was taken when I let the kids play "follow the leader," taking turns being leader as they held their parents' hands and led them anywhere they wanted to go.)

Try this: If time and budget allows, book a FULL-LENGTH session instead of a MINI. It's toooootally worth it. But if you just can't swing it at the moment, start saving up for the future. And for now, pick out one or two MUST-HAVE photographic moments for the MINI, and leave the rest for later.

When you think of a "family photo session," you probably envision a photo of the whole family, right? But what about each of the smaller "groupings" and family connections? You and each kid. Your husband and each kid. Each of the kids, solo. Just the kids. And just you and your husband (because let's face it... the last time you probably had a photo of just the two of you together was back on your wedding day). 

Now, these DON'T all have to be posed photos. In fact, sometimes they're even better when they're not. Because each of the relationships within the larger family unit has its own distinct rhythm and feeling that can flow and change throughout the years. So it's nice to step back and be able to capture them for what they truly are in that moment in time.

And besides simply being something to capture NOW, it will be nice for each member of the family to look back on and have a picture of themselves with one another. To be able to celebrate the micro-units within each larger family unit. 

(Psssst... the photo above is what happened after I asked the sisters to whisper a secret to one another.)

Try This: Let your photographer know you'd like to leave a few minutes to capture these kind of interactions, too.

Let's face it... getting photos taken isn't exactly a popular answer to "hey, honey, what do YOU wanna do this weekend?" And sometimes it can feel like pulling teeth when trying to talk everyone into it, coordinate the day, rally the troops on the day-of, and do it all while still staying in a good mood.

So, how do you accomplish this without tearing out your hair in the process?

Treat it like a FUN event, and get EVERYONE involved.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Make it a fun DAY for all. Instead of feeling like you have to "bribe" them to be good right away (ex: "do this for me, and we'll get ice cream after"), let them know that this is just part of a bigger picture. Maybe you can start with a special breakfast they don't normally get, play some great music while getting ready, stay and play at the photo shoot location or head to their favorite playground after the session, and even finish up with a favorite dinner and a movie. Instead of dreading the photo session, they'll start looking forward to the fun DAY you've got planned.
  
• Let them be a part of the planning. Remember... give the kids a choice between two things and they'll feel a sense of control and a part of things. A few different ways you can do this: let them choose between two outfits for the day, two choices of a special breakfast, two choices of a movie to watch together later, etc. And if you have more than one kid, let them take turns choosing what to do, so they each get a say in something.
• Have a LOOSE timeline for the day. If you think you might need an hour for everyone to get ready, set aside an hour and a half. Be sure to leave extra time for breakfast, getting ready, driving, etc. Because any time when something out of the ordinary happens, nerves can jangle a little bit more, people might get distracted along the way, and things might take a bit longer than anticipated. Leaving a bit of wiggle room in your day helps things go a bit more smoothly, and saves you from having to turn into that dreaded drill sergeant to get out the door on time.
• Do something incredibly FUN and off-the-wall during the session. Like maybe climb a tree together, or play tag, or even have a pillow fight. No joke! Include a fun activity AS PART OF the actual photo session, and you'll have everyone as excited as they are when they wait for Santa.
• Let them pick out a photo to TAKE. Remember when I said that you should go in with a plan of ONE photo in mind, and let the rest go? Let the kids know that THEY can do something like that, too. Maybe that's something as simple as choosing whose hand to hold, or maybe they reeeeally want the chance to unleash their creative juices and have something bigger in mind. DO IT. Taking the photo doesn't necessarily mean that you have to keep it, but the simple act of doing something that THEY want to do in the session goes a LONG way towards getting them to cooperate.

(Psssst... the family in the above photo wanted something uber-fun. So we had a feather pillow fight, chased each other around with colored powder, and even brought out the silly string!) 

Try This: Come up with a plan for the day that gets the entire family excited!

Before booking your next photo session, ask yourself WHY you're doing it, and let THAT be your guide for picking out a photographer that fits YOUR style, and in helping create your ultimate photo experience.

What I mean by this is simply that: What's your WHY? 

Are you taking pictures because it's an annual family tradition... whether it's for the Christmas card photo or to brag to your friends that you live by the beach? Are you replicating a photo taken every year so that you can easily see the kids' growth? Are you after a perfectly posed version of yourself and the family? Or do you prefer to let the personalities lead the way?

Now dig a bit deeper... why do you REALLY want those photos? What do you want to remember about this particular time in your lives, and why?

As for myself, I take photos to REMEMBER. Because I've pretty much got the memory of a goldfish, with too many things coming and going without me being able to remember the details. But flash a photo in front of my eyes and WHOOSH!... the entire day comes flooding back. What we ate, the jokes that were told, and even the sound of the voice that told them. 

It's also a goal of mine to capture all the nuances about the ones I love during their everyday moments, in order to remember all these details I'm afraid to lose... the way my man still reaches out to hold my hand when we're sitting side by side on the couch. The mischievous look he gets on his face right before he tells a joke. Even the adorable way my dog follows him around the house, which he's never done for anyone else before. For me, it's about capturing pieces of our own unique family, and everything that makes us, well... US. 

Find your WHY, and then find a photographer that not only fits your style, but one that can also give you exactly what you're after. 

(pssssst... the above photo was taken during one of my WHO I AM sessions, dedicated to helping build up the self-esteem of preteens while showcasing how AWESOME they are in this particular stage in life. This lil lady is a self-proclaimed geek who looooooooves everything Harry Potter. So we chased each other through the park as she pointed her wand my way + shouted "expelliarmus!")

Try this: Think about what you want to remember MOST about your family right now, and why you really want to take family pictures. Make a list of what you REALLY want, and let that list guide you toward finding the photographer of your dreams, and helping create your ultimate photo experience.