Family Photos

There is something special when looking back on family portraits. Family photos bring back memories of perhaps a time or place, that you all enjoyed together as a family. These moments will be cherished forever. I am a psycho when it comes to family photos. I want them to be perfect! Especially when it comes to “What to Wear.” Our family typically takes two family photos per year. One during our annual summer vacation and the other during the holidays, for our annual holiday card. My husband and the kids used to get annoyed at first. They now just say, “Tell Me What To Wear.” They also made a deal with me! Yes you read that correctly. In order for them to pose for a family photo, I agreed on also doing a funny family picture. These have been fun throughout the years. Below are some tips to help you create the perfect family photos.

1. Plan Ahead

The more time you have to shop, get your items dry-cleaned or what ever the case may be… the less stressed you’ll be.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits

Coordinating outfits shouldn’t be difficult. Start by choosing a color scheme. Pick two or three colors at most. Wear similar colors, but don’t wear the exact same thing unless it’s a formal picture. Avoid heavy patterns, prints and big logos. There’s an exception here! If you have a dress or a shirt that you love with a pattern that you want to use, you can. This means the rest of the family cannot wear a different pattern. Stick to timeless pieces, avoid too many accessories. Sometimes less is more.

3. Think Of The Location

If you’re taking a picture at the beach or a park, stick to neutral colors as to not compete with the beautiful scenery. Always take the background into consideration. Backgrounds can make or break the picture.

4. Choose Practical Clothing Items

If you’re planning a photo shoot while out of town, think of pieces that are easy to iron or steam at the hotel. There’s nothing worse than packing something and not being able to wear it because it’s in bad shape.

5. When Traveling Take The Picture Sooner Than Later

I’ve come to the conclusion that day one or two is the best time to take your photos. This will avoid you from being sunburned from laying on the beach or looking exhausted from skiing all day. You’ll also make sure to fit into your outfit. If you’re anything like me, I usually gain a few pounds while on vacation LOL. When you get to your destination, walk around and check out the possible locations on where you might take your pictures. Remember to take time, lighting and weather into consideration.

6. Consider Your Home Decor

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stick to neutral colors, so the pictures match my home color scheme. I know… I’m crazy. I tend to display the pictures that blend in nicely with my home.

7. Take Your Little Ones Into Consideration

Plan to take your photos based on a time that works with your kid’s schedule. Make sure they’re feed, they took their nap or what ever their daily routine may be. It’s harder to work with an unhappy baby. In my scenario, I have three teens which tend to get hangry… like their mom LOL.

8. Remember To Have Fun

Don’t loose sight of the fact that this is supposed to be fun and these are memories that you’ll cherish forever.

I hope these suggestions help you create the perfect family photo. If you have any other suggestions or tips, please share in the comments below!