It’s fall and we’re so excited for family photos! The are so many details that go into capturing that picture perfect shot of your family and we have ideas and tips to help each step of the way. From selecting the location, maximize the lighting with the right time of day, simple arrangements for your family of any size, and getting everyone to look at the camera and smile! And perhaps the most important and daunting task, wardrobe. Don’t feel overwhelmed yet, breaking it down makes it more manageable and FUN!
Let’s start with outfits for the family. Do you all want to match? Be in the same patterns, or just the same color scheme? Do you want to be formal or casual? We love these brands that regardless of which category you pick:
Family Matching — There is something so endearing about siblings in the same print and colors. When we found the brand Smocked Polkadot we immediately fell in love. The style is classic and crisp with a large variety for siblings. A unique aspect is the ability to personalize outfits with monograms as well. Whether you need an outfit for your family photo or a holiday, their clothes are both adorable and affordable.
Plus, you know we love companies that give back and Smocked Polkadot gives proceeds from every sale to the Seecaas Hope for Adoption foundation with the purpose to assist and support the financial barrier by providing grants to people who choose to grow their families through the adoption process. The first grant will be awarded this November! Learn more on their website while you shop your favorite styles.
Mommy and Me — We love matching our littles and Pink Chicken has the most extensive Mommy & Me collection we’ve seen. Not only do the have exact matching, but they have different styles with the same print — which is a big winner for us — blouses for moms and twirl dresses for minis, even shirts for the boys. From animals to florals, geometric shapes to plaids, the collections can be both fun and classic. It will soon be a staple in your wardrobe. Pink Chicken also does their best to give back by identifying three charities committed to helping woman and children in need, you can read more about their involvement on their site.
Fall Favorites — When you think of Fall, certain colors and fabrics stand out for the season. So we’re taking it a little more formal, and across the pond for these photoshoot must-haves. Think a mustard corduroy romper, vintage floral prints, pinafore skirt, smocking detail, suits and bowties… these all are from Roco Clothing collection. With a full range from dresses and suits, to coats and capes, shoes and accessories, even tuxedos through fourteen years old! Your kids will look sharp as you snap your family photos.
Photography Tips
As you get ready for your family photo shoot, we wanted to reach out to a photographer for her insight and tips to prepare. From newborn photo shoots to family photos and even professional headshots, Maria Soderman has been practicing photography for years. She shares her top three tips with us and don’t forget if you are local to San Diego, book a photo session with her.
Inspiration is Important: Build a Pinterest board and add the photographer. Get an idea or vision how do you want to be photographed –Glamour, Classic or Casual. This will also help determine the location — beach, woods, sand dunes or at home. Determine the main focus of the photo session — it for Christmas cards, to hang above the mantle, milestone event and also keep in the final products you want — prints, cards, wall art or part of a project.
Preparation is Key: Pick a date at least a couple of weeks in advance so you can prepare the family, coordinate clothes and pamper yourself. This is when you’ll want to start getting ready for your photo session. Getting your wardrobe ready and schedule any beauty needs ranging from manicures to haircuts or color. Don’t forget to get plenty of rest the night before and arrive at the location on time.
Picture Day: Make sure everyone is comfortable before leaving for the photo session; especially the kids. Make sure they are feed and well rested. Have snacks and water on hand just in case. And we’ll all look the other way if you need to bribe your kids with a treat for after the pictures!
Holiday Cards, Photo Keepsakes and Wall Art
You picked the perfect color palate, arranged the family, got everyone to actually smile, and you’ve looking at a handful of beautiful photos to best represent your family, now what? There are so many options and Mixbook has the solution for all! Whether you are creating your holiday cards (they have an incredible variety from metallics to verses, one or multiple photos) to making photo gifts either for your family keepsakes or to give others. We love their flat lay photo books. We use them for special events throughout the year like favorite vacations and themed birthday parties. They have really cool templates, stickers and font, but our favorite is the ability to create from scratch. Complete freedom is so fantastic. Keeping the creative juices flowing, why not put together a calendar to keep your faces top of mind all year round for extended family or fill the blank spaces on your wall with canvas prints, or the one open space on your desk with acrylic blocks or a freestanding metal print. Once you start, you won’t want to stop!
DIY Photo Projects
We love taking our photos and creating gifts out of them. It is a simple way to share a memory with someone and gives something for your kids to create. Here are some simple ideas that you can do with your family.
Photo coaster-Get bathroom tiles from your local hardware store. Print out a photo. You can even use photo editors to create a fun background. Use modge podge glue to seal the photo to the tile. Add felt circles or squares on the bottom so the tile doesn’t scratch the surface you have it on.
Heart frame-We found an old vintage frame at the thrift store. Painted with white chalk paint. Removed the glass and replaced it with a black chalkboard backing. We then printed out photos and made them into a heart shape.
We received items from Mixbook, Pink Chicken, Roco and Smocked Polkadot. All of our thoughts and opinions are our own.
