Maybe 2023 is the year! The year to have your family photos taken. While some members of the family will love the idea of standing before a camera, others will feel ill. Yep! Family photo day brings out all the emotions.

As human beings, every day we get up and for the most part dress ourselves. We put on what makes us feel good, ready to face the day ahead. However, when it comes to dressing and preparing for a photoshoot, we forget everything we’ve ever known AND we want to be immortalized on film, looking our best.

Because I often get asked by my customers for help in preparing for their family photo shoot, I’ve become a bit of a pro at getting everyone organized, and I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned along the way.

Bring your unique.

This is your family, what you have created, and where you belong. 

Dressing in comfortable clothes and bringing along the things that celebrate “you” (that special hat, or teddy bear) are all important and will help the story of your family unfold before the camera.

Let your inner happiness tell the story!

Choosing outfits that have neutral, earthy tones allows for the inner love to shine through your smiles and laughter. The most important thing to consider is that everyone is comfortable in what they’re wearing.

Ladies, dress yourselves first.

Your adorable little ones will look cute in whatever you put on them.  The leading lady in the family needs to be feeling fabulous in what she is wearing, and once you’ve chosen this outfit, everyone else's can be selected around it.

Look like the family that is made up of individuals who together make a unit.

Many of you will know how pro individual I am, and my beliefs stand strong when preparing the kids for photo day.

Family photo day is a type of storytelling where everyone shines for the camera in their own special way. I know the ‘matchy-matchy’ theme is still a favourite for many. Many of us ladies/mums like the safe and traditional options like white tees with denim or black and white, but I suggest considering outfits that work well together. For example, neutral colours look fabulous together (eg) sage green, tan/sand colours, blues, and blush pinks. 

Trust me, the day will run a lot smoother if your family members are wearing clothes that they feel comfortable in. The key is to look for colours, textures and tones that work well together. That’s where I can help you.

Ensure clothes are clean and without rips or fades!

Did someone have a growth spurt since your last round of photos? Have favourites been worn to death and have seen better days? It might be time to replace those favourite items and new, clean, pressed clothes can make you feel good in turn meaning you’ll look great and photos will really pop. The last thing we want is great quality photos honing in on too short pant legs, faded colour or a stain. And don’t forget to press, iron or steam those garments too, so they look just perfect.

Give me the details!

The more information, the more I can help.

I love it when parents bring in their outfits or photos of what they’ll be wearing themselves before the photoshoot, in fact I encourage it.  It’s also great if you know where the photos are being taken, this way I can help to make sure everyone’s outfits will complement the location and each other.  It's the little things that make the biggest difference.

If you want to know more about how I can help your family prepare for your photo day, feel free to reach out to me. It’s my honour and privilege to help families prepare for the array of occasions and events that occur throughout the year, including family photo day!