Family Photo 101: Outfits, Poses, Photographers

As crazy as this sounds, it is time to start planning your holiday card photo. My family has taken an annual photo every year since we moved to America in 1996, and I plan on keeping the tradition alive with our new little family. After 18 years of practice, I have lots of tips to share for photos: what to wear, how to pose, and who to use! These things are all very important. If you’ve got additional help hints, please share them in the comments below!

Outfit Tips 

1. Coordinate everyone’s outfit colors, but don’t be too matchy-matchy. 
   It is important to pick colors that complement each other, but are not all the exact same. Not sure of a color scheme? You can use Adobe Kuler for inspiration.
2. Observe your home decor before picking your outfits.
   We recently put up a new gallery wall in our kitchen and are only using professional photos (wedding, engagement, newborn, sister’s wedding, etc.). I realized that in all of the photos, we are wearing pastels – there is a coral color in every photo. I’ll continue this trend in our family photos this year, as they will be added to the frames. Is your house full of burgundy? Wear browns or deep reds. Do you have pops of yellow? Incorporate that into your outfits.
3. Don’t wear all white or all black.
   The detail of your outfits gets lost when someone is in all black or white – with the exception of a dress. Try to vary your color from head to toe.
4. Avoid too many patterns.
   One plaid shirt is okay, but don’t have two, unless they are in a very similar color scheme. Try to avoid big, bold patterns and stick to solid colors.
5. Remember that textures and accessories are your friend.
   Add textures to your outfits, like scarves, belts or jewelry. Avoid anything that makes a strong statement, unless it coordinates closely to other family member’s outfits. Another great texture is a chambray (denim) shirt. And it complements almost all colors.
6. Classic never goes out of style.
   I love a good silk blouse and jeans. Add heels or solid flats and a pretty gold necklace and you’re set. Something that is overly trendy may have you groaning in ten years time.
7. Wear soft tones to complement skin tones.
   I love pastels on kids – cream and tan also look incredibly good. I would strongly advise against a bright color, as those are much  more difficult to pair together.
8. Put your baby in something simple.
   Cute onesies and pants always look good in photos! I don’t recommend multiple outfit changes, but having your baby in a sweet formal outfit melts my heart (and others’, too!). Pick your outfits, then find a cute Carter’s, Baby Gap, Old Navy, Zara or J. Crew Cuts (or Factory!) outfit to match.

For Her

Shop These Looks

For Him

Shop These Looks

For The Boys

Shop These Looks

For the Girls

Shop These Looks

Family Photo Pose Inspiration

Photos from a number of mixed sources – including Inspired by This (here and here), Pinterest, Melissa Fitzgerald, and Awake Photography.

Talented Texas Photographers

Picking the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Sasha has rolled his eyes whenever this conversation arises. We had Ryan fly to California from Dallas for our wedding photos and Taylor drive from Dallas for Isla’s newborn pictures. Sasha’s one request for our first family photo is that we use a local photographer (I’ve agreed, of course). Some of my favorite Texas photographers are listed below! Check their sites out if you live in this great state and are looking to have pictures taken.

• Ryan Ray (Dallas)
• Taylor Lord (Dallas)
• Melissa Fitzgerald (Houston)
• Kimberly Chau (Houston)
• Paige Budde of Awake Photography (Houston)
• Jenna McElroy (Austin)
• Loft Photographie (Austin/San Antonio)
• Anne Marie Photography (Austin)