For outfits, I always recommend neutrals! You want your outfits to complement the environment and each other. Most of the time, any neutral color will complement whatever environment we shoot in. Neutrals aren’t just tans and grays and white, there are neutrals of every color! For example, mustard is a neutral of yellow. Forest green is a neutral of green. Navy is a neutral of blue, etc. Fluorescent or bright colors usually draw your attention away from faces, so avoid wearing anything that is bright and overly colorful.

Bright/fluourescent reds, pinks, maroons, and oranges have the tendency to reflect onto your skin, so if one of you wears a red shirt, your skin will most likely end up looking really pink in all of your photos. This is why neutrals are a great choice, as they won’t affect your skin color! For fall, I love neutral fallish tones (like muted mustards, rusts, creams & blacks).

For families, you want to complement each other but (usually) not match! I usually recommend staying away from all wearing the exact same color, and instead, putting most of the family in different neutral shades and then add a few pops of coordinating color. For some color and outfit inspo, check out my pinterest page here!

Avoid big, loud, chunky, crazy patterns. The smaller or more subtle, the better! If the pattern is too loud, it will distract from your faces. Flannels are always a yes in my book (probably because I wear one every day haha)! I usually try to avoid pairing too many patterns together because it makes the photos feel a little hectic and distracting from your faces and the location.

-Prior to your family’s session, I encourage you to ensure your child is as well-rested as possible with a full tummy  (Dads too! ). Kids being kids, they often get bored or tired easily, so I will always allow for short breaks for changing, snacks. It’s sometimes these moments that create the best images!

-Pack snacks and drinks along. Kids get hungry and thirsty, and that can make them cranky.

-Dress according to the weather forecast!!

-Manage your own expectations. Each session is UNIQUE! Have an idea of what you would like to capture, but understand that depending on the mood of your child at that given moment, you may or may not be able to capture those dream images. Just stay positive, make it fun and try to go with the flow and I will get something beautiful!

-Let your kids play. Let them be goofy and silly. Some of those candid shots of them where they don’t even know I am taking their picture can be some of the best!