It's easier that you think, I promise.

 I want you to think of the color scheme you have in your home decor. You surround yourself with the colors and styles that you love. Use that as color motivation for your photo session. If you want to hang your photos around your home, think of the colors that will compliment your home decor. Do you go for the bright and bold? Or do you have more of a neutral approach? Do you have a pop of red or blue in your pillows? Want to add that pop of color in your photos?

See you already have a list of colors in you mind that you love.

The most important tip I can give you is wear what you feel good in. This goes for everyone! If you aren't comfortable in what you've chosen for pictures, it will show. If you can't find a dress you feel good in, but you rock a good pair of skinny jeans, do that. If you can barely walk in heels, there's no harm in doing cute and comfy flat boots or pretty sandals. If you can't do a heel, a wedge is a great alternative, too. Wear clothes that fit well! If your top fits too loose, it will show in your photos. If you have to choose between sizes, choose something that fits snug, but comfortable. A snug fit will give your outfit a tailored look.

Now a few suggestions that I have to help you rock your look. These are the things to avoid. We will get to all of the things you should aim for in a moment.

• Avoid dressing in black, instead go for grays, navy or dark plum colors. Also avoid white, a little here and there is good as an accent color. But aim for creams and beiges, these will help warm up your photos. Avoiding black and white will give your photos a warm and airy feeling that you'll love. 
• Avoid writing on clothing, we don't want to be reminded of "GAP" everytime you glance at your photos displayed around your home. The same goes for characters on shirts and shoes for the little ones.
• Too tiny of a print on shirts or pants can cause your image to do funny things, that cannot be fixed in editing. Try to avoid tiny patterns.
• Flourescent colors tend to color cast on faces, necks, and hair. They're too harsh sometimes. I recommend versions of primary colors. Yellow (mustard), Red (maroon, brick) and Blue (navy or royal).
• Stay away from wearing a lot of green when your photo session is in grassy or wooded areas. It's just too much green. Green as an accent color is awesome though. You want to stand out against all of the gorgeous greenery you are surrounded by. 

• Flaunt your best features - if you love your legs, wear something that shows them off. And it works just the opposite about something you're not comfortable with. My upper arms bother me, so I wear a cardigan or jacket to give me a waist line but cover my upper arms, giving me confidence. 
• Make up - adding a little extra make up on top of your daily routine will give your eyes and lips an extra pop in your photos. 
• Maxi Dresses - are a great option for any body type, layer with a belt, bold necklace, or a fitted cardigan to complete the look. 
• Shoes - if you're wanting to elongate those legs add a heel or a wedge to you outfit. You'll have legs for days!
• Accessorize! - maybe find some jewelry in an accent color that goes with you color scheme. Chunky jewelry in silver, gold, or a metal mix will top off any outfit!

• Grooming - try to get a haircut about a week before your photo shoot. You want to look sharp!
• Shaving - try to shave within 2 hours before your session. 5 O'clock shadow cannot be edited out post processing.
• Shirts and Jackets - collared shirts and structured blazers or jackets always look good in photos.
• Belts - polish off your look.

•  Accessories - add fun and texture to your photos. Hairbands or clips, scarfs, sparkly shoes for the girls. For the boys add vests, suspenders, neck ties, bow ties or boots to add texture and variety. Try to avoid accessories that are too bulky such as big flowered headbands that distract from those faces that we love. Try smaller and more simple accessories.
• Clothes - simple and timeless pieces work best. A simple dress on a toddler is absolutely precious, as is the suspender look for the boys. Make sure they are functional. Kids are going to be moving and we want them to be comfortable. Cotton and flannel are comfortable and photograph well. Tucking in shirts will help create a waist line on your kids.
• Don't give "kids room to grow" - outfits that fit too loose can look sloppy. I know its hard, but resist the urge to buy bigger and find something that fits them best now. 
• Let their little personalities shine through. They're only little once!

Now lets get down to the nitty gritty and actually pick out those outfits!

First, if you're in the market for shopping for new outfits, I recommend shopping for your entire family in one store. For example, Old Navy is perfect because they carry items for each department within the same color schemes each season. Now don't worry if there is no time to go shopping. I've still got you covered! The method below also works with the gorgeous peices you already have in your closet.

Next, pick out a plaid shirt or color patterned shirt. (Don't worry - if plaid isn't your thing, it doesn't have to end up in your photos...Just trust me.) Plaid shirts are a pre-picked color palette for you! You'll use this shirt as a base to start building the other outfits. Once you've got a solid look going, you can ditch the plaid and replace it with something else if you'd like. If you don't have any plaid in your home, go ahead and search for a plaid shirt online in the colors you love.

Now it's time to pull it all together! Each outfit only needs to coordinate with one color in the plaid. The color palette will keep everything pulled together. It's not important that every person in the photo be wearing every color in the palette. Remember we want coordinating, and not matching. When in doubt if a piece is the right color, match it to the plaid you've picked out. If it matches, you're good to go!

Feel free to mix it up with prints and solids and layers. A word of caution with prints - bold and loud prints are good if used sparingly. Layers are important and add dimension and texture. Are your photos in the summer? Layer your dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. What about fall or winter? Cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarfs, hats and blazers will keep you warm and all photograph well.  

See!?! That wasn't so bad, was it?

If you still have questions reach out to me! I'd love to help you any way I can!