Tag

film photography

Browsing

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’sBaby Gap, Old Navy, Zara or J. Crew Cuts (or Factory!) outfit to match.

For Herfamily photos - what to wear, photographers, natural light, film, poses, modern, trendy, classic, blazers, cream, white, gap, j. crew, banana republic, mom, babies, dad, kids

Shop These Looks

Newborn Photos by Taylor Lord

It has been a back-and-forth conversation for the last few months – to do maternity pictures or not? Eventually, Sasha and I landed on doing newborn pictures vs. maternity, for a variety of reasons – namely because if we’re going to pay for photos, I want Isla to be in them as opposed to being inside my tummy! We are going to use one of my favorite photographers, Taylor Lord, for the shoot. I could look at her blog all day long. She posted these adorable newborn photos almost a year ago – I am obsessed. First, baby Henry is too cute, and second, how gorgeous is their house?? I’m anxious to meet (and hug!) Isla after looking at these again. 10.5 weeks left!

austin-film-photographer-01-c7c1

austin-film-photographer-03-c7c3

austin-film-photographer-05-c7c5

austin-film-photographer-06-c7c6

austin-film-photographer-11-c7cb

austin-film-photographer-07-c7c7

austin-film-photographer-12-c7cc

austin-film-photographer-13-c7cd

Favorite Photos of the Week

Photography blogs are my absolute favorite – I could literally stare at beautifully captured moments all day long. This week was awfully busy at work (sleep deprived!), but I managed to fit in 30 minutes of blog scouring late last night. The pictures below are my favorite photos for this week (although some were posted more than a week ago!). Which is your favorite?

5-Laura-Murray-Colorado-Maternity-Photography

maternity via laura murray (seriously perfect – we need these!)

ML_Blog_025

wedding via ryan ray

Screen Shot 2014-01-30 at 9.51.50 PM

engagement via taylor lord

Vicki-Grafton-Photography-Film-0761

travel via vicki grafton

2013-06-18_0094florals via meg perotti

annecy_roll20_07serenity by em the gem