Styling for your family photo session

You've made the decision to invest in a fabulous family photo shoot so now it's time to plan out what to wear. I want you to LOVE your images and to look back on them for years to come... without cringing at what you chose to wear.

Your outfit choice will help to give your images the extra WOW factor. Here are 10 easy tips to help get started.

1. FEEL YOUR BEST: Firstly, I want you to be comfortable and feel amazing in whatever you choose to wear. You've invested in a beautiful family photo shoot so treat yourself to a new dress, a fresh hair do or some pretty make up.

2. COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS not MATCHY-MATCHY: Depending on your location or time of year, will depend on your color theme. Spring and Summer shoots suit neutral or pastels, where as Autumn/Fall shoots suit deep, rich earthy colors.

3. NO LOGOS, NEON OR CHARACTER CLOTHING: I want YOU to be the focus in your photos. Large logos or bright neon colors, and character t-shirts can be really distracting.

4. PRINTS: Consider where in your home you will want to display your photos and that might help you decide on location and outfit choices.

5. LIMIT PATTERNS: Too many patterns can be distracting and can clash. Limit patterns to only one or two people and avoid thin stripes/checks and patters like a herringbone which can look odd on camera. Stick to solid colours as much as possible.

6. BLACK AND WHITE: Avoid everyone wearing all white or all black. White can blow out (lose detail) and black can make everyone merge together.

7. PLAN AHEAD: I always recommend laying out all your outfits on the bed (or floor) together. This can help you see how it all goes together. Take a photo yourself and see how it looks. I am more than happy to help you with putting together the right pieces before your shoot.

8. WEAR DARK FOOTWEAR: Choose dark socks and footwear (unless you plan to be barefoot during your session)

9. JEWELRY: Keep jewelry simple and minimalistic, too much can draw attention from your face.

10. HAIR & MAKEUP: If you plan on getting a fresh haircut or new hairdo, make your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to your session. Fresh hair cuts rarely look their best the same or next day. Ladies need time to practice working it, men need time to grow it out just a little. Allow some time to live with your new look before your family session. Makeup is fun and expressive but try to keep it simple and goes with your theme for your session.

So there you go these are my 10 easy tips to help with what to wear for your family photo session. Now these of course are recommendations to help look your best for photos to look back on and pass down to your children and grand children, but if you want to wear what shows your personalities and make it more true to who you are then by all means I'm happy to make you feel and look your best as your photographer.