Let's Get Dressed Together! What To Wear For Family Photos : Spring/Summer 2023
The age old question. The most stressful part of the whole process (usually)…. WHAT DO WE WEAR???
I totally understand, and I’ve got you covered. I’m going to walk you through it from start to finish, and give you plenty of examples along the way.
First and foremost, I’ll usually pick ONE statement piece. One outfit that I totally love and want to center everybody else’s outfits around. This somehow usually ends up being one of the kiddos’ outfits, but don’t forget about yourself! Is there a piece on the list that you love for YOU that will make YOU feel a little more confident on picture day? If so, START WITH THAT ONE. I’ve put together a pretty little mood board with mostly current wardrobe options that you can click and purchase right now if you’d like. Spring and Summer are warmer months here in Tampa, so I’ve kept that in mind, but click and explore and see where the algorithm takes you! Find your statement piece! I’ve linked the board below or you :)
For example, I’m starting with this cute little outfit (for a little girl):
After you have your statement piece, pick 2-3 colors that you want to use across the board. In my example, I’ve kept to pinks and greens that have earthy tonal qualities. Keep in mind that you may want to hang the final product in frames around your house, so make sure you pick colors that will look good as part of your home’s decor. Your statement piece should obviously jibe with these colors as well. Now, start shopping for everyone else using varying shades of that color pallet, and be sure to mix it up with patterns and solids (typically 1-2 patterned pieces are plenty). You also want to make sure that you incorporate a LOT of neutral pieces as well. You don’t want everyone wearing nothing but the colors you chose. You want pops of those colors amongst neutral options like denim, khaki, and cream.
Once you’ve made your selections, lay everything out together on the bed or the floor so you can see how it all looks together. This is where you’ll start accessorizing and layering. Is there a cardigan you can throw over someone that will help everything blend? Do you need an extra splash of color in your earrings or necklace? Don’t forget about shoes (unless we’re shooting at the beach of course)! Textures and layers and pops of color here and there will really help the over-all aesthetic of your family’s photos, so take your time and have some fun!
At this point, you should be good to go. But you can always send me a picture of your wardrobe ahead of time, and I’ll be happy to give you my 2 cents. I also have an online styling tool that I give all of my clients access to that makes this part a piece of cake. You literally just tell it the age and gender of everyone being photographed, pick a couple of colors, and let the algorithm show you a bunch of really cool options. You can select everyone’s outfits, see them side by side, and even order them online directly from that site. The link and access code to utilize this tool is included in my Welcome Guide and most of my clients really love it :) Big thanks to Style and Select for making that site a reality!
My last little piece of advice doesn’t really involve wardrobe, but it is important! Make sure everyone’s hair appointments are scheduled 2-3 weeks before the shoot. Far enough ahead of time that you have a chance to settle into your look, but not so long that mama has roots showing.
OK! I think you’re ready to do this! Give yourself plenty of time to plan, and have fun! Text me photos if you need to, and I’ll see you on session day!
The A Family at Philippe Park
Dad gifted Mom a family photo session for Christmas, you guys. How sweet is that? They were the absolute cutest…with a 3 month old and a 3 year old. Here are some of my favorites from our afternoon together at Philippe Park :)
Four Things To Avoid At Your Family Photo Session
I’ve been photographing families for close to 10 years now, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. There’s not much I advise against when it comes to photographing your family, I want to capture who you are!!! Personalities and all!! But there are a few things I try to avoid, and I wanted to share them here since they can literally make or break your family photos.
#1: Yelling
Kids are kids. They are inevitably going to have moments where they get a little wild or don’t listen right away. But your mood is contagious, and if you let the situation get the best of you and yell at your kiddos, they’re going to get upset and we’ll have a hard time recovering. That being said, if they get too wild, I do need mom and dad to step in and give them some stern direction. But the tone of your voice makes all the difference. Instead of yelling or threatening punishment, be assertive but kind…or even bribe them with the possibility of a reward if they behave for a few more minutes. I am certainly not suggesting that I know how to deal with your child better than you do, I just know from experience that once we cross a certain line, it’s hard to get them back. So for the hour or so we’re together, I ask that the discipline be on the gentler side. Nobody wants family photos with a crying kiddo. Prepping them for what to expect ahead of time (if they’re old enough to understand) is also a great idea. We’ll be done in an hour or less, and it sometimes takes some effort to keep our own emotions in check when things seem like total shit show, but I promise we will get some great photos if we can work together to keep the kids happy, but in line.
#2 Toys
If we’re photographing babies or toddlers, its always good to have a toy on standby. But don’t bust it out unless we really really need it!!! Once they have that toy they love, they aren’t going to want to give it up (yes, this includes screens!!!). And I doubt you want that toy included in the family portrait. I’ve had situations where a kiddo gets a toy at the very beginning of the session, and then when I try to take it away so I can snap a photo, a full on tantrum ensues. Yikes! I have no shame while I’m working and will act like a total fool to get your kiddo to smile (or at least not be fussy). So let me try my own bag of tricks first. If I need that toy, I will ask you for it. Another pointer is if you think a toy will be necessary, try to bring one that is super minimalist. Wooden toys with no color are a great option, since they don’t really ruin the family photo. I’ll link a few of my favorites here for you in case you think it will be helpful on picture day.
Wooden Cars: https://a.co/d/cDxf9gS
Wooden Animals: https://a.co/d/aqie8ao
Wooden Camera: https://a.co/d/7mtkOlX
Wooden Rattle: https://a.co/d/4d5yox4
#3 Messy Snacks
I always ask parents to bring water and snacks to our sessions. Sometimes kiddos need a pick me up (don’t we all?). BUT, please don’t bring anything messy. Preferably, those snacks will be something you can hand over one at a time, like fruit snacks or puffs, instead of giving them something in the wrapper. Wrappers are pretty ugly if they end up in the shot, ya know? But if you have a pack of fruit snack behind your back and just hand over one at time as needed, it’s much more discreet. Most of the time, you won’t even know snacks were involved! Another thing to keep in mind is how those snacks will look IN their mouth. Goldfish are great, but they tend to stick around in their teeth for a bit. If they give me that award winning laugh/smile and there is yellow goldfish all in their teeth, there’s not much I can do about that in photoshop.
#4 Matching Outfits
Gone are the days of everyone showing up for photos with jeans and white shirts. I know it may be tempting, and if I’m being honest, my own parents have portraits like this from our childhood hung all over their walls. BUT, if you’re hiring me, it’s because you’ve seen my portfolio and you like what you see. As silly as it may seem, your wardrobe choices are a big part of that final result. There needs to be some contrast. Everyone matching will make for pretty boring photos, no matter how I pose you. So choose 2-3 colors that you like (that would look good on your walls at home), and have everyone wear something different in varying shades of those colors. Mix up patterns and solids, and definitely throw in some neutrals as well (jeans, khaki pants, a few cream or white pieces here and there). Trust me, you’ll thank me later! When families book a session with me, they automatically get access to my online styling website, which makes this part easy. You pick a few colors, you pick a style (boho/romantic, casual, preppy/formal, etc), and the website shows you a ton of clothing options with links to purchase those items directly from the vendor! You can even see everyone’s outfits side by side on the website so you know what everything looks like together!
OK! There you have it! It’s certainly not a long list since I want you guys to be yourselves on photo day, but these four things are game changers in my opinion. I hope it helps! Now, are you ready to book your photoshoot? AWESOME! Click the button below to get in touch and we’ll set it all up!
Becky and Jake's Mommy and Me Photoshoot!
Becky and Jake came to studio and NAILED this mommy and me session! We had some snacks, read some books, went through allll the 3 year old emotions, and I love every single image :)
My FIVE Favorite Outdoor Locations for Family Photos!
The Tampa area has sooooo many great backdrops for your family photography session. I’ve been shooting families in this area for close to ten years now, and have shot in too many places to count. But I’ve narrowed down my five FAVORITES for you here, and I’ve included a few examples for each. Hopefully it will inspire you when it’s time to update those family photos!
#5
St Pete Beach (behind the Don Cesar)
You just can’t go wrong with a classic Gulf Beach photo shoot. I mean, we live where people vacation! But the Don Cesar is also pretty iconic and I like having the option to shoot in both directions. We can get those classic beach shots, with the sunset behind you in all it’s glory, but also some with the “Pink Palace” as a backdrop (which changes the lighting and feel of your photograph altogether). All of our Gulf Beaches are lovely, but this one is my favorite for family photos. Full disclosure though, parking is a nightmare unless you pay the $22 parking fee at the Don.
#4
Downtown St Pete
Downtown St Pete is cool because you get the downtown/urban vibe, but it’s VERY Florida. There are boats and marinas everywhere, old trees, street murals…the possibilities are endless. Parking is pretty reliable too, unless there is an event or market planned, so I always check ahead for sessions here. Vinnoy Park and Straub Park are my go-to meet up spots!
#3
Philippe Park in Safety Harbor
So many pros to this location and very few cons. It’s beautiful in a romantic, boho sort of way. Lot’s of old mossy oak trees, a stone staircase, and an open field area. It’s also well shaded, so it’s a great spot if we need to shoot earlier in the day due to baby’s schedule. In the Fall season it can get a little overcrowded with photographers, but that’s just a testament to it’s beauty I think :)
#2
Fort Desoto Park in St Pete
I LOVE this spot because it’s not your traditional “beach.” There are concrete slabs along the shoreline that we can climb and incorporate into the frame, which helps with a more candid, carefree look. We had our own family photos done here a few years ago and they’re still some of my favorites! There is a bit of a walk to access this spot (maybe a quarter of a mile?), but it’s flat and easy. Park entry it about $4 per car I believe.
#1
Curtis Hixon Park in Downtown Tampa
This is my number one favorite place to photograph. The parking is easy, there are lots of neutrals with all of the concrete buildings around (it’s a very urban vibe), and Kiley Gardens and the Riverwalk are right there as well. At dusk, the city lights pop on which is really pretty if we time it just right. The only downside is that there are events in this park quite often, so I always try to book around that. Most of the spots I prefer to use are not affected by events, but the crowds in the general area can be annoying.
And there you have it, friends. My top five favorite spots for family photos in and around Tampa, FL. I hope it helps! I love photographing families around town, so if you want to get on the calendar for a session at one of these places, hit me up!
The H Family at Philippe Park - Tampa Family Photography
I love this family oh so much, and they get cuter every single year it seems! You know how some people are just effortlessly cool and put together? Yeah..I present to you, the H Family <3 <3 Picture Perfect!
Christmas Pajama Photos in the Studio with the G Family!
Having a studio this year meant I could offer these cute Christmas themed sessions! Nothing over the top as I like a clean, minimalist look, but with just a wreath and some throw pillows…and some ADORABLE Christmas jammies…we made some magic. I love how these came out!
An Extended Family Session in Tampa, FL
Fun Fact: I photograph a LOT of extended families! Usually over summer break or during the holidays, when everyone tends to be together at one time. I love these sessions so much! Everyone is typically in a great mood and personalities are more forthcoming because clients feel comfortable surrounded by the people who know them best. I always get a variety of shots and we ALWAYS have a good time. We photograph everyone together of course, but then we break it down and focus on smaller groupings and intimate portraits. This way, everyone walks away with some special memories.
Sometimes these sessions are gifts for loved ones, and sometimes it’s everyone going in together just because they want updated family photos Either way, each adult can download the high resolution digital files from the session and print them for their walls at home. They make for an AMAZING collage wall with all the different groups of people! There’s not a MiMi on earth who doesn’t want a beautiful collage wall with photographs of her family…
This beautiful family gets together every two years for Thanksgiving, and they always commemorate it with a family session. We shoot right in the backyard so it’s super easy. This year I got to see all of the framed photos from years past, and it was incredibly special for me. Seeing my work in a client’s living room just reiterates that my job is important. There’s great value in a photograph; sentimental value. I sure do love what I do :)
The B Family In Downtown St Pete
I adore this family. I’ve been photographing them every year since the twins were in mama’s belly, and I love love love watching them grow. One of the best parts of the job if you ask me!! <3
The G Family 2022 - St Pete Beach
I do photos on the beach for this family every year, and I love it so much. We’ve been working together since big brother was a newborn (though that wasn’t at the beach)! This was technically a mini session, but I couldn’t cull it down to 10-15 images, so I decided to share some here.
