One of the most common question I get when planning a family photo session relates to what to wear. 

And if I am honest, I am not a fashionista. So I did a little research for you (and for me) as to the "in" colors for this fall (picture above). But I would also add in a dark blue because denim goes with just about everything.

First of all you need to pick clothing that reflect your family's personality. We are past the time where everyone should match unless you would normally match going out somewhere. You want your family to look good and "put together" but you can do that in a casual or formal way. Clean, classic and timeless are recommended because you are going to want to love these pictures for many years. 

Start with mom, let mom choose the outfit that she feels good in and then build the family around her. 

Here are some examples of fall family photos where the clothing choices are well cooridainted.

It is important that no one person stands out. Your eye is drawn to the area of most contrast so if everyone is wearing soft earth tones and one person is wearing hot pink then your eye will be drawn to that person. 

Prints are fine but you don't want too many loud busy prints in the image that will distract the viewer. 

1. Pick Clothing that is comfortable and reflects your family's personality

2. Pick 3-4 colors for you family's color pallet

3. Stay away from loud distracting prints

4. Choose clean and classic looks over trendy, for images you will love for years.

5. Start with mom and build the family's outfits around her

6. Do not dress kids in clothes they hate (we want smiles)

7. For babies and toddlers bring an extra outfit

8. Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle free

This month's blog post will give you a sneak peek of the new studio. I will be honest there are good and bad things about working out of your home.

The good things are, of course the decrease in overhead and there is no commute. With prices going up on literally everything lately, because I am now working out of my home, I have been able to keep my prices at their current level (a few I have even lowered!) and add some packages to save my clients money. 

The downside is that it is easy to get distracted by things that have to be done around the house. Storage and remembering where I put things has also been a challenge. For those who know me and have been to the old studio, I have a lot of stuff.... a lot of stuff. So when everything has a "new home" or has to be put in to storage can be a memory/logistics challenge. But every day it get easier! 

I am glad to be here and to start the next chapter of my photography business journey. Still the same great service, same great images just a new location to work out of.

The first three pictures are of the shooting space. Plenty of room and a great variety of backdrops and floors to create any look clients may want. You can also see that I still have plenty of maternity gowns (more in storage too), tons of baby and children's clothes and a plethora of props. There are dozens of backdrops to choose from as well as fake floors.

The next two pictures is the entry/waiting area complete with coffee and snacks! 

The final two pictures are of my office. Not a whole lot different from my old office. And not pictured is a full bath and storage in the garage.

Now here are a few of the pictures I have taken in the new studio. I hope you will come and check it out!

Welcome to my first photography tips blog post! If you are here I know you are interested in taking better pictures. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you are using, you can take better pictures. 

For better and more interesting pictures of your family try taking the picture from a different perspective. While you can take a picture from below, taking one from above is more complimentary to your subjects in general. 

Shooting your picture from above works for all ages and even for pets. If you don't have a stool to stand on try using stairs or steps.

There are times when shooting up at your subject will work, especially when you want something dramatic or if you are holding a baby up.

I hope you enjoyed my first photo tip blog and I hope it has inspired you to try something different. Check back for more tips. I will also be making blog posts about new products, special events, behind the scenes and more.