How do I decide!
I have always loved preparing for my own photos to be taken. Deciding the outfits, the location, the date. I'm not one to sit down and do puzzles, but this is the kind of puzzle I want to piece together. Photos tell a story and each time we have done our own family photos we have told a part of that story. Take a moment and think about your own story you want to tell. Who are you including? Are there any milestones that you want to recognize? Maybe you want to capture those sweet little faces you surround yourself with every day. That is where your story begins.
I never thought I would be one to live in many places. But as we have moved I wanted to remember what that place looked like. I loved doing pictures at locations that meant something to me even if it didn't mean much to someone else. The long walks through the orchard, the dirty clothes from playing, the many mosquito bites. They are moments never to be forgotten.
There has always been one rule that I have consistently followed when doing family pictures, or photos that include me and that is to choose mom's outfit first. Once mom feels good about what she is wearing, then everyone else will feel happy (most of the time). Photos capture who you are, but they can also be complemented by your environment. One thing I have been talking to my toddler as we walk into a new setting is to "read the room" to know how to act. The same can apply to dressing for pictures. What feels natural in the environment, are there colors that you can pull from your location and bring into your wardrobe? Something that you would wear for fall photos may not fit for summer photos. As you look at your photo location you can take a look at how you want to remember the people in the pictures at that time as well. Is it the way they do their hair, or the fact pink must be worn everyday. Think of family pictures there to freeze time with your favorite people.
As you prepare for your next photo session, remember you aren't trying to look a certain way, but freeze time where you are at so you can look back on the sweet moments happening. When it might feel out of your control I want to help you see the sweet moments before they pass.
