5 Ways to Survive Family Pictures
Let’s get real here - I LOVE the outcome of our family photos. Every time we get our photos back for review I am over the moon!
But, I LOATH the process of getting them done!
True story - the day that we had a our newborn pictures taken (which we used as Christmas pictures) I was convinced one of us was not going to make it out alive.
My skirt wouldn’t zip all the way, my milk was leaking everywhere, Olive was screaming and spitting up non-stop, I forgot to put her bloomers on her so her little newborn diaper was on full display, I couldn’t figure out how to tie her cute little swaddle that she thought was a straight jacket and was trying to break free from the whole time, there was makeup on my cream sweater, and Chris…. well, let’s just say he had a full on tummy bug that ended up in him telling the photographer that she had to leave mid shoot. Like no more - it was time to go. It was seriously like a bad SNL skit.
Looking back now, I can’t help but laugh. After Chris got his tummy under control, I think we both immediately cracked a beer, and I am not so much of a beer drinking gal these days so that is really saying something.
That poor photographer. She was the best. Looking at these pictures, you would NEVER know! (And, I guess we didn’t scare her away all that badly because she also did our fabulous beach pictures as well this past summer.) If you are in the area and looking for a photographer who is more like a magician you have to check out Desiree Hoelzle! Desiree Hoelzle Photography
Then, there was last Christmas where I thought that it would be a good idea to get family pictures done with a live reindeer. My first and favorite movie ever is Prancer. (My mom took me to see Prancer in the theater when I was two, and apparently I was so little that the seat closed up right on me!…. I don’t think we’ll have that probably with my “little” baby cakes :) )
Anyways, once again - things were tense to say the least. My sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law were here and they can unfortunately attest to the theatrics, drama, and immediate need for alcohol. But, I loved the magic of Olive and “Prancer”. (These were done by Danielle Foster who is known for her Christmas pictures. Danielle Foster Creations)
Needless to say, when I told Chris that I signed us up for Christmas pictures this year, I thought he was going kill me :)
BUT! I was convinced to do it right this year! I feel like I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, and have come to master family pictures. So convinced in fact, that I snagged the spot just two days before the shoot, with no time to find new outfits.
So, here is what I’ve learned along the way to stay in “cool mom” mode and not cross the line into “crazy mom” status. (We don’t need anymore crazy this year!) Hopefully these tips can help you too!
Pick out a “theme” first. Do you want farmhouse, glam, outdoorsy, etc. Find out what the photography set or natural background will be, and work with it/ let it guide your inspiration!
Decide on a color scheme. Working from your theme, pick out a color scheme for your family, but don’t put everyone in the same color! You don’t to look like a bag of skittles, but you also don’t want to look like clones!
Pick one outfit that you want to work around. For instance, I usually pick Olive’s outfit first and then work from there. For this year’s Christmas picture, she is in a plaid dress so I decided the outfit for me next, and then Chris last. (The hubby is the easiest in my opinion.)
Add in accessories and texture. So I know that the theme (1) will be a red Christmas tree truck with a farmhouse blanket on the photography set, and I want our colors (2) to be Christmas in nature, I’ve picked out Olive’s statement dress (3) which is a plaid….SO, I don’t want much more pattern. Instead, to create interest without clashing, I want to work with texture and accessories. For instance, adding in a color coordinated beanie, maybe a vest, or jacket, a cute pair of shoes, etc.
Hide your crazy, smile, and cherish these special memories with your precious family - that’s what it is all about (Oh! and don’t forget snacks for your husband - and, your baby too ;) )
If you have any lifesaving tips, leave them in the comments below!
I can’t wait to get our pictures back from today’s shoot! In the meantime, here is a little behind the scenes sneak peek!
