Family Holiday Photo Style

 

Just ask my husband John, I tend to obsess about planning things like Halloween costumes or birthday party themes, doing tons of thinking and research. Not because I’m a perfectionist–I’m SO not–but because I think its fun, it gives me something to occupy my stay-at-home-mom mind, and I suppose I must also admit, its a part of my manic side.

After my son Ronin’s 5th birthday party and Halloween last month, my next “project” became figuring out family holiday photos. I booked my awesome photographer Julie Khoury for a mini session and here is the fabulous result.

So what is the advice for fabulous family holiday photos?

There are tons of great resources out there, particularly on photographer web sites and on Pinterest. I found these 2 GREAT Pinterest boards with loads of inspiration:

http://pinterest.com/corinnedavis/photo-session-what-to-wear/

http://pinterest.com/rachelludwig/photoshoots-what-to-wear/

Some of my favorite advice comes from the Keri Meyers. She is a FABULOUS newborn and family photographer in the Seattle area, and is big on mentoring and educating other photographers. I pulled this quote from Keri’s What to Expect page: http://www.kerimeyersphotography.com/what-to-expect/

Families and Children
-accessories, such as headbands, scarves, jewelry, jackets and hats can really add to your look
-avoid all white or all black color combos
-Avoid matching outifts, but rather try to find outfits that compliment each other
-Avoid clothing with logos and busy patterns that will distract
-Color! Splashes of color really make your photos pop!
-denim
-dress up shirts
-cowboy boots
-rain boots (we do live in Seattle)
-striped or patterned stockings/tights
-fun, flirty dress
-tutus
-props – if you have fun props, such as antique family items or items with special meaning you’d like included, please feel free to bring them

A Closer Look at our Outfits:

The artist in me LOVES the idea of coordinating, not matching. And since my family is pretty casual, we didn’t want to dress in holiday cocktail dresses and suits. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

The full family…grey, red and purple color palette.

Ronin (5) and Ellie (2 1/2):

Ronin: Old Navy red undershirt & grey half zip sweater.

Ellie: Gap red tunic with stitched detail and Old Navy purple necklace with flower accent.

Me & John:

John: Hanes burgundy undershirt and Sovereign Code grey button down.

Cristi: Prive purple cashmere sweater and multi-color scarf (thrifted.)

Ladies Shoes:

Cristi: Steve Madden gold brown leather boots just below the knee

Ellie: Wonder kids dark brown cowgirl boots

What do you think!?! What does your family plan to wear? I’d love to hear your ideas!