Friends. I hear you. I get my picture taken all of the time these days, but when it comes to getting my family involved? Um. Let’s just say I’m glad this happens only once a year or so. There are only three of us, and it’s hard to wrangle the group into some kind of cohesive interesting look, plus get us all dressed and presentable for lifelong, forever photos (and then child breaks her arm the week before, obvs).

I mean, NO PRESSURE, right? Sheesh, and I do this for a living. For that reason, I’m here to offer a few lessons learned and a few ideas that will hopefully help deliver a little more sanity for your next session. These tips come pre-approved by my fav family photog, Posy Quarterman, too, so you can totes trust.

(Pssst…when you’re done with this one, head over to our Holiday Style Central for more fall & winter outfit ideas.)

#protip: Family Photo Musts

My first tip…spring for the fabulous, seasoned, family-focused photographer…at least every few years, y’all. You WILL NOT be disappointed. I know I’m biased because one of my besties does this for a living, but someone who spends time capturing people knows what they’re doing, and they’ll give you photos you want to hang in your house. They will seriously become treasures. (I know peeps in Portland and Nashville and Toronto who will do this for you. Hit me up!)

Second tip…and this comes from Posy too: wear what you’re comfortable in! If you NEVER dress up, then don’t do it for your pictures! Wear a nice, crisp version of what you typically wear. The same goes for your partner and kiddos. Don’t force yourself into something that isn’t YOU just because it’s a “photo sesh“. If mama ain’t happy…and all that…

Family Photo Outfit Inspo #1: Slightly Holiday But Not TOO

I LOVE a good holiday photo. I LOVE sending holiday cards every year. While I’m not above sending us in our Halloween costumes or on a log ride (ahem, 2018, looking at you for both) it is nice to have something a little more festive for the appropriate time of year. It’s nice to have photos that don’t scream CHRISTMAS! or BEACH TRIP! if you’re springing for pictures that will grace not only your greetings, but your home, as well. These can be TIMELESS if you give a nod to the holidays BUT don’t go overboard. Granted, this is my opinion (as a stylist and designer, but whatevs)…you just ignore me if you want…it’s something to consider.

On Laura: coat (or similar or this solid green)// sweater (similar) // jeans (similar) // boots // hat (similar)

On Sienna: jacket // dress // tee // hat

On Pinky: coat (similar) // shirt // pants // boots

Family Photo Outfit Inspo #2: Wear Your Fav Neutrals & Put A Fun Print On The Kiddo(s)

The outfits Pinky and I are wearing here: they feel very us. These are shades we typically wear and pieces we love. Sienna loves to mix prints, and so it felt natural for me to add some interest in her outfit by doing just that. Again, it’s easiest to put a cute print or fun color on a kiddo, and it adds a little pop to the photos.

On Laura: sweater dress (xs) // jeans (27ankle) // boots (similar – ivory is so wearable on contrast to white!)

On Pinky: blazer // tee // pants // boots

On Sienna: dress (similar)// hat // boots // pants

Details: Pay Attention To Patterns & Prints

Pinky and I both found amazing plaid coats this fall. They work together and definitely lean Christmas-y-ish, but a) they aren’t matching (kill me now) and b) they are differently sized plaids, one more detailed and one more simple. They work, and don’t match or clash, essentially. I put Sienna in some fun fall shades that aren’t Christmas colors and are totally her. It breaks up the green and red Pinky and I are wearing, and adds her fun personality to the pics — which is key!

One of my favorite things to include in family photos is at least one print somewhere. If you’re not used to mixing prints, ease into it, and stick with tiny prints on one of the kiddos — like Sienna’s striped hat or shirt with little hearts. It adds visual interest, and it’s fun. If you have multiple kiddos, think about coordinating, but again, not matching prints. Tone-on-tone prints are easier to incorporate (like an olive and navy striped top versus a black and white striped top).

Shop Family Photo Inspo From This Post

And just to keep it real, y’all. Here ya go. Thanks, Posy.

Happy memories, friends!

xo,

L

Check out the latest in my world over at @laurajansenstyle and join us in our everyday adventuring around Portland, Oregon. If you want to shop my current pieces I’m loving and wearing, head over to My Closet!

Photos by Posy Quarterman.