Tip 1- Co-ordinating and not matching!

I recommend finding a color palette you find pleasing and that will also co-ordinate with your home. You will be hanging these photos on your walls after all! So think about your personalities and your decor and find a color scheme that works well with these in mind. Do you prefer earth tones, maybe go for browns and creams with an accent of greens, teals or yellows. Are you bold and energetic, pick deep jewel tones like maroon, navy blue, or deep orange. Maybe you love light and airy colors, try khaki, light blue and pale pink. There are so many options. Think back to art class and the color wheel to remember complimentary colors for a bold look or choose clothing of the same color but different hues for a softer feel.  

Tip 2 Keep patterns to a minimum

Now, I do not mean everyone should be in solid colors by any means, but be sure to choose patterns that are not competing with each other.  If mom is in a gingham dress, do not put baby in polka dots.  Too many patterns will distract the eye for the important parts of the image, the connection of the family.  Try to have one or two people in more bold patterns, while the other family members are in more subtle patterns with some textures.

Tip 3- Find something you feel beautiful in

This one is important! If you, the mom are happy, everyone is happy! I am probably the worst shopper in the world. I dread going clothes shopping.  In fact, I  wear shirts with holes most days because I just don't want to go to a store and try on clothes, but I do want to feel beautiful the day I have my photos taken. In turn, if I feel confident, everyone else feels more relaxed! I am not exactly one to wear dresses most days, but I do love wearing dresses in photos, they give a sense of movement  and feel full of energy and grace.  I often will go dress shopping for my own session. Now don't get me wrong, I will also wear jeans in a lot of photos, because they also have a specific feel of a comfortable casual style. Whatever mood I want to portray in my images, I choose an outfit that makes me feel that specific way. I also am careful to pick clothes that I feel hide my "flaws" I am uncomfortable with my upper arms in photos, so I find dresses or tops with a sleeve to hide that area.  If I want to accentuate my waist line, I"ll go for an A-line skirt. It is important that you are comfortable and that you feel like yourself in the clothes you choose. Remember however, that it is also okay to dress up from your normal everyday clothes! This is a special occasion! Let yourself shine!

Tip 4- Keep it Classic

It is classic for a reason after all! I prefer to find clothes that can not be immediately dated. These images should last a lifetime, generations really. You do not want them to look completely dated in the next few years. This does not mean you need to wear clothes that are not modern and stylish, but try to avoid anything that is extremely trendy, think bell bottoms for example. It is fine to add some more trendy accessories, but try to keep the main outfits more classic in style.  It is easier than you think, jeans, khaki pants, dresses, button down shirts, or polos, all of these have been around for fifty years and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I normally do not have to go buy my husband or sons anything for photos, maybe a v-neck shirt in a particular color, but their bottoms are always in the closet already.

 Tip 5- Be sure you can move freely!

I can not tell you how often someone says "I can not sit in these pants" well, in a photo session you need to be able to stand, sit, move, and play!  If you are feeling self conscious or worried your dress is too short, or your pants may pop open, find a different choice.  A photo session is more than a few posed pretty pictures, it is a representation of your family's lifestyle.  If you are a rambunctious family, your photos should represent that. If you like to quietly stroll along, that is what we will do, but I may throw in a curve ball and ask your husband to twirl you around!

 Tip 6- A few ideas of what NOT to do

 There are a few wardrobe choices that are better left in the closet!

  1. Never wear anything NEON

Neon will leave a terrible color cast, What is that you ask, well it is when the color of something bounces on to something else. In this case a bright neon pink shirt. You can see how the pink bounces up on to the chin. It would also bounce onto anyone standing near by.  

   2. Wear colors and not black 

Now, if you have ever met me, you probably are really questioning this one. I wear black 7 out of 7 days in one way or another, but when it comes to photos, I always go with a softer color. Black washes you out and looks so harsh in a smiling family photo.  It also is typically not the best choice for outdoor images with natural tones as the back drop. Now if you are wanting head shots, I'd say black is perfect, but for cuddling with your babies, pick brighter softer tones.

  3. Try to avoid graphic T-shirts or logos

Your child may love Mickey Mouse or Minecraft, but these images can distract from what is important, the connection between your family. It also adds a cluttered look to the images.  It is great to get snap shots of your kids in their favorite characters, but it is not really what you want attention drawn to on the day of a family photo shoot. The same goes for logos. I know my son loves wearing Nike, but I make sure to have more classic shirts available when I want a lasting image. 

Tip-7  Don't over think it

It can cause a lot of stress finding outfits for your entire family. If this is the case, find one inspiration piece and co-ordinate everyone else to that piece. This year I fell in love with a dress for my daughter.  I based everyone else around the colors in her dress. If you feel like shopping for the entire family, choose stores that offer clothes already co-ordinating for all family members. (some examples are, Old Navy, Gap or Kohl's)  

Well, that sums up my advice for what to wear to your up coming family photo shoot! I hope this advice was helpful. If you have any tips to add to this, I'd love to hear from you!

If you would like to have some new memories captured of your family, please contact me! 

Shellyn

TIP ONE   SNUGGLE UP!

This is one of my favorite things to say to my clients during a session. Everyone starts out standing near one another, but that's not enough, snuggle together, touch each other, hug, or hold hands.  Being snuggled together shows the connection between you and your loved ones, and it lets your relationship become the star of the show!  So get close, they are your babies after all after all!

TIP TWO   MAKE IT FUN

If you want a happy photo, make sure you have happy kids! Sounds easy enough right? The truth is, it is not that easy to get everyone in one place smiling and looking at the camera. Trust me when I say, we all have those moments where we are screaming "just look at the camera and smile!" Well, that sort of ruins that perfect Mother's Day mood for you, so think less about the poses and more about the fun! Grab your kids and tickle them, or swing them all around. Have your son tell a joke, if it has anything to do with bodily sounds, it's sure to get a laugh! Tell them they can tackle you on the count of three.  Whatever it takes to get laughs! Just remember, happy kids= happy mom= even happier memories!

TIP THREE  PLAN AN ACTIVITY

Sometimes the perfect posed photo is just not going to happen. Kids are kids after all, so think of an activity you can do that will keep the kids contained and entertained. Maybe it is playing a game of cards, swinging on a porch swing, skipping hand in hand. (Be sure you have a fast shutter speed for any activity that includes movement. If your camera has a sports mode, this would be the time to use it!)  One of my favorite things to plan, is reading together. It is a perfect choice because we all need to be snuggled up to see the pictures!  Plus, they really get involved in the book, so getting several shots is easy. 

TIP FOUR  GET INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PHOTOS

Every mom wants a photo of herself and all of her kids. It's a great way to showcase just how your family is right now. You will notice the differences in the ages and sizes of the children.  It also shows exactly how that sibling dynamic looks today! So snuggle them all up, see tip one is really important, and get the group shot! Don't stop there, because, it is equally as important to capture a photo of you and each child individually! This will highlight that special and unique bond you have with each child. Everyone loves a little one on one time with mom! I'm sure these photos will be very treasured in years to come!

TIP FIVE  DON'T FORGET YOUR MOM, GODMOTHER, AUNT!

Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day business of mothering, that we forget to get new photos of ourselves with our own mom.  Just as you love having a photo with your kids, your mom loves having a photo with you! If you're lucky enough to have several generations gathered together, grab a photo! We often forget to include some of the people who mean the most to us in our photos. Mother's Day is a day you may have a large family gathering, so get your siblings gathered up after brunch and snap one for mom! This will be the best gift you can give her and yourself in years to come!

This year, just remember to get a least one photo that includes you! You can hand the camera off to your spouse, a random stranger, or set the timer for a few self portraits. My preferred method of portraits with my kids is to use the interval timer and put my camera on a tripod, but I've used a napkin holder as a tripod in a pinch! One last bit of advice, bribery is okay if that's what it takes to get a picture! I find ice cream works perfectly for my kids, but pick your pleasure! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Photographing little Wade and his family was such an honor. I have had the privilege of photographing the Migonis on two previous occasions. This time, like before, I enjoyed every moment of being with them. This family amazes me with their quick smiles, easy connections, gentle parenting, and endless love.  

When you are in someone's home, you get such a sense of what matters to them. It was clear that family is the center for Brent and Heather. They took time to nurture the new relationship between big brother Roland and baby Wade, they were sure to comfort Roland when he needed it,  they snuggled their newest addition with unconditional love,  they included their fur baby, Bella, in all their activities, and they still were able to laugh with each other. 

I think these little boys will have such an amazing childhood filled with love, support, and a lot of fun!

"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life."      

Lisa Weedn

In June I attended a friends final farewell, a celebration of life. During the ceremony a slide show of photos showing her life played on a screen. I was mesmerized  by her life. She was a performer, an actress, a mother, a friend. She had snapshots and headshots, gorgeous memories, and blurry images, but they all were moments never to be had again. This unfortunately was the second member of Mr. E Murders who passed away within six months of each other.

our last performance with Kelli and Susan

 Before saying goodbye to Susan, we said farewell to Kelli.  She was my dear friend, mentor, advisor, book club member, fellow actress, and the godmother to my children.  She was the one person I could guarantee loved my children nearly, if not equally, as much as I do, and for no other reason except for them being unequivocally them.  She loved every ornery, messy, noisy moment. She actually encouraged a lot of those! She is missed deeply by us. Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. I think of her daily.  

I have some great photos, a lot of snapshots, some not great quality images, photos from my phone, but they are memories I love and I am grateful to have.  It is important to document those you love!

the day before Kelli left for treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Oklahoma

ginger bread houses were our tradition, this is 2014

It is not only important to have memories of those who have passed, but it is important to have the memories of your own life. You need to see how joyful you look when your children hug you.

You need to see the smile that radiates love when you and your husband laugh together.

 you need to see that you were there too!

I know it's hard to get in front of the camera, I understand, I want to lose some weight or maybe get a miracle wrinkle cream,  but how sad would it be to miss out on this time in our lives because of our insecurities.  Also, believe me when I say your children will never notice the wrinkles, all they will see is their beautiful loving mother, or superhero father having fun with them! It is important to document you being a part of your family! I think it is important to mark the different occasions in your life, both big, and small.  It is important to document the different phases in your life, early parenthood, small children, tweens to teens. You name, it, it is important!  Our lives go quickly and so often we over look how incredible each phase really is. You are not always aware of how remarkable a time is when you are in the thick of it, but then you look back at an image, you will notice how all of the beautiful emotions come rolling right back to you.  When you see the newborn photo, you may remember the 3 am feedings, but it is the joy that resonates more than than the fatigue.   An image can draw you right back to the time when your baby snuggled ever deeper into your arms, to the time your oldest lost his first tooth, to the year you become the shortest in the family.  These moments are important to document.

 It is important for your children to see they are apart of something larger than themselves.  They feel connected when they see images of themselves with their parents and grandparents.  They know they belong to something, that they are a part of a unit and that they are valued and fit in somewhere.   Family photos help give a sense of security to children. They are a time capsule for you and a legacy to future generations.  This time doesn't last forever, but the memories can! Don't let another year slip away without getting in the shot, get your family photos taken, or just document all those around you.

 below my grandparents, sisters and I. This continues to be one of my most cherished belongs. I have had it displayed since it was taken. It traveled the country with me, and continues to bring a smile to my face each day as I pass it on my wall.

My parents, sisters and I, another of my favorite images! Hanging among a family wall gallery.

  If you need even more of a push, it's pretty amazing to see yourself or your children hanging as art work on your living room wall!

It's particularly interesting to watch extended family dynamics. I really enjoy seeing the interactions of multiple generations. Grandma and grandpa clearly adore their grandkids, and the grandchildren admire and love their grandparents. The kids showed respect and gratitude to their grandparents. It is clear that the roots in this family run deep and strong. This entire family has an ease about them, they are comfortable together, and it is truly clear that they enjoy being with each other. That is such a remarkable gift, to have a family you love and enjoy! There is nothing better!

"Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter".-Brad Henry

Welcome to the world little one!

I've long loved photography, I view the world as if it was all a photo waiting to be taken.  I love seeing a moment frozen in time that I can turn back to and remember exactly what I was feeling, what smell was lingering in the air, the laughter ringing in my ears...  That is my goal for each client session I photograph.  I want you to remember just how your children were at that time in their lives! It is the ordinary moments that make up a life, it is the beauty in the simple things that you will long remember when these fleeting days have passed.   I have such a long way to go to become the photographer I dream of being.  I work daily to improve and I am really enjoying the journey! I have grown so much already and I absolutely love capturing the moments that make up a life well lived! My children offer me daily inspiration to be a better photographer, as well as a better mother and person.  It is amazing to see the world through innocent eyes! I feel blessed and renewed when I just sit back and watch them grow and explore.  I hope you are able to take a moment today to celebrate the simple pleasures in your life!
 

Until next time,
 

Shellyn