Neutral is Not Always Best

This photo cracks me up. I see future teenager mayhem when I look at this.

What images come into your head when you think family photos? Everyone dressed the same standing in a straight line? It doesn't have to be that way. Dressing in neutrals works well for some people, but it may not suit everyone. If your kids are colorful and energetic, perhaps they should be able to show that off to the camera.

I was a little obsessed with Natalie's shoes.

Corinne and Natalie came to me on Halloween weekend, in costumes, ready to laugh and smile. There is no way I could have rejected these outfit choices! They are, quite honestly, some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of photographing. They were both going as butterfly princesses, which is quite a difference from the standard toned-down neutrals intended to blend in to whatever landscape is nearby. Blend in, or perhaps just not stick out too much. You walk down to the beach with 2 little girls wearing wings, tutus, striped socks and sparkly sneakers and there is no blending in. All eyes will be on you, and everyone will want to somehow be part of the fun, even if just for a moment.

Strangers' smiles followed us everywhere we went.

People wanted to talk to us.

Natalie wanted to pet every dog she saw.

Corrine wanted to play and run and jump and climb and and and...

The light was slipping away, the air was getting cooler. I knew I had a limited window of opportunity before the fun drained, the light faded, and the cold air started wearing everyone down. But the other side of family photos is kind of letting things happen and seeing where the pieces come together. Capture them where they play, encourage them to show mom some love, try to get all eyes in the same place, all faces happy. But when girls are wearing butterfly wings and tutus, smiles and laughter come easily.

2 years ago, almost to the day, I photographed this family only Natalie was still a few weeks away from arriving. When I look back at those photos I see the same sparkle and sass in Corinne's eyes and smile. I love how her spirit unfolds in front of the camera. How she is often so aware of the camera, while her sister could care less if it's there.

Corinne ready to pose at every chance, Natalie waving to strangers as they walk by with their dogs.

I loved watching the two different personalities come through.

This photo makes me think we should all wear wings every once in awhile.

Telling Mom a secret.

Always ready to pose with mom.

Getting Natalie into the shot took a little more work. She has a pretty strong independent streak, which I love.

These photos would have been totally different had everyone been dressed the same, had the colors been more muted. And the bright color palette suits them and their personality. People always ask me what they should wear for family photo shoots. They see their friends' photos hanging on living room walls and think they should do the same thing, that if they dress like their friends did their family photos will come out as good, or the same. But that is not necessarily the best approach.

I continually laughed at her tutu being in her armpits, and how much she didn't care. :)

First, each photographer has their own style (hopefully) so if you want photos that look like your friends' you could hire who they hired, but realize different personalities mean different images. Whoever you are is going to come through, and you should celebrate it.

But more importantly, hire the photographer whose work speaks to you and who you want to tell your family's story. The story of YOU is important, not to be trusted to the inexperienced, and will come together easier if the person photographing you GETS you, gets your kids. I always tell parents that the photos are for them now, for their kids 20 years from now. Natalie and Corinne will not remember what they were like at this age, but the photos will tell the story.

Best. Shoes. Ever.

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