Fall Family Pictures 2.0 - 5 New Tips On What To Wear, What To Do

Fall is my favorite time of year, for many different reasons, but one of them is: family picture time!!!
After our pictures turned out beautifully last year, I wrote Fall Family Pictures: 5 Tips on What To Wear, What To Do.  This year, the stakes were even higher - since we were having pictures taken for our prayer cards, since we are becoming missionaries, and although I didn't think it was possible, our pictures turned out even prettier!  
I didn't want to repeat myself, so here are 5 NEW tips on what to wear, and what to do for you family pictures:

1. Combine Textures and Layer

I got a little more brave this year about what textures we used, and it's actually thanks to Dan.  He picked out his outfit first, and asked if I could come up with anything to compliment it for our pictures.  I was just excited that he came up with such a great outfit!  He chose a really nice burgundy button-up, navy knitted sweater and khakis (all from Abercrombie and Fitch) - which was actually genius.  Whenever you wear layers, it then adds layers to the textures, which makes for a more interesting and inviting pictures.  I wore a beige knitted top (Old Navy), with a white crochet knit top (Solitaire) and burgundy cardigan (Old Navy) and navy skinny pants (Max Jeans).  Aidan wore an adorable burgundy and navy printed white button-up with a burgundy bowtie and jeans.

2. Trust Your Photographer/Hire a Professional

This is our third time having our pictures taken by Hillary at Southern Sisters Photography.  We absolutely LOVE her, and highly recommend her!  She hears what you want, and does excellent work!  We always feel really comfortable around her, which is a huge bonus with kids.

So, find a photographer you love, and then trust them.  They know what they're doing.  Here's a great example of photographers knowing their stuff:

The photo on the left, is what the shot looked like before editing, and the one on the right is what it looked like after she edited it.  If she wasn't a professional, this shot would've gotten lost, but now, it's one of my favorites!!!

4. Location, Location, Location

I have to hand it to Dan, he picked this one out this year too!  He found this beautiful tree in downtown Jacksonville, called Treaty Oak.  We went right before sundown, so the sun was peeking through the leaves, and it was magical!  Choose somewhere that has appealing colors, is pretty easily accessible, and works with the overall look you're going for.

3. Candid shots

Of course, you want that perfect picture for your Christmas card, or to hang in your living room (or in our case - prayer card).  But, as Hillary later reminded of, especially with kids, when you let them roam, and follow their lead as far as their interests.  For example, one of Aidan's new favorite words, is "acorn".  Well, as you know we were at Treaty Oak.  What are oak tree seeds?  Acorns.  It was a match made in heaven!  For most of the shoot, we just followed Aidan around, and looked at acorns with him!

5. Beeee Yourself

Every family has different things that make them unique, or who they are, and at the risk of sounding mushy, what makes us us, is love.  We love spending time together, we love being the three of us, and we LOVE being parents.  So that's where the focus ended up.  

If your family is goofy, don't be afraid of a slightly-off-beat picture.  If you're adventurous, choose a location that reflects that.

We actually, originally were going to use a traditional family picture for our prayer card, but this more relaxed picture - that truly reflects who we are - ended up being the winner!  It was actually one of the first ones of the day too!

So... maybe family pictures are right up your alley, so this was all stuff you already know - I'm so happy to find a kindred-spirit!  Maybe family pictures are intimidating for you, and you don't know where to start - I hope this post gave you a little bit of direction!

Wherever you're coming from, I hope you enjoyed the post, the pictures, and have a wonderful time with your family taking your own pictures!