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There are many things that you can buy, but the one thing that you can’t is – TIME. So, you’ve really got to make the most of it when you have it. This is the single most important item that I share with all my clients when I plan their weddings.

This holds equally true for family portraits. You have got to invest the preparation time every few years and get these done. As much as I love those candid moment pictures, I seem to gravitate to the photos that has everyone looking in the camera – with their eyes open and smiles on their faces. Kids grow up way too fast!! Having their images professionally captured at every stage is something that is worth pursuing and doing.

Images are meant to be shared and handed down between families and generations. I can guarantee that my parents and in-laws (my children’s grandparents) – appreciate my children’s portraits and spending time with them over any scarf, tie, slippers, or any other kind of gift that I have ever given to them. So, investing in a professional photographer who can touch up the photos is invaluable.

Here are my top outfit(s) styling tips for your family portrait sessions:

1. Comfort – Ensure that your kids are comfortable in what they are wearing.

First and foremost, you’ve got to ensure that whatever your kids are wearing – they need to be comfortable. There’s nothing worse than trying to get your kids to pose when they are complaining about an itchy clothing tag located at the upper back, a shirt that is too tight that they feel restricted from moving, a neck collar pinching their neck, etc. Comfort is key above all else if you want them smiling in the photos.

2. Fit & Sizing – Try clothing on.

If you are purchasing clothing that you are not quite familiar with the brand(s)’ sizing, please make sure that your children try on all the clothing that you have picked out for the family portrait session one week prior to the photo shoot. If you do it way in advance, your child(ren) may have a growth spurt and things might not fit by the time the photo shoot is held. One week is usually enough time in the event you need a size exchanged. It’s also a bonus to be able to visually see how everyone will look in their outfits before family portrait day.

3. Tailoring – If alterations are needed, then make the arrangements.

Some tailoring may be needed to ensure that everyone is looking their best. Pants may need to be hemmed, belts may need to be worn, dress bodices may need to be taken in, etc. You’ll be much happier with the end results if care is taken ahead of time. Together, everyone should look like spot on or dressed to impress.

4. Wrinkling – Pressing required.

Have everything pressed before hand. Showing up with all wrinkled garments will be something that you will regret. Wrinkles are not easy to auto correct out of images. It will also cost a fortunate to have the photographer touch up each and every image from your photoshoot.

It’s best to see if the location of the family portrait setting has a changing area. This way, you can ensure that when everyone puts their clothing on, its wrinkle free.

5. Back Up Plan – Yes, sometimes accidents do happen.

Bring two sets of outfits for the “just in case”. Kids are kids, so they might drop or spill something on their outfit. Having a back up plan means that the photoshoot can go on without a hitch even in the event of an accident. For my family photo shoot, my sons each had 2 suits. This also gives picky kids a choice of outfits that they wear during the portrait session.

6. Shoe Polish – Shine those shoes.

When everyone is dolled up, make sure that your shoes are in excellent condition as well. Nothing messes up a cohesive ensemble more than tattered, beat up looking shoes.

Family portraits are meant to create fond lasting memories. However, they can also be a tad stressful with several moving parts. Preplanning will help things run more smoothly. For the Must Have Check List for the Best Family Photos, please click here.

In the event that your photographer doesn’t provide photo editing, here’s place that can do it for you. Sometimes, you might want lighting or highlights added to your images. For other photos, you might want help smoothing out skin textures or blemishes, stray hair removal, or even background colour enhancements, etc. All these things can be done by professional photo editors. Their fee can be as little as $0.25 USD per photo depending on what you want to have done. If you want more information, please head over to the shop by clicking here.

If you want to check out other products that can improve and enhance your photographs, please click here.

Want to create a fully custom styled family portrait session with loads of fabulous Instagram worthy details of your own? Paid consultation services with a planner such as myself is always an option!! Please reach out at hi@slightlypetite.com and in the subject line write – “help with family portraits”.

Slightly Petite, Wendy

Many heartful thanks to Stephen Sager Photography for these wonderful family portrait images.

Team Credits:

Photography – Stephen Sager Photography

Cake and Sweets – Shirley Sweet Creations

Florals – Oh lala Event Decor

Balloon Artistry – Twisted Inflations

Giant Paper Flowers – Magic Flowers Ontario

Hair and Make-Up – Mayon Nguyen assisted by Beauty by Wing

Adult Furniture Rental – Detailz Couture

Children’s Furniture Rental – Petite Occasions

Carpet Rental – Reznick Event Carpets

Boys Attire – Tuxedo Royale

Drink Stylist and garnishes – Salty Paloma

Acrylic Signage – CMVE Designs

Laser Cut Signage and Plinths – Miss Paper Cut

Linens and Napkins – Event Rental Group

White Floral Wall and Beverage Cart – Forever in Bloom

Green Boxwood Backdrop – Handmade Dreams

Venue – Eagles Nest Golf Course