The Stephan Family: Salt Lake Family Photographer

I adore this family. Sean and I have been best friends since grade school and I've always just considered him to be my adopted brother. SO happy he found such a beautiful wife, inside and out and that they were blessed with these twin boys! How cute are they? I die every time I look at them. Enjoy!

Mckay Christensen Family: Salt Lake City Family Photographer

My handsome brother and his beautiful children...

Haddock Family: Orange County Family Photographer

What To Wear: Orange County Photographer

Every year, I get asked the same question when it comes to family photos....

"What should we wear?!?"

Really outfits are a personal choice and a reflection of your own style and taste. There are definitely some things to avoid (large horizontal stripes make you look wider, small prints or fine lines turn into zebra stripes on screen etc. etc) but overall, picking out family outfits is fairly easy in my opinion. Why?

It looks better when you DON'T try so hard.

Often times, family photos come across as being a little too "matchy matchy." People think they have to stick with two colors, white and navy, and everyone has to wear some combination of that. While that often times does look good in photos, it's my personal opinion that the less you think about it, the better it turns out! Take this for example...

This is a photo I snapped of my children the other day on the front door step. While none of these colors match in particularly, they all seem to look okay together. Sometimes it's good to mix bright colors and bold patterns. Think outside the box! Here's an idea board for a summer family session that I've put together...

Most of these clothes were found online at either, Gap, JCrew or Old Navy. I have found that typically their clothes are affordable because they normally have sales, and you can find something for every person in the family! I particularly love the mom's dress featured at Sonnet James. If you haven't checked out her new stylish & comfortable mommy approved dresses, I suggest you do now!

Here are some other ideas as we are heading into fall that might spark your interest..

It is nice to have a set of neutrals with just one or two pops of color. Some people say brown and black don't go together...but I disagree. Look at leopard print! It's a perfect example! Neutral tones generally all go well with one another, and it's nice to add a little color for intensity. Here are some examples of other families who had this same idea!

photos via Simplicity Photography

You can see how in the first photo, the neutral colors don't conflict with the bright backdrop and in the second, they really compliment the warm tones in the setting. 

Hopefully these give you a fresh idea of what to look for this year for YOUR family photos! Christmas season will be here before you know! So start brainstorming!

My Boy.

We were having a lazy day at home the other day when I snapped these. This pregnancy has forced us to stay home a lot so I took advantage of the down time ;-) Thank heavens for big sisters who can get this boy to smile unlike anything else! We love you Cash...You're getting so big.

The Battles Family: Oregon Family Photographer

I had the lovely opportunity to photograph my best friends family-best friends meaning this entire lot of humans! I could not love these people any more. My heart could burst! Check it out their adorable family!

The Taylor Family: Orange County Family Photographer

I love seeing this family year after year. Hands down one of my favorites and I am especially loving their newest little addition Paige Hartley! Such a cutie!!

The Jorgensen Family: Orange County Photographer

This family happens to be good friends of mine and I absolutely adore taking their photos. Jane and Chase are the cutest, funniest little rascals of all time. They had me giggling from start to finish! And Kristen is due with her third just a short month after I am! So, so very happy and excited for them! 

The O'Connel Clan: Orange County Photographer

I adore this family year after year. So fun growing with your clients and their families and this bunch is just too much. XO