How many laughs can you have in a outdoor family photoshoot? Well, the whole session actually! 

A few months back I did Mrs. Beth's baby Neely's newborn session and she said Brandy I want a family session. But I want a outdoor family session. I got this new house and I really would like some updated images and I don't have any of all of them together. Well.... Lets get to it, I said! Well what do you think her first question was? Yep, if you said where will we take them or what do we wear?. You were right! I decided to make some notes and blog about it. Here goes. I hope this helps you on your next outdoor family photoshoot.  

One of the most commonly asked questions I get when families schedule their outdoor family photoshoot is two things. 

1. What do we wear? 

2. Where will we take our outdoor photos? 

Here's my answers. Get ready its a little lengthy!  

Trying to figure out what to wear to a outdoor family photoshoot will stress you out! This is suppose to be fun and not overwhelming. SO lets talking it out. Since I mean these photos of your family will most likely be hanging in your house for a life time, Do you like neutrals or tons of color? Coordinate with siblings but don't go matchy matchy. Allow your personalities and style shine through.  Limit patters and stripes. I say NO to words and characters, they will look busy and are a distraction in your portrait. With large groups it will and could get difficult but don't let it become overwhelming. Keep it simple!

Avoid everyone wearing the same color and style. Textures and accessories are your friend. Don't shy away from them. By adding them and textures believe it are not you will be adding depth and interest to your photos. Think simple and classic. These photos will be on your walls and hopefully your families walls for years to come. Times, style and themes change all so often. By keeping your clothes simple, classic and undated with styles you will help give your family portraits a timeless feel. 

The most popular times of the year to take outdoor family photos are twice a year here in the great state of Mississippi is spring and fall. Why, you ask? Umm Because it is HOT down here in south/central part of the state lol. Either time is my favorite! The fall you have bright yellow, orange, and green, with the fade of browns and reds. Sometimes you can catch the fall leaves and the sun setting with those red tones too. I always say thin of warmer tons but stay true to your home decor colors too. During the spring you have flowers and grass blooming with tons of colors. Skins tons need to be even taken into consideration. If you are like me and a true red head that doesn't tan good with patches of red spots or white as a ghost, stay away from wearing white shorts. You will look washed out. I for sure do! 

There are NO magic answer to the question of what to wear. But here are some things to think about and to consider when you are getting ready to capture unforgettable outdoor family photos. 

*what colors do you feel confident in?

*what color do you feel that you look the best in?

*Do you like your arms in no sleeve shirts/tops? 

*Do you like your legs in shorts or skirts? 

*Where will these portrait hang? 

*What color are on those walls or in the decor in that room? 

*Do you want a certain color to pop or stand out in a room? 

*Will these family portraits be going to other family members homes? 

I told you! It was a lot to think about!!! As your photographer I want these portraits to last a lifetime and if you feel over whelmed PLEASE just let me help. I will be happy to show your ideas and most of the owners of our small boutiques here in Simpson county and Mendenhall, Mississippi know me. Even some from Pearl, Brandon and Flowood. They know just how to help and guide you to the right stores. Start with YOUR (mom) outfit and then go from there. It is easy to find men shirts to match and even easier for the kiddos.  Just don't stress yourself out over it!!! 

It was such a cold gloomy day but we were so glad that it was just an overcast and did not rain. Mrs. Beth could have careless where we took these pictures. All she wanted was them to be outside and all her babies in them, big and small. This outdoor family photoshoot was taken in my studio front yard basically. As a photographer with large groups it is hard to figure out poses and ect. but we really wanted to keep things simple and get them done super fast. Not so Mr. John could feed all of his girls supper but so the babies would not get so cold. I always love when we get bloopers. I hope this one made you laugh! However, I am so thankful when they turn into smiles so fast! 

If you know this family at all you know they are just full of life, and fun. Mrs. Beth and Mr. John or better known as "Coach Watford", are/were Scott County teachers. Why, YES! Coach Watford taught me drivers ed. However, I had been driving for like two years at this point though, so I can't blame these driving skills all on him. All I recall is the sonic stops and him fussing about the sunflower seeds on the floorboard of the drivers ed car. I can't even remember who took the class with me. Some times I wish we had cell phones with cameras back then an then again NOPE so glad we didn't! lol. This is such a precious time in the Watford's life. I was honored to capture these sweet babies of all sizes for them. 

I hope these tips and questions help you find your next outdoor family photoshoot outfits! 

Do you have a grown babies that have babies??? Do you have a new house and No updated portraits of your family or children with their children? Let's freeze time! Make memories! Have tons of laughs and captures unforgettable smiles that will last a life time. I would be honored to do this for you. Click this link and lets set up a time to chit chat about what you would like!!!  I will help you with ideas and discuss clothing choices and back grounds.... I can't wait to talk with you.