As we roll into our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, fall this year has been, well, hiding on us. Right when you think it’s about to happen… you know, there’s a slight crispness to the air and the leaves start to change colour… everything changes and, wham, it’s 30 degrees celsius! The good news about this, hopefully, is that our fall photography season will extend into November! Here in Southern Ontario fall is our most popular time for photography sessions, and there is a very good reason for that. The trees in this area are beyond stunning and the weather is still warm enough that you don’t need your winter coat and several pairs of socks just to get into your car. There’s a magic in the air that you can literally feel and smell, and that makes for the most wonderful photos. More than any other question we get, our clients want to know what they should wear to their family sessions with us! Deciding and coordinating outfits can be a very daunting task, especially if you have a large group to deal with! Here are some tips to help with this process -
1. Decide on colour. Think about your hues and tones. Although having everyone match completely is an option, it isn’t really necessary, just make sure everything flows. Do you want light pastel colours that contrast the fall tones, or do you want warm or jewel tones to harmonize with your location? Select two main colours you want to use and work the rest of your colour scheme around them. Unless everyone is wearing it, stay away from extremely bright colours and patterns. For ideas on harmonizing hues and outfits check out our Pinterest Board.
2. Feel free to add accents and layers. Staying warm can be a necessity depending on the time of year, but no one says it has to look like you're wearing 30 layers. Adding a beautiful scarf, thick cardigan/blazer, or boots can add texture to your photographs without looking like you're preparing for a winter storm.
3. Hair and accessories. No matter how casual you want your photos to be, add a little oomph with a great pair of earrings, headbands, necklaces or hats! The sky is the limit and it really makes your images unique to your family! If you colour your hair, treat yourself to a touch up and avoid any unwanted roots or those pesky stray grey hairs!
If you’re still stuck, ask us! I love when clients send me their outfits in advance. Sometimes their wardrobe ideas inspire me to choose a specific location that will make their clothing shine!
Some other things to keep in mind and make for a smooth photo session are -
1. Weather. As I said earlier, this years weather has been like a yo-yo! One minute I am in shorts, the next I am wearing 18 pairs of underwear and stubbornly refusing to turn on my furnace! The best thing to do is dress in layers that can be removed easily without ruining anyones hair!
2. Time of day. If you have children who are still napping timing is crucial for smooth family photo sessions. We, and most photographers, are happy to work around your best schedule, we want your photos to rock too! :)
3. Snacks. There is nothing worse than a “hangry” (definition - so hungry you’re angry) child, or adult for that matter. I know I am easily agitated when I don’t eat, Jeff has plenty to say about that… but I won’t let him! Feel free to bring food. During a family session there is often times when we are focusing on one family member and everyone else is on a break, this is the perfect time to refuel. Granola bars, gold-fish, apples or any other snacky (but not too sticky) food item is perfect.
4. Relax. We are here to have fun! Sometimes the best photographs are the ones where your kids are laughing at each other and being themselves! We have lots of tricks to get your kids to look at us, so don’t worry yourself, there will be plenty of great shots!
What do you do to make sure your photo sessions go smoothly? Leave your solutions in the comments below! If there is anything I didn’t cover, please let me know and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends, and have an excellent weekend everyone!
Love, LOCPS xoxo
