So you booked a family photo shoot... Now what? Follow these 4 easy tips to get ready for a family photo shoot and walk in with complete confidence. Using this handy guide will totally help you rock your session!

Tip 1: Coordinating Colors

Do you ever wonder how you decide what to wear on photo shoot day? Of course you do! It's an important day and you want to dress your best. The trick to getting everyone's outfits to look coordinated (while avoiding the dreadful matching shirt conundrum) is to focus on the color palette.

Color is a great way to tie everyone together but not everyone has to wear every color. Decide on a color palette of 3-4 colors that go together. This creates a more natural look as opposed to everyone wearing the exact same color. Pick colors that you love and that you know you look great in. Another way to choose might be to consider how your home is decorated. Choose colors that are going to look good on your walls when you frame your beautiful new family pics.

Easier said than done right? So let's get specific. Let's pretend your color palette is Navy, Grey, Teal and White. Mom's dress is Navy and she has on a Teal Statement necklace and earrings. Dad's shirt is grey or white paired with navy or denim pants (and maybe even a sport coat or tie if he's that kind of guy). The children can wear any combination of Teal, White or Grey. Girls love to wear jewelry to match mom. Scarves add fantastic pops of color and can tie together pretty much any color combo. Shoes, bow ties, bows/headbands, watches, and belts are fun ways to incorporate color as well.

An artist's note on color palettes: Color can be a hard topic to tackle so if you're feeling stuck, just start by picking a color you love and pair it with a couple of neutrals. Neutrals are typically described as beige, grey, white, and black.

Tip 2: Be True to YOU!

There's nothing worse than wearing something uncomfortable am I right? I hate getting dressed up in something I would never wear because I always end up feeling awkward and stiff. I also hate when someone else tries to tell me what to wear (well that part never really happens because I'm the mom and I make the rules.) But... that's how dad and the kids might feel when getting ready for a photo shoot!

One of the most important things to consider when picking outfits for family picture day, is to be true to YOU. Pick clothing that is comfortable, yet classically stylish. Choose pieces that are simple yet flattering. Solid colors, patterns and plaids are totally welcome! However, let's leave the graphic and character tees in the closet today... they can date the pictures significantly and become distracting.

It's really fun to get dressed up and it definitely adds to the excitement of the day. Clothing is how we show the world our own unique style and it should reflect your personality. So if flowing floral dresses are your thing, rock it. Or maybe you're a skinny jeans and boots kinda gal? Whatever your preferred look, just go with it. Pick items that you know you look good in and feel great in. And once you've decided on your color palette, then you can start to build everyone's outfits based on their own individual preferences too. Happy shopping y'all!

Tip 3: Accessorize Baby!

This is my favorite part of putting together an outfit! Accessories are a fun and easy way to elevate your look in seconds. It is also a great way to tie together your color palette!

Think statement necklaces, earrings, fancy watches, scarves, blazers, denim jackets, or ties. You can even think about hats... like a fun summer straw hat or a Panama style for the guys... Little kids look great in scally caps or berets. If you have girls, headbands and bows are always in style! Oh! And don't forget about your shoes!! Shoes are are essential in completing an outfit.

Picking accessories can be a really fun way to finish off your look for photo shoot day. Have fun with it! And if you're stuck, you can always consult Pinterest!

Tip 4: HAVE FUN!

Okay so the hard part is over, you are here and you look amazing! You put together fantastic outfits for the whole family! Congratulations!!

Now let the FUN begin!

I LOVE what I do so when you get to photo shoot day, let me take care of the rest. I will make sure to pose, adjust, and pay attention to the details so that your images turn out great. You don't have to worry about a thing. My number one priority is making you all feel at ease in front of the camera. I play with the kids, get them laughing and snap away photos you'll love the whole time. I also tell bad jokes (duh!) and bring snacks, water, bug spray, hairspray... I got you covered!

I think somewhere along the way family photo shoots got a reputation for being stressful... but I have not had that experience. I love kids and feel totally at ease making new friends. I worked in childcare for 15 years before staying home with my girls to pursue this dream. That experience combined with 'Mom Brain' comes through in every session... I truly get it and know how much you want good photos of your family (with YOU in them!)

This day is all about the wonderful moments that make your family unique and special. Just relax, be yourself and have fun... it's going to be great, I promise!!

Pro Tip: Plan Something Fun to do Afterwards!

Make a day of it and plan something nice to do as a family after the shoot. For one, you already look fantastic so you need to go show off in public right? And two, a little bribery can go a loooonggg way with kids. You could also go big and plan to drop the kids at grandma's or a friend's and plan a much needed date night... You did work hard after all and totally deserve a night off!

Let me know how this article helped you plan for your photo shoot by leaving a comment below! If you'd like to schedule a family photo shoot... let's do this!