When is it time to update your family portrait? If your family members have changed, grown, or otherwise changed you may want to consider updating that favorite family photo.

To get the best results from your session you will want to do a little planning and preparation. This preparation should include clothing choices, jewelry choices, hair cuts and personal grooming.

When you select your clothing for the family portrait session, don't just look in the mirror at each individuals clothing. Be sure to think how each outfit will coordinate with the group and the style of portrait that you want taken.

Even if you favorite blouse is pink, it wont look good next to your son's favorite green and blue striped sweater. Coordinated clothing will give you a better family portrait for your home and office.

I usually advise families to use a color scheme and avoid clothing choices with logos and pictures. For example, if the parents of the family wear solid green on top, the children could coordinate with tops that have green and white patterns (such as small flowers for girls or a stripe for the boys), and then have the whole family wear the same tone of blue jeans or khakis.

Some common combinations that I often see are white tops paired with jeans or khakis, and all family members barefoot. Another popular request, is the "black on black" look. This is when the entire family wears solid black tops and bottoms, and the session is photographed on a black backdrop. The focus of the session is then on faces, expressions, and interactions rather than cute clothing.

Don't forget to check the shows and feet to make sure they are ready for a portrait session.

Ladies should also take a minute to touch fingernail polish.

Your hairstyle and hair accessories should also be planned well in advance of your portrait session. If a haircut or color is needed, be sure to have it done at least a week before picture day. This way it will have time to grow out just a bit, fall into place and look more natural.

And last but not least, do not eat on the way to the studio. A spill will either mean art charges or delays while you change clothes. If you must have a beverage on the way to the studio, plan for bottled water.

We live in a very casual society. If you have chosen to have your family portrait attire we also suggest that you bring a set of casual clothing. With casual clothing we can take additional outdoor portraits and create some more fun portraits.

We look forward to seeing you and sharing your joy of a family photo session.

As always, if you have any questions before a shoot please call us.