Figure out what the whole family is going to wear.
Here’s my advice:
1. Remember the Weather
There’s an old saying, “Texas has four seasons: drought, flood, blizzard, and twister.” Well – in Austin, we get hot and slightly less hot. So while I’d like to tell you to put on your cozy sweaters and layers for your Fall family photos – I don’t want you melting.
If you look at the average temperature chart for the year below:
If we have a morning Spring session booked, you may need another layer to your cute Spring dress, but by sunset, you can frolic in a field in bare sleeves and sandals and be fine.
And if we have a morning Fall session booked, those sweaters might be needed. But for a sunset session, you may want to bring in the Fall flavor with Autumn colors and textures rather than just layers. And you can always bring a scarf for a few shots, and then take it right back off if it’s too hot. So check the weather forecast and plan your outfits, accessories and layers accordingly.
2) Coordinate with your family
Pick out a color palette of 3-4 colors that each family member can wear some variation of. If you’d like more visuals, I have Pinterest boards:
You can all dress in neutrals or bright complimentary colors or earth tones – whatever you’re drawn to. Just avoid big logos, neon colors and distracting patterns.
If you want extra styling help, check out Austin’s Top 10 stylists (according to Yelp), or you can use online services such as Stitch Fix for the whole family or The Dopple just for Kids.
3) Make sure everything is clean and still fits
Have your kids try on the whole outfit before your session to make sure it all still fits (including shoes) in case you need to buy the next size up.
Wait to dress your kids until after they’ve eaten and brushed their teeth (I’ve photoshopped a lot of morning toothpaste off of kids shirts over the years)
Moms – test to make sure you can play and sit on the ground easily in your outfit.
Dads – make sure your phone and sunglasses are out of your pockets.
4) Is everyone comfortable?
YES
5) Do you feel confident?
YES
Hooray! Then you’re ready to have your pictures taken.
Since this family just moved into their new custom house, it only made sense to have their Christmas photo session at home. From cozy pajamas by the fire, to eating Christmas cookies to decking out the tree and opening presents under it, we covered all the highlights of the season.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the 3rd Grade Gullett Snow Photo Booth during the Winter Holiday Parties. If you’d like to access your digital photos, instructions are below:
If you have active kids who are happiest exploring – do I have a family photo location for you…
It’s Pease Park in Central Austin. For this fun family, we started in the Live Oak Meadow climbing trees, then went to explore the creek (hopping rock to rock), and ended up in the Treehouse at Kingsbury Commons. The rope net can act as a trampoline. Then I went home, and they stayed at the playground to finish out their visit.
Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session this year.
Looking for fun family-friendly ideas on how to beat the heat during our Austin summer?Save a copy of each of my Indoor and Outdoor Activities checklists below and get ready for triple digits in style. All suggested locations linked HERE. ...
Do you want to donate your time and talent as a photographer to help your community?
If so, I’ve made a list of my Top 10 Ideas below – but any non-profit organization you care about would gladly welcome photographs to help tell their story.
SCHOOLS – As a parent of two kids in Austin public schools, I always donate a portrait session to the yearly school fundraiser. Besides donating a session, you could also volunteer to photograph school activities for their website, social media and teacher newsletters.
I like to create themed photo booths for school fundraisers and events.
Volunteering with House Rabbit Rescue in Pflugerville, TX.
3. URBAN FARMS – you can reach out to Urban Roots, Green Gate Farms, Boggy Creek Farm to volunteer to document their work (as well as work in their fields). You may also come home with some fresh veggies.
Welcome Sign at Urban Roots Farm in Austin, TX
Welcome Board at Green Gate Farms in South Austin.
CSA Veggies from Green Gate Farms.
4. ADOPTION – Reach out to the Heart Gallery with Partnerships for Children to take portraits of children available for adoption in Austin. Help them find loving families.
5. SMALL BUSINESSES – Do you enjoy branding sessions for small business owners? If so, the EGBI (Economic Growth Business Incubator) is looking for volunteer photographers to help take photos of the small business owners they serve.
6. AUSTIN PARKS – Do you love spending time in Austin’s many parks? Contact the Austin Parks Foundation for opportunities on how your photography can help their department.
7. DONATE OLD GEAR – Besides donating your time, you can also donate equipment. Donate your photography gear to help another generation tell their stories. Reach out to Youth in Focus, Photo Start or PhotoVoice.
8. CANCER PATIENTS – The Gold Hope Project connects photographers with pediatric cancer patients to take portraits for their families.
9. TEACH – Reach out to local schools or clubs to share your knowledge as a professional photographer. Career Day anyone?
10. VOLUNTOURING – Not in Austin, but if you’d like to travel as a photographer and don’t mind paying some expenses – check out Voluntouring or Photographers without Borders for international opportunities to use your photography skills.
