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.
Wear glasses? Make sure to clean them before your photo session.
4) Is everyone comfortable?
YES
5) Do you feel confident?
YES
Hooray! Then you’re ready to have your pictures taken.
Now that the seasons are changing in Austin, Texas – it’s time to embrace Fall and (slightly) cooler temperatures. I’ve made a list of our favorite activities for September, October and November.
Feel free to print out a copy for your fridge if you want kid-friendly ideas for Fall.
Happy Exploring and Pumpkin Picking! And contact me below if you want help on #4 from the list.
So you’ve received a full gallery of digital images after your session – what should you make with them?
All of my galleries are linked to the Collage.com print shop – you have the option to order these types of products directly through your ShootProof site.
If the holidays are approaching…
Holiday Cards
Holiday Ornaments
For any other gift giving time of the year – check out the gallery of examples below:
You have 48 hours in Houston without kids – what do you do?
If you’re me, you make Art the theme of your trip and hit the road.
Color Factory exhibit
Here’s a sample itinerary:
Friday – Drive to Houston from Austin (making sure to stop at Buc-ee’s on the way). As you look at all the merchandise – ask yourself – Is it Art?
Is it Art?
Once you get to town, head to the Menil Collection. The Menil includes 30-acres of art space to house their 17,000+ collection. There is no admission (and no photos allowed inside) – and you can see work from the Prehistoric to the Modern including one building just to house works by Cy Twombly.
Menil Collection
If it wasn’t under construction, you could then head down the block to visit the Rothko Chapel. It’s due to re-open this summer.
Between their Planetarium, Butterfly Center and Theater – inside their 16 permanent exhibits, you can explore everything from Faberge eggs to Prehistoric Man (flying through the air) to Space.
Faberge Egg
Sorry, Prehistoric Man. Better luck next time.
Space Exhibit
And make sure you take a long stop at our favorite area – the gems and minerals.
Hall of Gems and Minerals
If after experiencing all that Science you need a change of pace, and the weather is delightful, you should walk up another block to Hermann Park.
McGovern Centennial Garden
The McGovern Centennial Gardens are a delightful stop. If you have your kids with you, you might also go to the Zoo near there. Then after a good night’s rest, you’ll be ready for Day 2.
The Color Factory is an interactive exhibit with palettes and projects inspired by Houston. You’ll be given treats along the way, and you can use your token to get your photo taken at various spots in the exhibits.
Color Factory, Houston
You will still take a million photos because you can’t stop smiling and it’s just so photogenic.
Color Factory, Houston
You may also want to pack a rainbow dress for pictures 🙂
Pic taken courtesy of the Color Factory, Houston
You make sure to save all your colorful treats to share with your kids once you get back home.
Color Factory treats along the way plus the colorful calendar you bought in the gift shop
You still have time to fit in another Museum. This time you choose the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You will be visiting one of the largest museums in the United States. Their permanent collection spans more than 6,000 years of history with approximately 64,000 works from six continents.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Now saturated with art and inspired to create, you get one more good night’s sleep and then plan to drive back home to Austin. You’re already thinking about another trip and all the Museums you didn’t get to visit…this time.
If you’re lucky to have family in town or kids old enough for sleep-overs or to stay home by themselves – you may not need this advice. And while we have some favorite babysitters, we’ve also been checking out the local Parents Night Out options around town. So I wanted to share what I’ve researched. Here are some options if you want your kids to get a night out at the same time as you get a date night:
Thinkery
Location: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Age range: 4+ years old (must be potty-trained)
Cost: $45 first child, $25 each additional child ($5 discount for Members)
Details: Kids have the museum to themselves and live it up with pizza, hands-on STEAM activities, exhibit exploration and MORE!
Extra perks: Check out the special discounts offered in the Mueller community for your date night
Details: Night out of fun that includes gymnastics, trampoline, pit time, recreational swimming, games, snack, and a full length movie (G-PG) on a HUGE movie screen (includes a mid-evening light snack and a drink). Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and a towel.
Schedule and to book:Saturday nights once/month 6:30pm – 10:45pm (Registration for each Kids Night Out starts TWO weeks before the date of the night.)
YMCA
Location: various
Age range: 3 – 12 years old
Cost: $30 members ($60 non-members)
Details: swimming, gym games, pizza, crafts and more
Details: Date Night is a 4 hour guided play session run by our professional and experienced staff. During these 4 hours your kids will climb and play in our awesome Pandamonium room! Kids will have toys, games, and all the climbing they can handle! Our classes are capped at 6 participants to ensure that your child gets plenty of attention and supervision. Crux will provide cheese/ peperroni pizza for your kids for no additional cost!
I have a membership with the online styling service, Style & Select, that you are welcome to use as one of my clients. Just contact me in the form at the bottom of this page for the access code.
How does it work?
Once you receive the access code from me, click on the link below to start styling:
You’ll fill out an online questionnaire.
And you’ll want to pick out some of your coordinating colors:
Then you’ll get a page of shopping results – which you’ll favorite. When picking your favorites – think about what you’ll feel confident in, what your family will feel comfortable in and what will go well with your location. Keep the weather in mind.
Sample options:
Out of your favorites, you can email yourself the final choices. You’ll then have the option to buy directly at each online store. I can also send you a list of the current coupon codes for some of the shops.
