I often get asked tips for styling my photoshoots and how I get my toddler to participate. ‘Tis the season for family photos… so I thought I share my go-to tips. The truth is, making sure your photos turn out requires some advanced preparation and planning. I like saying this up-front because it’s easy to look at photos on Instagram and/or Pinterest and think, oh my gosh how come I can’t get my photos to look like that or my child to sit still that long!?! Umm... the final outcome you see on social media certainly doesn’t show all of the planning and behind-the-scenes chaos leading up to that picture-perfect shot. So let’s talk about THAT!

Immediately after we starting shooting, we almost had major meltdown… because someone wanted to run straight into the ocean with ALL his clothes on. Thanks to the art of distraction and my tips below, we turned it around, whew!

Here are my tips for styling and coordinating a successful family photoshoot:

· Choose neutral clothing. I always think lighter colors look best in photos. White or neutral tones are my favorite because they makes everything else pop, especially when you take portrait-type photos. The clothes shouldn’t be the focus – your expressions and how you all interact should be the focal point.

· Try to pick clothing with movement. It adds dimension and makes photos come to life. I always recommend a flowy dress for girls.

· Limited patterns. If you want to incorporate a patterned dress or shirt into your wardrobe line up, that’s totally doable. But I’d recommend only having one patterned outfit per group, otherwise your pics will look too busy on camera.

· Consider your location. The old phrase, “Location, location, location” doesn’t just apply to real estate! Choosing a location is hugely important for a family photoshoot and, in my opinion, really sets the tone for those captured moments. Your wardrobe should complement your location. Notice this year we shot ours at the beach – I aimed to coordinate our wardrobe to compliment the natural hues of the ocean and the sand.

· Natural Lighting is everything. When picking the venue for family photos, be sure to consider lighting. Good, natural lighting is one of the most important elements to great photography. Not only does this make your photographer’s job easier, but everyone looks the best in well-lit photos.

· Consider adding in a prop. I love to add a prop to photoshoots. Oversized balloons are my favorite. They’re fun and can help signify something memorable about the timing of your photos. For us, my little guy just turned three so having three oversized balloons made him so excited. For holiday-themed photos, consider adding in a simple green wreath or cozy plaid blanket. This would be so adorable and make your photos feel extra festive.

· Start talking about these photos waaaay in advance. Explain to your littles that in a few days you’ll be taking family photos together on the beach or wherever. Make it fun! Act excited and make it something fun for them to look forward too. You can even add in a fun outing for after the photos … we told our little guy he’d get to go get ice cream afterwards if he was really good and that worked wonders.

· Keep your photoshoot short. Kids (and husbands) have a short attention span so keeping photos to under an hour will help keep everyone happy. This means being organized! Think about the ~5 shots you want ahead of time (activities, props, poses) and keep things moving. As rapid-fire and as fun as possible!

· Make sure you schedule photos after everyone is fully rested and fed. No one likes to smile and frolic around when hungry (except maybe models haha)

· Make the act of taking photos a game. Sing songs, tickle the little ones often and make it a contest of some sort. Sometimes my photographer even puts “the baby shark song video” on her head to make it funny and help keep my little one entertained.

· Be sure to hire a talented photographer that is experienced in capturing candid photos. In my opinion, those are the best kind of family photos. The real moments captured of you all interacting – those are the memories that will last a lifetime. Jen Hochstadt is my dear friend and ridiculously talented photographer. We love her to the moon.