What to Wear :: Family Sessions

Growing up in a family with two older sisters and a dad that isn't always keen on the idea of having a photo taken, I can totally appreciate the stress that mom's must feel when trying to organize a family session. 

It's hard to make everyone feel and look as comfortable as mom wants. It's not always real, and there's always that one person in the family that just wants to take the dress clothes off and run around in the dirt.  Trust me, it happens. And more importantly, it's ok!!! I would rather be taking a photo of a happy dirty kid than a cranky unhappy one. 

That being said, it is important to look your best and to coordinate within your group. Gone are the days when little girls need to be in crinoline and tights and little boys in dress pants and sweater vests. (But really, how cute would that be??)And let's be honest for a minute, what family walks around wearing the same shirt and jeans? It's ok to wear things that you would actually wear in your daily life. That's what make your family, your family. I don't shoot catalogue families. I shoot real ones.

I shared a style guide on my Facebook page (you can see it here)a little bit ago and while it has some really great information in it, I wanted to share a guide that has some tangible examples as well and not just illustrations. I've partnered up with whattowearguides.com and put together a few examples for spring/summer family sessions. If you'd like to see some more examples, please check out their website. They have years of experience and examples to look at and see how to coordinate a family.

So have a look, and remember to have fun picking out your clothes. Nothing's worse than sitting in the summer sun with an itchy dress on, right girls? ;)

The Piquette Family

I went to school with Jen, the only daughter in this lovely family from about junior high on. She was always so kind and I always enjoyed sitting by her in math class because she knew SO much more than I could ever comprehend. haha! I can't tell you how excited I was when her soon-to-be sister in law (who also worked with Brandi), reached out and wanted to have a family session with the whole Piquette clan. 

I'm always excited when a family wants to make their session special and incorporate their hobbies and interests into it. Not only did we go to the lake where they spend so much of their time, but they also brought camouflage and guns! I have to say it's not the first time guns were brought for pictures, but I'm so happy to say I was the only one shooting...ha ha ha. I'll be here all week. ;)

Piquette family, it's clear how much you love and simply enjoy one another. You were up for anything I threw your way, and you did it with enthusiasm, smiles and most importantly laughter. You were amazing in every single way and I am so grateful you allowed Brandi and I to document this time in your lives!

The Brousseau Family

Oh dear, it looks like I've fallen behind on my blog posts! Well, brace yourselves my friends. There's going to be a whack of incredibly beautiful people coming at you over the next little bit. You've been warned. First up, is a family that I LOVE.

Is there really anything more lovely than a farm in the fall? Few things can top it. Except that is, a fall family session on a farm!

The Brousseau kids bought a session for their amazing parents, Guy and Sharon for Christmas to celebrate their anniversary. If this family looks familiar to you, it's because we had the incredible honour of documenting Jess and Patrick's wedding day. You can check that out here.

I fell in love with this family on that wedding day, so it was a treat to get to spend a morning with the whole gang. Guy and Sharon, you've set an incredible example for your kids and all those around you. It's a beautiful thing to see a marriage that is built on respect, love and joy. 

Here's a peek into their session!