I enjoyed a beautiful Saturday with my friend's fun little kiddos, Aiden and Rilynn - we had a donut picnic, searched for lions, and scared pelicans. The day ended with a splash when Aiden fell in the lake:) 

It’s an important question to ask because it can set the tone for your pictures. And my question to you would be: What look are you going for?

Here are a few style categories to spur your imagination:

• Classic: clean and simple  (ex. jeans, t-shirts, sweaters or blazers)
  
• Preppy: conservative and semi-formal (ex. polo shirts, khakis, argyle prints)
  
• Whimsical/Boho: flowy and eclectic (ex: tunics, tousled hair, headbands)
  
• Formal: prim and proper  (ex: dresses, button-ups, slacks)
  
• Girly Glam: pink and sparkly (ex: tutus, big bows, ruffles)
  
• Trendy: this tends to vary (ex: skinny jeans, Buddy Holly glasses, JNCOs in the 90s)
  

And a couple of questions that may influence the style you select:

1. Where are the pictures being taken? 
Your backdrop may gauge what you want to wear. If you’re shooting outside in a field or by an old barn, I would wear something casual and playful. If you’re sitting on the steps of a church, you can go more formal.

2. Where will you be displaying the pictures?

• Over the mantel in a Pottery Barn styled living room? Stay away from bright colors that would clash with the room decor
  
• In a princess room? Go all out - frills, tutus, sparkles. 
  
• A hall gallery? Think about what you want to see as you walk down your hallway. Take this opportunity to decorate your family like you want to decorate your house.
  

While keeping the above questions in mind, you also want to capture your child’s personality at the time the picture is being taken. If your 4 year old loves Batman and wears the same shirt every day (refer to photo shoot in post below), let him wear the shirt. In 20 years, when you’re looking back at these photos, you’ll be reminded of your 4-year-old-batman-wannabe. We’re preserving memories here! And there are always tricks to work the Batman shirt into the style YOU want….

             LAYER! ... boots, scarves, layered shirts, jackets, hats, headbands, neck ties

Not only will the layers create texture and bring more personality to the photo, but they can tie together outfits being worn by multiple family members. Keep in mind that the colors do not have to match exactly but simply go together. 

Here’s an example from a family trip last Thanksgiving. Everyone maintains their own personality, but the outfits correspond. Blues, grays, some plaid, and pops of red.

I’m hoping to create a post in the near future with some more visual examples…stay tuned!