📸 How to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot

From Shamara at My Eye Photography

Authentic Moments • Artistic Vision • Astonishing Creations

Whether you're wrangling toddlers, teens, or a reluctant hubby (don’t worry—I've got my ways 😄), here’s your go-to prep guide to make your family session smooth, fun, and full of real moments you’ll actually want to hang on your wall.

👗 Outfits: Let’s Talk Looks

The Goal: Coordinated, not matchy-matchy. Think color palette, not uniforms.

·      Color Palette Tips:

·      Start with one outfit you love (usually mom’s!) and build from there.

·      Mix neutrals + soft tones with a pop of color.

·      Avoid bold logos, neon colors, or super busy patterns (they steal the spotlight).

·      Textures like knits, linen, and denim photograph beautifully.

·      Style Suggestions:

·      Think timeless over trendy. These are going on your walls!

·      Dress in similar styles (all casual or all a little dressed up—don’t mix cocktail dresses with Crocs, okay? 😉)

·      Don’t forget shoes! Clean and simple is best (and no neon sneakers unless they’re your thing).

🎨 Color Matching Made Easy

Let’s make your family look like you belong on the cover of a magazine—without looking too “matchy.”

💡 Step 1: Pick a Color Palette

Start with 3–4 coordinating colors—a mix of one main color, one or two accent colors, and neutrals.

·      Here are a few palette ideas that photograph beautifully in Minnesota’s seasons:

·      Soft + Airy (great for summer/spring): Blush • Cream • Sage • Light Denim

·      Earthy + Warm (perfect for fall): Mustard • Rust • Olive • Charcoal

·      Cozy + Classic (great for winter): Navy • Burgundy • Cream • Camel

·      Neutral Luxe (timeless any time): Taupe • Ivory • Dusty Blue • Gray

🎯 Step 2: Use the 60/30/10 Rule

·      60% Neutral Base (think jeans, khakis, cream tops)

·      30% Main Color (ex: rust sweaters or sage dress)

·      10% Pop Color or Pattern (like a floral dress, plaid shirt, or scarf)

👚 Step 3: Vary the Textures

·      Mix things up with:

·      Knit sweaters

·      Chambray shirts

·      Linen dresses

·      Corduroy pants

·      Denim layers

🧺 Step 4: Lay It All Out

·      Literally. Lay all the outfits side by side on the bed or floor:

·      Do the colors blend well?

·      Does anything jump out too harshly?

·      Snap a photo and send it to me—I’m happy to help!

💇‍♀️ Hair & Makeup

You don’t have to look like a beauty queen—just feel like your best self.

·      Hair: Style it how you usually like it, but avoid trying something drastically new the night before.

·      Makeup: A little goes a long way on camera. Consider a setting powder to reduce shine and a bit more blush than usual—it helps you pop!

·      Moms: If you’re doing your own makeup, think natural glam. If you want a referral for a local HMUA, just ask—I’ve got a list!

💡 Pro Tip: Consider treating yourself to a blowout or light makeup appointment. You deserve to feel pampered!

👜 Things to Bring

·      Think of this like your “session survival kit”:

·      Snacks (non-messy ones like mini marshmallows or fruit snacks)

·      Water bottles (hydrated = happy)

·      Wipes/tissues (for kiddos, noses, or lipstick smudges)

·      Hairbrush/comb for last-minute touch-ups

·      Touch-up makeup (powder, lip balm/gloss)

·      Extra outfits/accessories if we’re doing a second look

·      A favorite toy or blanket (especially for little ones—they help with smiles and comfort)

📅 A Few More Tips

·      Be on time. Golden hour doesn’t wait!

·      Plan ahead. Avoid last-minute outfit stress—lay everything out the night before.

·      Eat before you come! A fed family is a happy family.

·      Don’t stress. Kids will be kids—and I’m very used to it. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. 🥹

💛 Most of All...

Come ready to love on each other. Snuggle up. Be goofy. Hold hands. Laugh. These sessions are not about perfect smiles—they’re about preserving what love looks like right now. Because someday, this will be a moment you’ll look back on and say, “I’m so glad we did this.”