PLANNING FAMILY PHOTOS?

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

I know what you're thinking...just the idea of planning family photos stress you out! Am I right?

The kids {and husband} just won't behave long enough to get at least one good shot. The thought of coordinating outfits, picking colors, makes you want to have a drink! I get it! Then there's a voice that tells you to lose weight, hide your double chin, and you want to perpetually hide from everyone's camera and you aren't IN any of the photos because you're always the one taking them. I feel you! I'm a mom, I totally understand, and I myself struggle with those same thoughts. But I'm here to have a come to Jesus talk with you...

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

On a serious note, STOP waiting to lose those last 10 pounds. I promise your children won't care. Be IN photos and truly, deeply EXIST!!! These images aren't for you, they are for them, your family. You owe it to them to be in and exist in images. What do you want them to remember in years to come? Just do it! Take the plunge and have some pictures taken with your family. Coordinate those outfits and pick out some matching colors. Heck, have that drink if you need to! But don't hide mama.

CAPTURE THE MILESTONES

I love children...of all ages. I remember when my babies were born how cute they were. I just wanted to "squish" their little cheeks all the time. Now they barely let me kiss or hug them much less squish their cheeks. Sometimes it is hard to remember all those years ago. However, I am so glad I have tons of photographs to remember their little faces.

DOCUMENT IT!

Every milestone...document it. Every year your children change and grow. Heck every day they change and grow! Document it...from their first birthday, kindergarten, to that missing tooth, or their middle school qwerky days, all the way to the infamous senior year and even college portraits. DOCUMENT IT...You will want to remember every change, growth spurt, and whatever happens. Time flies by so fast!

OH EM GEE!!!

Who doesn't love a baby bump? Your growing your little family....and your belly! So when is the best time to get those beautiful maternity photos and what do you wear?! Those are the 2 questions I get asked the most often!

WHAT TO WEAR?

We want to see that BUMP!!! So...I recommend wearing tight, stretch clothes that show those growing curves {in a good way}.  You can't go wrong with solid colors and neutrals because they are very timeless. I don't really suggest florals, printed patterns, or such, mostly because those outfits can tend to look dated in years to come.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOS?

Personally, I think scheduling your maternity session around the 30 or 32 wee mark is best. Around the 35 week mark is when your belly starts to feel {even more} heavy. This may make you uncomfortable and hard to get through an entire session. Timing is important, because if you schedule too soon, your baby bump might not be as visible as you want it to be. However, if you wait too long to schedule, you may have swelling, aches and pains, and generally just uncomfortable! Babies also have a mind of their own and some may tend to come a tad bit earlier than anticipated. Of course it's important to mention that every woman is different, so these are general guidelines I typically follow.