April Styles Photography & Design

What should we wear for our family photo?

This is a question I get asked all of the time. Since I have been so bad about updating my blog lately, I thought this would be the perfect chance to give you some tips and update my blog at the same time. Believe it or not, when I plan my own family’s photo shoots deciding what we are going to wear is one of my very favorite parts.

First, decide what you want to do with these images. Is the main goal to have a huge portrait hanging in the living room? Are you looking for something more personal to hang in your bedroom? For example, I have my maternity portraits hanging in my bedroom (they were done beautiffully by my cousins Diana Rush and Doug Rush). Or maybe, you just need to update your family albums. In that case you can be more playful and creative Either way, the first thing I consider is where I am going to put these images.

Keeping in mind the reason for the shoot, the location of the shoot comes next. Are you wanting an indoor session, outdoor session or both (in which case, you may need to plan more than 1 outfit). Indoor family sessions tend to turn out more formal looking (formal wear or everyone wears a black top). Outdoor sessions are usually more fun and casual (casual wear)

Below I have listed some fun tips for you. Please keep in mind these are just tips and some rules are ment to be broken.

7 TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR A FAMILY PORTRAIT (BY APRIL STYLES) ...

Tip #1 - Coordinate Outfits

Now this doesn’t always mean that everyone has to match 100% with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt (although sometimes that works). Basically just make sure the outfits complement each other. Sometimes you can start with one piece or outfit that you absolutely love and plan everything else around it.

Tip #2 - Consider who is in the photo with you

If grandpa Bob (my dad) is going to be in the portrait, we will plan around colors he wears. My dad always wears black, jean and sometimes white. I would never catch my dad wearing a red shirt (not that there is anything wrong with red, it’s just not something he wears). If you have someone in the family portrait that is picky about the colors they wear, you may have to plan everyone elses outfit around those colors. OR just add a pop of another color you love as an accessory (like I may wear a bright pink scarf and my mom might wear bright pink earrings).

Tip #3 - Wear long sleeves

Remember that the most important feature of a family photo is everyone’s lovely face. Long sleeves generally look better (but remember – some rules are ment to be broken). But as a general rule, when there are lots of people in the photo and lots of skin tones, long sleeves generally are better.

Tip #4 - Avoid tiny patterns or huge logos or words

Smaller patterns on part of an outfit look blurry in a wide angle shots. And remember the main the emphasis of the photos should be on your faces, and not your shirt that says “ Tony Hawk” lol, unless you are planning a family skateboarding session.

Tip #5 - Bring accessories

Using props and accessories is a good way to get different looks out of a single outfit. Think about things that characterize you and your personality: scarves, purses, shoes, hobbies, and interests. Props and accessories are especially useful in spot color photography.

Tip #6 - Remember that details matter

Remember to polish or trim nails. Consider wearing false lashes for a more dramatic and beautiful look. And yes your feet matter too, if you have matching shoes or shoes in the same shade, that's a plus. Of course bare feet are always great too.

TIP #7 - Have fun planning your outfits.

If you have a question ask me (your photographer). I am always happy to help. Your Photographer, April Styles (562) 277-3936. www.aprilstyles.com.

Michelle & Josh's Wedding Photo "Sneek Peeks"

Tonight I had the amazing opportunity to capture Michelle & Josh's wedding photos. Together with my two additional shooters Adam & Matt, April Styles Photography & Design was able to capture some classic Fall wedding wedding memories that will be sure to last a lifetime. Here are a few of my favorite shots so far. Please go to my Facebook Fanpage and click LIKE to see more of these photos as well as others as they become available. My Facebook Fans will be the first to know about photo sales and other portrait opportunities that are available to Facebook fans only. Enjoy these "Sneek Peeks".

Here comes the bride... All dressed in zebra print!

Here are some fun and very unique wedding photos from the Alcon wedding. This wedding was very enjoyable to say the least. The ceremony kicked off with each member of the wedding party dancing down the aisle. The guests were surprised at first, but I am sure they were not too shocked since the bride and groom are both well known for their outgoing personalities. I met the bride (Raeann) almost 2 years ago through my church. She has watched my photography business and my daughter Elizabeth grow before her eyes. During that time Raeann and her family have grown to appreciate my unique & artistic photography style. I was very honored to shoot their wedding photos. Her are just a few samples for now... Enjoy!

1940's Style Wedding

I was approached by Jessica (the bride) who was looking for a photographer that could capture her vision of a "Betty Page/Pin Up Girl" style wedding album. I was immediately intrigued. I was so excited when she gave me the news that she and her fiance (at the time) had picked me to shoot their priceless photos. The wedding was very beautiful, classic and simple. I had a blast and I think it shows in the photos. Here are a few of my favorite shots (so far) from my 1940's style wedding... enjoy!

Colorado Balloon Classic

Monster Truck Rally!!!

Here are some fun pictures I took at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo this past Saturday. Jarod and I had a fun date night and I could not help but bring my camera. After all, this was a great opportunity to freeze frame action shots at full speed.

I had no idea that I would actually have the opportunity to ride in a real monster truck, and you betcha I snagged it right up! I had so much fun and I got to check off an item on my list of things to do in my lifetime.

My hobby and my job really do run hand in hand and this is why have a hard time separating the two at times. I am so glad that my husband is so understanding and he does not mind that I clicked the first half of our date away. I did put the camera away as we walked through the fair and we did get to spend some quality time together while sharing a state fair corndog- yummy! Anyway, here are some of my favorite shots from the monster truck rally, enjoy...

Cisco & Jessica's Wedding Photo-shoot

Okay, so here are a few photos from one of my most recent weddings. This was a 2 hour shoot that I did at Mineral Palace Park here in town. This was a job that was passed along to me by one of my photographer friends (it is so good to have photographer friends). I must say, I was very intimidated when I first met this couple after watching them enter the park with close to 50 custom cars following behind them as they headed right towards me. However, after breaking the ice with a few fun shots, I realized that this couple would be very easy and fun to work with. Not to mention that they were quite photogenic as well. Take a look and enjoy!