Have you spotted any yet? How many of you have pictures done of your kids in the Bluebonnets every year? It probably makes us Texans look like a bunch of nuts, hopping fences, randomly stopping off on the shoulder of the freeway. All for some pictures in the Bluebonnets. Lol!

I don’t see a lot of profile pictures changed, yet, so they must not be in full force yet. Two of the things I look forward to the most during Bluebonnet season is 1.) Spring clothes and 2.) the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill. Love it!!!

As we are getting further and further into Spring and rounding our way into summer, I thought I would take the time to talk wardrobe. When preparing for a great photography session, whether it be a child session, family session, or engagement session, one of the most important things to get into place is your wardrobe. Sure, the location is a nice one, too, but honestly, a really good photographer can make even the craziest of locations work.

Let’s start with a Bluebonnet session. What comes to your mind right away when you think of your kids sitting in the sea of blue flowers? Let me guess, white dresses for the girls and something white coordinating for the boys. No. Yes, I said it, no. When wearing white, the eye will naturally be drawn to the bright white instead of the faces. Let me challenge you to get a little more creative with your wardrobe this spring.

Think coordinating, not matching. It doesn’t all have to be the same colors/shades, as long as the colors blend and flow. The purpose of having your portrait session is to focus on the subjects, not the clothes. Make sure at the very least that the children are comfortable in what they wear. For Mom and Dad (especially Mom) wear something a little more dressy than you normally wear. A dress or skirt paired with sandals/heels. How often does Mom get to be in the picture when doing family candid shots at home. Mostly never. Take advantage of the session and take time to pamper yourself. Paint your toenails, wear jewelry. Spend time on yourself.

I have put together a few outfit choices. This is a small example of how you can coordinate the family. You can search for more ideas on Google, there are plenty of resources out there.

We’ll start with the Fab 5.

Then, with Mother’s Day coming up, here’s a sweet Mother/Daughter example.

Here’s another with, yes, you guessed it, 3 boy outfits. How could I refuse?!

Also, with summer around the corner and beach sessions among us… here is a shot of my boys last summer. Rolled jeans, barefoot and neutral coordinating polos. Ace’s shirt is  an off-white. Had it been any whiter, it would have been too bright. This is a good example where I feel the eye is naturally drawn to the white. Shame on me.

So get shopping!!! A few stores that I absolutely love if you are willing to splurge a little is J.Crew, Anthropologie, Boden and Vineyard Vines.

Want to book a session? Weekend sessions through April are getting scarce. Go to my Calendar to select a date and email me at info@stephanieshirley.com so we can get you on the schedule.