When taking your Christmas portrait, think of the big picture. Sure you want it on your Christmas cards. But will you also want to hang a canvas on your wall? You can choose outfits in holiday colors but with a classic feel. 

With this beautiful fall weather, it’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a couple of months away. And even though that is still a ways off, if you are planning to have your family photos taken for this year’s Christmas cards, it’s time to start planning. 

First and foremost, your holiday photos should reflect who you are as a family. Over the years, I've noticed that the sessions that stand out are those where the family felt comfortable and true to themselves. Keeping things true to you — style included — is one of my top values as a family photographer

We may look forward to it all year, but somehow the Christmas and holiday season never fail to sneak up on us. I may be partial here, but I honestly believe there’s no better way to celebrate the end of another great year than by getting the family all dressed up for your annual family Christmas portraits. What are the best outfits for Christmas photos? Is it best to go with something classic or something more fun? When deciding what colors to wear for Christmas pictures, it can be tough to decide between the Christmas classics and more neutral, elegant color palettes.

 Some basic tips, regardless of season, location, and motive:

1. Avoid matching outfits. Matchy-matchy is a no-no. Visually break the colors, and think about dominant and accent colors. Mix fabrics and textures.
2. Let your family wear what makes them feel comfortable. Today I'll walk you through gorgeous options with dresses, jeans, and even adorable shorts.
3. Choose clothes that make you FEEL gorgeous. Do you know what looks gorgeous on you, follow your instinct. If you feel stunning, you'll look stunning. Be open to recommendations but stand your ground following your heart.
4. Dress warmly, and add layers. Fall is beautiful, the colors are dreamy, but temperatures can be chilly. Warm kids = happy kids.
5. When it comes to accessories, you know what you love. It can be a hat, a crown, a scarf, a headband, a necklace, or a gorgeous pair of earrings.
6. Don't forget about shoes. For Mom, leather boots work great, either tall or ankle boots. For the kids, make sure the show colors are neutral.
7. Avoid logos or graphics, it distracts and takes away from the emotion captured in the picture.
8. Avoid neon colors, these give an overcast to the skin that is not flattering. 
9. Try your clothes in advance, and avoid surprises on session day!
10. Mom put natural makeup on :) Nothing extravagant, just a natural touch-up to make you feel the special occasion while looking gorgeous! 

 Start with mom’s outfit and go from there

* Coordinate your outfits with a color or color palette, but avoid being too matchy-matchy with each other  

* Don’t be afraid to wear subtle patterns, but avoid bold prints

* Keep the backdrop in mind when picking your clothes  

Now that you have some basic guidelines, hopefully, you’ve narrowed your options a bit!  

I LOVE patterns. It adds mood & feel to the photos. The caveat is that only 1 person gets to wear prints and the rest should be in solid colors.