Planning on taking Spring Family Pictures? This is the ultimate guide to planning family photos for this fun time of year!

Let's talk family photos.  Now, I know…….you're thinking SPRING FAMILY PHOTOS? We just took family Christmas pictures!!!  But bear with me, I promise….it's worth it.  I'm a huge fan of taking family pictures year round.  We tend to put them off until we realize we'd like new photos for a holiday card, and then it's the busiest time of year for families (and for photographers).  One of my biggest family pictures tips? Take family photos throughout the year.  There are fun and unique things about each season (in fact, my fall family photos are some of my favorites filled with fun, rich colors every time) and you'll thank yourself for putting a little time aside to get unique and fun images.

A few Spring Family Photos Tips (that really apply to taking family pictures anytime):

1. Time of Day is Key: Think naps and snacks.  Hungry and tired kids (or adults) don't make it easy.  The goal is for any family photo sessions to be fun and enjoyable.  Bring snacks, water and try to work around nap and meal times.  Trust me, it makes a difference.
2. Music and Fun: What brings the fun for your kids? Music? Bubbles? A balloon? Talk to your photographer and ask if they have suggestions, or you can bring a little something like this to add to the photos.  They'll add life to the pictures and make this….WAY easier on all of you!
3. Who Is In Charge: Nothing tanks a photoshoot like too many cooks in the kitchen.  Decide in advance, which parent is in charge.  Or do you want direction only from the photographer?  It will make a huge difference, versus everyone asking kids to smile over and over.

Spring Family Pictures: The Ultimate Guide

Location, Location, Location:

There are so many fun options for locations that are unique to Spring Family Pictures.  Think floral, blooming plants, and fun colors.  From bluebonnets in Texas to the Flower Fields here in San Diego.…..there are so many unique options for taking fun spring photos that only come around once a year.

When planning a location, a few things to consider:

-is this an indoor or outdoor space

-will it be crowded (especially something to consider right now)

-how does the light hit the location (this is something to ask your photographer, they can tell you the ideal time of day for best light at your chosen location)

Outfits:

Planning outfits is my favorite part of planning for Spring Family Pictures (or any time of year pictures).  My goal? To have a color theme without being overly matching.  I usually pick a specific color scheme and keep everything in that vein.  For spring pictures? Bright solid colors or pastels are always fun.  Pro tip for a family photo session? Think about the location.  What colors are THERE already.  You'll want complimentary or contrasting colors to the background, not colors that blend in.  For example, if you're shooting a spring family photo shoot in the bluebonnets in Texas…….a similar blue or purple shade? Would blend right in.  A yellow would be great, or a crisp white, or soft pastels against the bright flowers.  Planning a shoot in the cherry blossoms? Think complimentary shades (deeper reds or a soft pastel that doesn't blend in with the florals).

One other thing: COMFORT.  This is supposed to LOOK LIKE YOU in family portraits.  Jeans are fine.  Sneakers are fine.  Whatever feels comfortable to your family.

For this photo shoot? We visited the Spanish Art Village here in Balboa Park in our hometown of San Diego.  I knew it was filled with bright colors and contrasting backgrounds so we had a LOT of splash of color options.  Lydia picked her dress option first (this soft pink one), so I decided to go with shades of red and pink (perfect for Valentine's Day and a great way to compliment hers).  You can see that my dress is a deeper red than hers, and that a soft pink button down was more of Robbie's style.  But since they're all in the same color family………it blends nicely.

Shop our Outfit Pieces:

A few fun ideas that are unique for a spring photoshoot?

• Easter Finest: you can do a floral dress and bow ties in fun vivid colors for a classic spring session (this always looks great with bright spring green grass)
• Casual and Cute: try doing matching denim jackets for the entire family…….this always looks adorable and is a classic look that will age well
• Spring Outfits for Evening: Take advantage of the natural light that starts to last later and later in the day, and do a fun sunset shoot.  You can do light color evening dresses, a fun little girl's dress…..even little boy suits.

Locations:

Spring photo sessions are a perfect time to take really unique photos in locations that SHINE during this time of year.  From local flower fields to family photo shoots at your favorite park or botanical garden ….. there are plenty of fun places for family photo shoots that your kids will love.  And bonus? A lot of photographers offer spring mini sessions in their favorite locations, so be sure to reach out and see what is already on the books.

Are you taking Spring Family Pictures this year???  I hope these tips were helpful!