Picture Perfect

This weekend we had our annual family pictures. Oh, joy!

What I mean by "oh, joy" is that after all the magic happens, thanks to my photographer friend, Melanie, it's worth all the chaos and hair pulling that takes place beforehand.

Family picture day is definitely NOT marked on my calendar with a smiley face. It is straight up STRESSFUL...coordinating outfits, hoping the kids are in a good mood, praying it doesn't rain and tons and tons of candy bribing! It quite honestly sucks! Well, at least during those 30-45 minutes.

Then after it's all said and done you get something spectacular like this...   

But, you have to go through 101 of the below for every ONE magical moment...

EXHIBIT A 

(Devil Face)

EXHIBIT B 

(Rock throwing, could care less)

EXHIBIT C  

(Wiping off dirty booties)

So, just remember when you get "that" holiday card this year and you want to roll your eyes about what a fantastical family picture your friend/family sent you, know that they worked hard for it and that they're not THAT perfect!

Tips for Family Portraits:

• Start shopping for outfits at least 2 weeks in advance. Think layers (jackets, scarves, hats) and remember to NOT be matchy match!
• Try on all your outfits and stand in the mirror together. I know. It's dorky, but you need to make sure everything fits and it all coordinates how you imagined it. 
• Pin ideas from Pinterest or do some Google searches.
• Don't be afraid to let your photgrapher know what shots you want captured.
• If you have young kids, bring suckers and candy to bribe them. I swear it works!
• Women, wear more make-up than usual, especially more blush and lip color. Define your eyebrows!
• Take your pictures first thing in the morning or right at dusk.

To everyone prepping for holiday portraits, just kick up your boots and roll with it. I know, it's easier said than done.

Photos courtesy of Melanie Wright Photography, an Austin based photographer and my sorority sister.

Who else out there gets stressed about "photo" day? It takes lots of preparation. 

Am I right or am I right?

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