This can be the hardest part of styling, but picking a color palette is key to achieving the look you want for your photos. Think about how you want your photos to feel, how they will look hanging on the walls of your home. Are you drawn toward a calming color palette? Then doing a mix of muted blues, greens, and browns, might be perfect for you.

Neutrals keep all of the outfits in the same color family making for a timeless look that is super easy to do. The best part? You don’t have to perfectly match! Put the whole family in a range of creams, whites, and light tans, and you’ve got a winning look. It’s really hard to go wrong when you choose a neutral color palette, and it goes well in any location we choose to shoot at.

If a bold color palette is more your style, all I have to say is go for it! This can make for really unique photos that give more of a playful vibe. Just be careful to avoid doing too many loud prints or clashing colors. One or two prints within the same range of colors is best. I love a bold look when shooting at eclectic locations like an old ice cream parlor. This is a perfect time to bring out your wide leg pants or your funky sunglasses to really make a statement.

If you fall somewhere in between neutrals and a bold color palette, then doing a combination of muted tones is the perfect option. Choose 4-5 colors for your palette and keep the whole family within that range. I suggest choosing one color as your foundation and then layering complimentary tones around it. This palette looks good in any outdoor location and is guaranteed to blend right into your home when you hang the photos on the wall.

We’ve got your outfits down, now let’s take your photos to the next level and make them uniquely yours with some props. They can help tell a story and add interest to any photo.

Bring your little one’s favorite stuffed animal, and I’ll catch him giving it a tight squeeze or soaring it around like it’s a rocket ship. Let’s take your kids to an ice cream parlor and let the ice cream drip off the cone and all over their hands. Bring bubbles and we’ll have fun chasing them all over to try and pop one.

Let’s add dimension by bringing a white sheet backdrop to a session and play peak-a-boo or lean into the shadows. Bring a ladder to sit and climb on in an open field. Florals are another great option to elevate your experience. They add color and beauty, and can bring in editorial vibes.

Have an old school car? Let the kids climb around in the backseat while you hang with your honey.

Props can also be as simple as the accessories you wear. With a hat, you can hold it by your side, hide behind it, or grab at the brim. Wrap a scarf tightly around your shoulders, let it hang down and graze your lower back, or play hide and seek with your baby.

The options for props are endless and so are the ways they can be utilized.

Now for the really fun part! Don't be afraid to go one step further to really elevate your experience and deepen the creativity.

Let's finger paint a blank canvas blanket in an open field where your kids can be truly free to make a mess and be themselves. Catching the unencumbered joy on your faces will be well worth me having to wash paint out of my hair.

Let's make it editorial. Don’t be afraid to show some skin while you grow that miracle human inside your belly! I’m ready to hype you up and make you feel like the goddess you are. I have been envisioning a wet maternity session for month, either at the beach or even your bath tub. Let's make it happen.

If you already have an idea of your own, that’s great too! Or if you just know you want to do something different but aren’t sure what, let’s come up with something together! As an artist, photography is my outlet. I love any chance to get super creative. When there’s space to play into wild trends or explore new looks it allows me to do some of my best work — I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Tamara Holden | @tamaraholdenhair
Alex Brown | @spacebyalexbrown
Katie | @katyasladhair
Emily | @emilyraebridalhair
Elizabeth Scott | @elizabethscottcompany
Melody | @collectivelymel
Tamara | @tamaramakeup
Kylie | @kyliejordanartistry

Erika | @erikaalexisbeauty
America | @makeupbyamericaf
Tricia Clarke | @triciaclarkemakeup
Bryana | @bryjeanartistry
Tamara | @tamaramakeup
Kylie | @kyliejordanartistry

Mai Aesthetic | @mai_aesthetic_design

Maiya is a close friend and confidant. She is extremely talented at all things fashion and design. Her family's outfits are always on point no matter the time of year or the scene. If you need more hands on help with styling yourself and your family I cannot recommend her enough!