Hello! I am a Tulsa area photographer that specializes in seniors and families. Get in touch with me by clicking here! https://www.honeybook.com/widget/julie_goodroe_photography_154706/cf_id/5e65ea54138fcb001fca4c95
Dressing the family for pictures
Just wanted everyone to know that I can totally relate and I completely understand all the effort it takes to get your crew coordinated for family photographs. Coordinating schedules can be challenging as well as coordinating outfits. I feel ya! We are a BIG family of seven, three of those being teenage daughters and one of those HATES having her picture taken. I’m not proud to admit it, but I have resorted to bribery on more than one occasion to try to coerce my crew to just please cooperate for the picture with as little fuss as possible. I started the process of gathering clothing options for our crew tonight. One of the most frequent questions I am asked about family photo sessions is for help with what to wear. Here are my top tips.
- Be sure you are comfortable and feel good about yourself in the outfit you choose. Uncomfortable clothes make for uncomfortable people, which will show in your pictures. If you have a particular family member (or three, like me) that are harder to please than the rest of the crew try to find their clothing first and then coordinate everyone else around what they chose. I have found they are much more likely to cooperate with a happy little heart if they like their outfit. One good rule of thumb since us moms are so hard on ourselves is to find something you love and feel you look great in and go from there. Of course once you have teenage daughters, you may have to let them pick first and then find something you love. They say if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. You know what can make mom real unhappy…a teenager with attitude on picture day because they don’t like their outfit. An alternate tip along the same lines could be to find one outfit you absolutely love and let that be your starting point for all other outfits. It could be your outfit, or one of you kids, but one you just love. Also be sure the colors you choose look good with your skin tones and hair. Maybe you LOVE mustard yellow on other people or in fall pictures, but it just doesn’t look good on you….leave it at the store. In my case, I really love cream on so many people, but it washes me out and is not flattering on me.
- For fall/winter family pictures, layers and accessories ( like hats, scarves, vests, fur vests, sweaters, kimonos, cardigans or jackets) look great. They are a great way to add that pop of color or pattern. Don’t be afraid of colored pants.
- PINTEREST…type in what to wear for family pictures. You will find some inspiration to get your juices flowing.
- Stay away from graphics on t-shirts. They are distracting and just don’t do it. I’m talking about both characters and very large logos. Trust me.
- Coordinate colors without matching. If everyone is wearing the same colors it takes away from making the photo great. An example, olive green is complimented by tones like red, navy, denim, fuchsia, cream, and gold tones. Make sure each person’s outfit looks good standing next to any other person’s outfit and that all outfits together work for multiple posing purposes. A good rule of thumb is choose two colors that compliment each other, and two- three neutrals to mix in. One print for a group of three to four. Two prints in groups of 5-6….
- Pattern ratio- stick with one or 2 people in subtle patterns and the others in solids. Too many patterns will be a distraction in your photo. I LOVE leopard print and really consider it a neutral (because what doesn’t look good with a little leopard print sprinkled in) but don’t overdo the patterns and make sure the patterns you choose will compliment each other. If you aren’t sure, lay it all out and phone a friend for their 2 cents or ask your photographer. Textures are a great thing to incorporate into your solid selections . Examples for textures are things like lace, fur, sweaters, velvet, etc…
- I shop our closets first, except for those that need a little extra inspiration to get on board with pictures. I told you I have three teenage girls. A new outfit can be motivating. New outfits head to toe for a family of seven will easily cost you more than your photo session and adds to the stress of getting pictures made.
- Plan in advance as much as you can to make sure everyone’s clothing fits properly and is prepared for the day of the shoot (ironed, etc). Last minute chaos in completing or preparing outfits adds to the stress of family photos. Don’t forget jewelry and hair styles and accessories should be thought through and selected prior to picture day. Lay it all out on the floor or the bed. Arrange the outfits several ways to be sure each person’s outfit works well in multiple posing situations. The more relaxed and at ease everyone is when it is time for the pictures, the more you will love the result and that shows in the pictures.
- PETS…I know I am straying from outfit planning but some people just never think about it. Adding the family dog to the photo shoot is often a good thing. It can ease tension (unless your dog is a maniac) and help bring the personality and emotion into your photos. I love lifestyle photography. I love to capture personality and interaction in my family photos. The family pet often makes that easier to accomplish. Don’t forget the lint roller if you bring a pet along.
- Consider the time of year you are having photos taken and the colors in nature during that season/location when planning your outfit. Often in more colorless times of the year ( winter, and spring before everything blooms) you will need to bring more color to the photo in your outfit choices. Too much cream or light colors in a colorless environment wash you out.
In the end, all your effort will be worth the hassle. You rarely regret having those photos to look back on. In my experience, they just become more treasured over time. Our kids change drastically and grow up quickly. Its nice to have images to look back on and bring that slice of time back to life. So let’s get ready, picture taking season is here. You have Christmas cards to print and mail to your friends. I can help with that too!
Getting photo cards is one of my favorite parts of the season and I bet it is for you as well. I’m excited to work with some of my dearest friends as well as all the new families I will meet this year. Come expecting to have a great time.
I don’t know about you, but my taste is music is all over the place. I enjoy many different styles of music, which type at the time depends largely on my mood. I used to be a long distance runner. Those playlists had fast paced pop songs and a fair amount of rap/pre- sporting event hype type songs. When my soul is hungry and I need to get centered, I turn on the contemporary Christian music. Rainy fall days or long road trips call for some Nora Jones. If I need to wake up and get moving, a little Flo Rider might be on the menu. However, I think because of my love of storytelling, I find its almost always a good time for some country music. I have found that in particular, Brad Paisely’s lyrics often really resonate with me. One of his newest releases, Last Time for Everything, has been on my mind a lot lately. Most of his scenarios in his song are light hearted, yet meaningful examples of things that have held significance in our lives that at some point come to an end. As my firstborn starts her first year of college, my second born begins her senior year, my son starts his last year at the elementary school and my baby child starts kindergarten you can see how these lyrics have been affecting me personally. One of my facebook friends posted something the other day about how one day you will pick your child up and set them back down, and it will be the last time you ever carry them again. I’m not sure why, but I have thought about that every day since I read it. My youngest is the baby of five. Her older sisters are teenagers. I was 38 when she came into my life. She is very spoiled and loved and picked up and held more than most five year old kids I’m sure. But because she is my youngest, and because my oldest is simultaneously at a launching point in life, I am not in a rush for her to mature past all these things. I taught kindergarten and I know first hand how much kids mature and change and have last times for many things this school year. At the end of the year, she will probably not say askadent for accident anymore. She will probably realize the store’s name is Hobby Lobby, not Hovvy Lovvy, and also Walmarks is actually Walmart. She might not want me to hold her or carry her so much anymore. Maybe I am not yet ready for the last time of all those things.
On a more serious note, our former neighbors of many years children were involved in a car accident this summer that claimed two of their lives. As back to school time approaches, the mom posted a picture of her daughter that passed away in the wreck in her last first day picture from last year. It broke my heart. On the actual first day of school, she posted a picture of her children that are still with them with one word, THANKFUL. It again brought this Last Time for Everything Song to mind. We just never know what is on the next page of our life story. As a photographer and lover of pictures, I also noted how every single picture she has in her possession of those children became priceless to her after this tragedy. I know she wasn’t ready for the last time to ever hold them.
I have shot a few senior sessions in the last couple of weeks. I think of how many last times they will experience this school year as they finish their fundamental education experience. Some will go on to college. Some will not. Most will turn 18, and legally be considered an adult for the rest of their life. The majority of the seniors that play sports will suit up in a school uniform for the last time, take the field (or gym floor), and play that game for the last time as a member of a school team.
Many of my mama friends are experiencing their children moving away for college and it could very well be the last time they live at home. On a much lighter, yet significant to me note, the line in the song that says, biscuits and gravy at your mama’s house… I hear you Brad. I decided to go gluten free in January because I have several autoimmune diseases and a big problem with inflammation (plus I had gotten pretty chunky). My mama’s home made biscuits might very well be my favorite thing to eat ever ( with the only exception being my grandmother’s biscuits). At first, I was mustering all the will power I could find to not eat her biscuits anymore while we were there for a visit. But then Brad wrote me a song that reminded me that one day (I hope in the very distant future,) I will not be able to eat my mama’s biscuits anymore because she won’t be here to make them, so the only logical thing to do is EAT THEM WHILE I CAN!
If you haven’t heard the song, pull it up and have a listen today. Enjoy every minute of this life we are given because you just don’t know when that last time for something you love or moment with someone you love will come. Maybe next time I’ll write about apple bottom jeans and boots with the fur…. Seniors, enjoy your last year of high school.
Last call, last chance
Last song, last dance
Sometimes you just don’t know when that’s gonna be
Hold me baby, give me a kiss
Like tonight is all there is
‘Cause there’s a last tine for everything
~Brad Paisley – Last Time for Everything
I wasn’t at this awesome location to take pictures of my baby girl, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating and we were trying to wait it out, I snapped a few. I came across this one again when editing, and it struck me. Ripples. See all the ripples? There are ripples from the tiny drops of rain, and there are ripples from the movement of my little girl. Since I love words, I knew there was a quote to go with this picture, but I had to refresh my memory via google of course. I found it. Perfect quote for this image.
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”—-Mother Teresa
This little girl didn’t grow in my womb. She grew in my heart. My husband and I said yes to the the call we felt to foster, which lead to us adopting our youngest two. Like many of you, I want to change the world. I want to make an impact for good on our world while I am here. At times I’ve tried to take on more than I can possibly do alone. I have learned now, this is where it is at. Casting my stones across the water. Stones I can hold in my hand. Not all the stones, or stones from another’s pile. Just the ones meant for me. There are so many good and worthy causes and ways to help leave this world better than we found it. But one person alone cannot carry all the stones. One person alone cannot cast all the stones. So find your stones and cast them and watch the ripples play out. I hope the ripples around this precious child lead to good things. I pray they continue onto good things I will never see in my time. Today, the stone you cast may be a simple smile or compliment that will create a ripple effect on someone’s life like a tiny drop of rain. It might be bigger than that like the ripples made by a child full of spunk. Whatever it is, keep casting, one stone at a time striving to make positive ripple effects on this old world. Since Mother Teresa walked the talk, I’ll leave you with another one of my favorite quotes of hers that will definitely make some good ripples.
If you want to change the world, go home and love on your family. ~ Mother Teresa
Friendships are hard, right? I know this from my own experiences both from when I was growing up and even now as an adult. They seem easy when things are going well, but when you hit a sticky spot or bump in the road, the test comes and you are reminded that relationships in general are not always easy. They are work. You have to be intentional. As an adult and mom of five and wife to one,you better believe friendships are work. They won’t make time for themselves, you have to be intentional or have fewer friends!
The Bible has a lot to say about friendships. I believe because the Lord knew how hard they can be and that we would need wisdom and guidance in order to maintain our friendships. One of my favorites from the Word is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. It says, “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Proverbs 17:17 is another favorite. “A friend loves at all times…” There is also this very pertinent nugget: Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character 1 Corinthians 15:33. We know the Word is full of truth and wisdom so it’s the first place to go when you need advice on friendships. But here is something you will learn about me if you get to know me. I love words. I love quotes. I love signs with great quotes and words from the wise. The walls that line my stair case are covered in pretty little word/quote signs. You can search friendship quotes and find an endless number of quotes and memes on the topic. Some are funny and light. Some are heavy and sad because they speak to the failed friendships. As a mother of five children, three of those being teenage girls, I’ve witnessed many rides on the friendship roller coaster as you might imagine. I’ve had plenty of my own experiences that hurt my heart, but what is even harder sometimes is to watch your children hurt from the jolts and bolts and crazy twist of the friendship coaster. I often see in my own children an attribute that I have seen many times in myself. Often, I find that I have a much bigger love for someone else than they have for me. That’s not all bad, just makes the heart break worse when things hit a hard place. If there is one thing that I would love for my girls ( and one boy because even in his early years he loves his friends) to learn much earlier in life than I have is to not continue to chase after anyone who does not value you or want to spend time with you. If you feel disposable to them, then do not continue to pursue something that isn’t mutual. That would save a lot of heartache if they could just learn that sooner rather than later. Especially before they start dating. None of mine have really dated yet and I can’t say that it makes me sad. I do not look forward to the day I walk beside them through their first heart break from a dating relationship. However, I’ve been there too so hopefully I will have some word of comfort to wrap around them when that time comes…because it will come, right? I don’t know too many people that managed to draw the get out of jail free card on that one. I guess the hard parts help us to better recognize the good things and learn lessons that will help us out the in the next relationship. If you know me well at all you know this is starting to feel a little heavy, so I’m going to lighten it up for you with the story of the beginnings of my daughter’s relationship with her best friend.
My second daughter is a senior this year so as I am getting my business off the ground, I’m thankful to have her and her friends to be my 2018 senior portrait models. Tonight I took them to one of my favorite shoot locations and took some friend photographs as well as individual senior pictures. This post on friendship came to me as I was editing their pictures and looking into the beautiful faces of my daughters’ friends. Sweet girls, and this daughter in particular has really stayed on the kiddie park rides in her friendships so far. She keeps her circle small and less risky. In fact, one of these girls has remained her best friend for 5 years. In teenage girls friendships, I believe we can count those years kinda like we do dog years because those are some really tough friendship years. Especially if you consider the beginnings of the friendship. My first memory of KB spending time with our family should have sent her running and made Kaitlyn the laughing stock of her class because of her mother… but it didn’t. We had taken KB to the Keifer fireworks show with our family. It was wonderful, but the whole hoopla lasts several hours and draws a very large crowd for a town that is usually very small. So, when it is over and time to leave, you have to wait a really long time to get out of there because the traffic is so terrible the police have to direct the whole thing. The problem that arises is that my bladder is about the size of a thimble I believe and well…it was really full and we were trapped in the area we parked in with NO BATHROOMS ANYWHERE near. NO WHERE. No trees to hide behind….NOTHING to help a girl out. It got so bad that I decided I had two choices. One, let my bladder rupture ( not a good option) or two, I was just going to have to pee in the little Steinmart sack I found in my car. Now my car at the time was a Honda Odyssey mini van. Keep in mind how the passenger doors of a minivan open…and how when you open those doors, the lights in the cabin of the car come on…you will need this visual. So I get to the point I’m in severe pain and need to go with option two or die. So I announce to the girls what is going to have to happen. Unfortunately, even though I love to wear dresses, this time I was in shorts. This means I had to fully disrobe from the waste down to save my bladder from rupturing. The girls close their eye, I disrobe from the waste down and position the tiny Steinmart sack in place to relieve my bladder. It was painful but finally successful. UNTIL I REALIZED THE BAG HAD A SMALL HOLE AND WAS LEAKING. So without really thinking I open the door to throw the bag out of my car and the lights in the cabin come on. YIKES. We all know that those lights in cabin of our vehicles don’t immediately go off when we close the door either. So lots of commotion while I’m half naked holding a leaking bag of pee in an area that is packed out with other people in their cars. I think at this point the girls were laughing so hard they couldn’t see anything anyway. All that to say, if KB continued to come around after that before she was even fully invested in the relationship, I believe she will always be one of Kaitlyn’s very best friends. If not, we can always blame it on my shenanigans from five years ago.
Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can’t stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting on you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you’re down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times, and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend and forever has no end.
Author unknown.
My love of photography began in the early moments of motherhood. I do not ever remember having an interest in photography before having a child. Once that first baby came into my life, I wanted to capture so many little moments and memories and freeze them in time. I had three precious little baby girls within three and a half years. Life was busy and fast paced. Here we are almost 19 years later and now we are the parents of five. There have been seasons that I have devoted more energy to learning how to improve my photography skills and there have been seasons where it just didn’t seem to fit into the schedule. “The days are long, but the years are short” is a quote full of truth. Looking back through old photos always reminds me just how quickly the years pass. My love of photography really dwells in my mama heart. Children and Family photography are where I am most comfortable. I love to capture personality. The “everybody look this way and smile” is not my favorite pose, although I know it has it’s place. I’m guilty of loving only one side of the camera and therefore, regretfully I failed repeatedly to get an annual family photo. That is something I would change if I had the chance to do it again. Don’t wait until you lose those 10 pounds mama, or grow your hair back out, just schedule the pictures. I’m pretty sure in just a few short years you won’t regret it.
