{one: color coordinate}

• color coordinate without matching one another too much
• find a color or two and use different shades on everyone
• coordinate colors without everyone wearing pants (e.g. girls in dresses)
• try not to overdo the colors you choose, trying have some people in the picture just have a slight color pop (e.g. red shirt popping out of a blazer or bring out your color in just accessories)

• don’t be afraid to use patterns
• find one or two fun patterns and use that as your base 
• if one or two people in the picture are in patterns, the rest should be in coordinating solids to match

look at some examples:

(courtesy of blue lily photography, kabloom studios, and jonathan canlas photography)

{three: redo the traditional}

• go simple and traditional but add something new
• do traditional colors in a trendy fashion
• do white or black with fun accessories or props
• go simple clothing but use a bright and fun location

look at these examples:

(courtesy of anne ruthman photography and jill thomas photography)

{four: go for style}

• use bright colors
• get fun shoes (colorful shoes, impractical shoes, boots)
• accessories  (hats, scarfs, hair pieces, belts, glasses)
• layer
• go vintage

look at some examples:

(courtesy of blue lily photography, kabloom studios, and jill thomas photography)

{five : be yourself }

• after all this just remember that pictures are meant to capture you and your family, so be you!
• if you are a casual family, go casual.  if you love style, go stylish!  
• bring props that capture you, your family, or your kids.  (cute bikew, guitars, wagons, fun skirts for girls)