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Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

July 1, 2022 By Ruthie Ridley No Comments

Ruthie Ridley Blog Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

Every single summer I try to take photos as a family, whether that’s for birthdays (we have quite a few in June and July) or Father’s Day. I just love to get updated pictures as these kids are growing so quickly! I actually really enjoy coordinating outfits so I wanted to give you guys a few tips on how I get organized for family photos in the summer!

Ruthie Ridley Blog Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

Choosing a Photographer

As doable as it may be to get a tripod and take family photos yourself, I strongly recommend hiring a photographer. This makes the entire process 10 times easier for many obvious reasons. For instance, you won’t have to edit anything or set anything up, it saves so much time and energy on your part and you get to just enjoy quality time with your family during the process.

Finding the right photographer is also very important. We’ve known our photographer for years, but for those who are searching for a new photographer, make sure to check their website, instagram, etc. to see if their style fits what you’re looking for.

I would also recommend having some sort of conversation via phone call, Zoom or even in person to make sure you guys work well together. The better you get along with your photographer, the more natural and comfortable it feels they day of the photoshoot. It’s so much easier getting photos done by someone you’re comfortable with than by someone you feel awkward around. Believe me, you’ll be able to see it in the photos.

Ruthie Ridley Blog Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

Location, Wardrobe & Timing

Once you have your photographer, the next things to consider are where you will shoot, what you want to wear and when you’ll shoot.

Timing is pretty easy. One of the best times to take photos is golden hour. Golden hour occurs a few hours after sunrise and a couple hours before sunset. It always makes for such beautiful lighting in your photos.

As for location, you can honestly shoot anywhere. I typically like to find places not too far from home that don’t have anything distracting happening around it and will make for a picturesque backdrop. For example, these pictures were literally taken a few minutes down the road from our house in an area with a bunch of trees and greenery. So easy and made for great photos!

When it comes to wardrobe there are a couple things I take into consideration. Comfortability, the season we’re currently in, and cohesiveness. I want everyone to feel as free and comfortable as they can. You don’t have to dress in fancy dresses or a suit and tie. It was so hot this day, too, so I knew we needed shorts, short sleeves and maybe some dresses. The more comfortable you are the better time you’ll have.

Next, I pay attention to the season both for comfort like I previously mentioned, but also for color schemes and styles. I would never style my family in these clothes if we were doing this in the winter, but since it’s summer I went with warm, neutral tones. Honestly, 10 out of 10 times earth tones are the best for photoshoots. It makes it so you stay the focus of the shoot and not your clothes.

Lastly, you want everything to be cohesive. I usually start with one outfit and then try to match everything from there. I also hardly ever put someone in the same exact outfit as another person. Especially as my kids get older, they are so different and have such unique styles I always want that to show.

Ruthie Ridley Blog Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

Have Fun With It

When taking the photos just have fun with it! We’re often taught to pose and “say cheese”, but this is the exact opposite of what you want to do. You want your natural joy to come through and this comes from simply laughing and talking with your family. Trust your photographer to put you in flattering positions, but beyond that, just treat this as quality time with your family. Joke, laugh, stick out your tongue like Judah in the picture below. Don’t worry about posing. Relax and have fun with your family!

Ruthie Ridley Blog Summer Family Photos Tips & Tricks

The more my kids grow, the happier I am that we take time to do photoshoots as least once a year. Time seems to go by faster and faster every year and I’m so lucky to have photos like these to look back on.

I hope this helped give you some ideas for your next photoshoot. If you’d like to shop any of our outfits as well, you can simply click on the icons below for similar looks.


Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: family, family outfits, family photoshoot, family time, photography, photoshoot tips

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Ruthie Ridley Blog was established in January of 2015 out of a strong desire to have a place for creative expression both with her love for all things fashion and deep faith in Christ. Ruthie loves classic, timeless style with a side of fun, flirty flair! Faith and family is the foundation of her life where everything she does flows out from. She believes that with hard work and chasing big dreams, anything can be achieved!

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Eli 🐶 and I are styling a blazer + denim👖 lo Eli 🐶 and I are styling a blazer + denim👖 look for your Monday ☀️ morning 😝!! I honestly have had this look on major repeat!! I shared this look on stories but it needs an in feed moment! It’s an easy business casual look - but also perfect for everyday errands etc! What do we think!?! 

I ordered a medium in the tank- large in the blazer, size 10 in @kutfromthekloth denim but could’ve sized down (lots of stretch)! Outfit linked in my bio 🥰🫶🏾🥰

#blazer #blazerstyle #blazeranddenim #blazerlook #kutfromthecloth #ootd #grwm #size10 #size10outfits #size10fashion
It’s not the month of LOVE without a @Radleylond It’s not the month of LOVE without a @Radleylondon ❤️ bag 🫶🏾!!! I mean can you even?!! She is SO cute 💕💖💕 #ad #RadleyLondon
Happy Black History month & first day of February Happy Black History month & first day of February 💕💖❤️!! Found the sweetest heart print dress at #target!! What do we think of black for Valentine’s Day?! Outfit linked in bio🫶🏾🫶🏾

#valentinesdaylooks #targetstyle #targetdress #valentinesdayinspo # #targetfinds🎯
Treat YO self to some self care 💆🏽‍♀️ Treat YO self to some self care 💆🏽‍♀️ 🛀🏾 💆🏽‍♀️!! Lately I’ve been finding the need to slow down & take care of myself. Sometimes that means a nice bath or if I don’t have the time a Eucalyptus shower with @auracacia tablets! It is a true aromatherapy experience. 

I also love the Aura Cacia Relaxing Lavender Foam Bath! Your skin will feel relaxed and rejuvenated after using it!! Lastly, #auracacia carryies a Lavender bubble bath. This gets me calm and ready for bed. I love that they are infused with  essential oils 🫶🏾! Shop my faves via link in my bio! RUTHIERIDLEY20 is valid for 20% off anything on auracacia.com!
Eight years ago this month I decided to start anot Eight years ago this month I decided to start another blog after two failed attempts - just honestly thinking I was gonna fail again! I started it anyway and I’m so glad I did. I began inexperienced, insecure and juggling a full-time, nursing job! 

I am now able to do what I love full-time and spend so much more time with my family which was the ultimate goal. 

Do not let the fear of failure stop you from trying again or trying at all!! Sometimes it’s that seventh or eighth attempt that will bring you success!!! Failure is a huge part of progress & success!! 

Is there something that you’ve been holding off on trying?! I’m rooting you on! You can do it!!

Ps. There’s a YouTube video up sharing about my journey from full time nursing to full time content creator!! Link in bio 🫶🏾🫶🏾
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Ps. Head to my stories to check out the new Mickey & Minnie runaway railroad ride we got to go on yesterday along with the new nighttime spectacular show!!! All so magical!! (Everything is saved to my #Disney100 highlight as well) 🥳 #disney100 #hosted
Bucket list moments!!! Swipe left to see the slopp Bucket list moments!!! Swipe left to see the sloppy wet kiss Minnie gave J🤭🥰💕 #disney100

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#disneyland @disneyland @disneyparks
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I have had the Walmart+ membership for almost 2 years and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! With a membership fee of $12.95 a mo. of $98 a year, you can save over $1300 a year on groceries, shipping, fuel, and more (Compared against 2 deliveries/wk at non-member $7.95 fee + 2 Walmart.com orders under $35/wk at non-member $6.99 shipping fee. Restrictions apply.)! Head to the link in my bio to sign up today! They also offer a 30 day free trial to test out the benefits before fully committing 🎉! #walmartplus 

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Eli 🐶 and I are styling a blazer + denim👖 lo Eli 🐶 and I are styling a blazer + denim👖 look for your Monday ☀️ morning 😝!! I honestly have had this look on major repeat!! I shared this look on stories but it needs an in feed moment! It’s an easy business casual look - but also perfect for everyday errands etc! What do we think!?! 

I ordered a medium in the tank- large in the blazer, size 10 in @kutfromthekloth denim but could’ve sized down (lots of stretch)! Outfit linked in my bio 🥰🫶🏾🥰

#blazer #blazerstyle #blazeranddenim #blazerlook #kutfromthecloth #ootd #grwm #size10 #size10outfits #size10fashion
It’s not the month of LOVE without a @Radleylond It’s not the month of LOVE without a @Radleylondon ❤️ bag 🫶🏾!!! I mean can you even?!! She is SO cute 💕💖💕 #ad #RadleyLondon
Happy Black History month & first day of February Happy Black History month & first day of February 💕💖❤️!! Found the sweetest heart print dress at #target!! What do we think of black for Valentine’s Day?! Outfit linked in bio🫶🏾🫶🏾

#valentinesdaylooks #targetstyle #targetdress #valentinesdayinspo # #targetfinds🎯
Treat YO self to some self care 💆🏽‍♀️ Treat YO self to some self care 💆🏽‍♀️ 🛀🏾 💆🏽‍♀️!! Lately I’ve been finding the need to slow down & take care of myself. Sometimes that means a nice bath or if I don’t have the time a Eucalyptus shower with @auracacia tablets! It is a true aromatherapy experience. 

I also love the Aura Cacia Relaxing Lavender Foam Bath! Your skin will feel relaxed and rejuvenated after using it!! Lastly, #auracacia carryies a Lavender bubble bath. This gets me calm and ready for bed. I love that they are infused with  essential oils 🫶🏾! Shop my faves via link in my bio! RUTHIERIDLEY20 is valid for 20% off anything on auracacia.com!
Eight years ago this month I decided to start anot Eight years ago this month I decided to start another blog after two failed attempts - just honestly thinking I was gonna fail again! I started it anyway and I’m so glad I did. I began inexperienced, insecure and juggling a full-time, nursing job! 

I am now able to do what I love full-time and spend so much more time with my family which was the ultimate goal. 

Do not let the fear of failure stop you from trying again or trying at all!! Sometimes it’s that seventh or eighth attempt that will bring you success!!! Failure is a huge part of progress & success!! 

Is there something that you’ve been holding off on trying?! I’m rooting you on! You can do it!!

Ps. There’s a YouTube video up sharing about my journey from full time nursing to full time content creator!! Link in bio 🫶🏾🫶🏾
Logging 20,000 + steps🚶🏾‍♀️per day and Logging 20,000 + steps🚶🏾‍♀️per day and eating all the goodies in #disneyland this week 😋🍭🍦🍿!!! Calories don’t count right 😛 What’s your favorite thing to eat/drink at the parks?! 

Ps. Head to my stories to check out the new Mickey & Minnie runaway railroad ride we got to go on yesterday along with the new nighttime spectacular show!!! All so magical!! (Everything is saved to my #Disney100 highlight as well) 🥳 #disney100 #hosted
Bucket list moments!!! Swipe left to see the slopp Bucket list moments!!! Swipe left to see the sloppy wet kiss Minnie gave J🤭🥰💕 #disney100

#disneystyle #disneyparks #dlr #ohmydisney #disneyinsta #disneyfamily
#disneycreator #disneyblog #disneytips #disneyland #hosted @disneyparks @disneyland
WE MADE IT TO @DISNEYLAND TO CELEBRATE #Disney100 WE MADE IT TO @DISNEYLAND TO CELEBRATE #Disney100 🎉🕺🏼💃🏾🎉!!! What a special time to be in the parks!! These kids even got me to go on incredicoaster again lol! Follow along on stories for some special behind the scenes activities with some other super cool creators on this trip!! What is your favorite ride at Disneyland? Mine is definitely space mountain!!!! 
#disneyland @disneyland @disneyparks
When was the last time you were able to smile 😀 When was the last time you were able to smile 😀 at the gas pump?! With my Walmart+ membership I can save up to $.10 per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart & Murphy fuel stations!!! #walmartpartner With the cost of gas in California and really all over the country, this is a huge savings 👏🏾👏🏾!!! This benefit includes over 14K stations nationwide! (Fuel discount varies by location & station, subject to change.) 
 
I have had the Walmart+ membership for almost 2 years and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! With a membership fee of $12.95 a mo. of $98 a year, you can save over $1300 a year on groceries, shipping, fuel, and more (Compared against 2 deliveries/wk at non-member $7.95 fee + 2 Walmart.com orders under $35/wk at non-member $6.99 shipping fee. Restrictions apply.)! Head to the link in my bio to sign up today! They also offer a 30 day free trial to test out the benefits before fully committing 🎉! #walmartplus 

#liketkit #LTKfamily #LTKtravel #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/400CA
New January @loft arrivals! I literally cannot pic New January @loft arrivals! I literally cannot pick a favorite piece! Which one do you love the most!? Shop them all via link in my bio! 🫶🏾. #loveloft #ad
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