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 Worried your family pictures won't turn out well?  Debbie Lenhert has lots of experience to share with you about getting your family photographed.  Below are some frequently-asked questions people have about basic photography.

Q: I’m worried and stress about my kids throwing a fit, not behaving, getting dirty and not getting the good picture we’re paying for.

A: Don’t stress it! It’s so common and this is when an experienced photographer is worth their weight in gold! Look for a photographer who has experience with kids! They’ll be able to redirect, turn the situation around with games, silly faces, funny noises or just needed space and time. If the parent starts getting tense and stressed it will only make it worse for the child!

Q: What things should you be looking for to make your photos look great?

A. Have fun, enjoy your family and try to stay as relaxed as possible. Make sure to get your kids excited about the day! If you’re excited about it then they are more likely to be as well. Don’t be afraid to be silly, make jokes, break out a tickle fight, goof off and enjoy your kids.

Q: What should we wear?

A: Don’t go and spend a huge part of your budget on new outfits for the entire family! Photos are about your family, NOT your clothes! Wear what you feel good in! Aim to stay classic and maybe add in a few pops of color with scarves, belts, shoes or hair bows and think of layers and texture over patterns and prints.

Q: Any photography faux pas people should avoid?

A: Pay attention to what is behind and around your subject. Make sure a fence post isn’t behind them or a tree isn’t coming out of their heads, a trash can or diaper bag isn‘t in the background.

Also, keep photo edits natural  A common mistake is editing so much so that the subject doesn’t look natural, hence the “cyborg eye” look. Also, avoid having everyone too “matchy-matchy”. You don’t dress everyone in khaki pants and white shirts when you go to the grocery story or church so don’t do it for your photos!

Q: Where are good places for pictures? Indoor? Outdoor?

A: Personally, outdoor is my favorite for the best, most natural looking photo. Idaho is so beautiful nearly all year round, especially this time of year! Consider your family’s personality first and keeping them safe is priority! You wouldn’t want to take a high-energy toddler to a busy urban location or a body of water like the Boise river. Also, scope out the location a day or two in advance at the same time of day you plan the photos. That lovely spot on the greenbelt may not be so lovely at noon as it is at 4 p.m. Also, your photographer will always be able to help decide locations as well.

Q: What kind of picture themes/props are trending?

A: My personal philosophy is that “less is best."  You don’t want props and themes to overpower your subject. Try to keep things understated and neutral. Props or themes should be an accent not a subject. A classic chair to sit on, a neutral quilt for the family to sit on, small cases for little children and chalk boards work well as props.

Check out Debbie's examples to see the tips in action.