Capturing "Little" Memories (jcpenney Portrait Studio)

My kiddos are growing SO fast!  It's crazy to think that a year ago, Little Miss Princess was tiny and Little Man was just toddling around.  Now he's running full speed ahead into late toddlerhood and she's the one toddling around!

It's so important to catch these moments on "film" and one way to do that is by getting everyone together for a family portrait every now and then.  I know looking back on my own pictures from babyhood on up is a lot of fun and I'm sure my kids will enjoy it just as much as I will when they're older.

 photo from jcpportraits.com

Sometimes a tight budget can make it hard to get portraits done -- so often they're crazy expensive and then you want to get more pictures than you really have budgeted for in the first place.  JCPenney has an awesome April portrait special: $20 for 6 traditional portrait sheets (mix and match size and images) as well as one free $9 sitting fee.

I like that it's only 6 sheets, it's a good number for sharing with close family and just enough for the wall without being overabundant.  (Do you have pictures just sitting around in drawers because you got too many?  I do!  Oops!)

You all know I'm sort of a Pinterest junky, so I created a board especially to pin portrait ideas!  Check it out here: Inspiration Pinboard.

There are so many tips and tricks to getting great photos - here are a few I'd like to share!

Keep clothing simple. Try to choose solid colors for your portraits. Avoid large, bold patterns such as plaids and stripes. Remember, bright colors also draw attention away from your face.

Avoid short sleeves and tank tops. Long sleeves will draw attention away from your arms and helps bring the focus back to your face.

Darker clothing slims. Choose shades of black, brown, blue, dark green and other jewel-toned colors. Light tones tend to emphasize body size. *Scoops or v-necks flatter shorter necks and full faces. Turtlenecks or high-necked garments flatter longer necks and slender faces.

Keep clothing consistent. Dress everyone in the same style. Don't mix casual and formal clothing in portraits. Coordinate Colors

Wear light on white. Light pastel or white clothing looks best against a light-colored or white portrait background.

Wear dark on dark. Dark clothing looks best against darker backgrounds and creates a more formal mood in portraits.

Don't mix light and dark colors in portraits. Show your style in small accents. Save stronger colors and patterns for accessories like scarves and neckties.

Add in your personality. Bring your own props for a personal touch. Consider items such as baby blanket, stuffed animal, or a special toy.

I think Little Man's next portraits will have "blank" (his favorite blankie that is very well loved) in them.  It's so important to him at this point in his life and I'd like to keep that memory strong for him when he outgrows it!

What are your favorite excuses for portraits?  Do you have any tips or inspiration you could share with the rest of us?

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of jcpenney Portrait Studio. I was asked to create a Pinterest Board and pin at least five (5) pins. I give jcpenney the right to repin any or all images/original content from this board. I received a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.