The Tradition That Tells Our Story
Every year, our mom asks for one birthday gift: an extended family portrait. It’s the one thing she truly wants—no shopping, no surprises—just everyone together, captured in one frame.
Besides all four boys getting “so much taller!” each year, this tradition has become our way of honoring her request and celebrating something bigger: our family, our legacy, and the simple rhythms that keep us connected.
As a northern Colorado photographer, I’m reminded again and again that the best portraits aren’t just about posing—they’re about pausing. They preserve the season we’re in before it changes again.
Ordinary Moments, Extraordinary Meaning
We keep it simple: a nearby location, open shade, golden light, and a few laughs that usually lead to storytelling about another family memory.
Each gallery becomes part of our family’s heirloom collection. We print a few favorites for the walls, my mom uses some for her Christmas cards, and my dad adds them to their digital photo frame so they can enjoy them all year long.
There’s something grounding about holding your memories in print—seeing how faces, heights, and hairstyles shift each year.
Choosing What to Wear (Without Panick!)
When families ask for outfit advice, I always start here: solid colors first. They photograph beautifully, complement every skin tone, and keep the focus where it belongs—on connection rather than patterns or logos.
A few weeks before this year’s session, my sister and I realized we were both wearing the exact blouses we’re wearing in these portraits. It clicked instantly. I said, “Let’s just wear these and build the color palette around them!”
She looks incredible in blues and teals (none of which exist in my closet), so we coordinated colors instead of matching. Think of a color wheel! What’s next to your color—or across from it? That’s how you find harmony.
My younger son lives in military green (’Merica!)—which happens to be my favorite color—and my older son, nicknamed Captain America, practically lives in bright blue or flannel. He prefers bootcut jeans, while his brother can’t stand stiff denim and sticks to cargo pants. And honestly? It works. You don’t have to have everyone in jeans for family portraits.
You don’t have to match perfectly to look cohesive. Mix khaki, denim, and cargo fabrics within a shared color story, and you’ll look like you belong together—not like you shopped together.
I am always adding family portrait outfits ideas to Pinterest… you can click over and be inspired for your next family portrait session!
From Capsule Wardrobes to Color Harmony
Earlier this spring, I wrote about creating a capsule wardrobe for portraits. The concept is simple: a small, mix-and-match collection of pieces you love, where everything coordinates with everything else.
When a family coordinates for photos, it’s not technically a “capsule”—it’s called a color palette or harmonious wardrobe plan. A few intentional tones that look beautiful together and photograph naturally.
For our portraits, we built our palette around navy, muted green, soft teal, and lavender. Yes, I was the only one in lavender—apparently I’m the family rebel (and it’s not Anne Wilson’s fault)! But if I’d worn green also, I would’ve clashed with my younger son.
That’s the fun of it: creating a color story that reflects your family’s personality. When your wardrobe feels like you, the images will too. (And yes, my parents have an annual fist-bump photo “from the waist up” per their request—it’s tradition!)
Little Details That Matter
I always remind families to dress head to toe, because the camera sees everything. If socks or shoes don’t match the vibe, we’ll end up hiding feet in tall grass or cropping strategically.
Before each session, I help families think through the finishing touches:
- Which jewelry pieces feel timeless? (My sister, for example, chose to remove her Oura ring for these.)
- Belt or no belt?
- Contacts or glasses for the day? (If glasses are your trademark, keep them!)
Those small decisions turn casual snapshots into cohesive, heirloom portraits.
Finding the Right Humor
Real smiles don’t always come from saying “cheese.” They come from laughter and connection.
Before sessions, I always ask what kind of humor works best for your crew. Some families love a little teasing, others need silly jokes or a burst of boy humor to get things rolling.
And when all else fails, I say, “If you don’t smile, I’ll have to add AI-generated ones later—and trust me, those look ridiculous.” That usually earns at least a smirk or giggle.
Northern Colorado’s Perfect Backdrop
Late summer and early autumn are my favorite seasons here in Colorado. The meadows around Loveland, Windsor, and Greeley hold soft, golden light, and every tree tells a slightly different story.
It seems the leaves are changing a bit later this year. I’m still waiting for that moment when green turns to a full mix of yellow, orange, and crimson—right before a Colorado snowstorm wipes it all clean!
If you’ve been hoping for updated portraits before the season slips away, be sure to reach out. I still have a few October spots available.
From Daughter to Photographer
On a personal note, photographing my own family always feels tender. One minute I’m checking my camera settings and adjusting my tripod, and the next I’m realizing my boys are young men…
They literally look like my personal security detail these days, as a sweet lady at church pointed out!
It’s equal parts gratitude and disbelief. And it reminds me why I do what I do for other families: these photographs are proof of love and belonging in a world that changes so quickly.
Look at us from last year!
Start Your Own Tradition
If you’ve been meaning to update your portraits, now is a wonderful time. I’ll help you plan your color palette, choose a location that fits your family, and make the process thoughtful and fun.
You’ll walk away with heirloom portraits that not only look beautiful but feel like your family—and yes, they’ll look amazing on your Christmas cards too.
📸 Let’s start planning your 2025 family session →
Heather Lilly is a photographer and creative collaborator based in Northern Colorado. She loves Jesus, her two boys, chai with friends, singing loudly while driving, and keeping a secret stash of dark chocolate for editing marathons.
Through Heather Lilly Photography, she captures family, senior, and branding portraits that tell honest stories of connection and legacy. When she’s not behind the camera, Heather helps small businesses, speakers, and authors polish their words through blogging, SEO, and virtual assistant support—because creativity is better when it’s shared. You can contact her anytime here and follow her on Instagram & Facebook.
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