Ah, family photos. The annual event where someone cries, someone refuses to wear the outfit you picked, and someone inevitably ends up with a random stain on their shirt. But hey, we’re not going for perfection here. We’re going for magic: the little glances, the windblown hair, the “hold still while I bribe you with fruit snacks” moments that actually tell your story.
Here’s how to capture your family photos the Vignette Girls way: real, relaxed, and ridiculously cute.
1. Forget “Say Cheese,” Try “Act Silly”
Instead of stiff smiles, cue up chaos with charm. Tell everyone to walk toward the camera like they’re in slow-motion. Whisper a secret in your kid’s ear. Have Dad spin someone around. Ask your toddler to “make your biggest dinosaur face.” The point? Movement and laughter look way better than “forced smiles and hidden resentment.”
2. Wardrobe: The Art of Coordinated, Not Cloned
Matchy-matchy is out. Harmonious vibes are in. Here’s the easy formula: Pick 3-4 colors that feel earthy, cozy, or light (think: sage, cream, denim, blush, rust). Mix textures: flowy dress, linen shirt, denim jacket, knits. Avoid big logos, neon, or busy prints that’ll fight for camera time. If in doubt, start with mom’s outfit (because let’s be honest, she’s the creative director here).
Bonus: Bare feet for beach shots, boots for fall fields, sandals for summer. Easy peasy.
3. Chase the Light
Photographers call it golden hour for a reason. That soft, dreamy light an hour after sunrise or before sunset makes everyone look like they’ve been getting eight hours of sleep and green juice.
Midday sun = squints, sweat, and cranky faces. Golden hour = actual magic.
4. Make It Feel Like a Story
Bring props or setups that make sense for your family. Picnic blanket + basket of snacks, Bubbles for the kids, Dog on a leash (bonus chaos, bonus cuteness), favorite book to read together and, cozy blanket to cuddle under
Think less “pose for the camera” and more “this is what we do on our best days.”
5. Don’t take it so seriously. It’s just a picture!
Someone will cry. Someone will spill something. Someone will absolutely make a weird face right when the camera clicks. It’s fine. Perfectly fine. Because when you look back, you won’t remember who wasn’t smiling—you’ll remember that you were all there, together, in that messy, beautiful moment.
Final Tip: Make It Fun, or Don’t Make It at All
Family photos don’t have to feel like a chore or a magazine shoot. Let your family’s real energy show through. Whether that’s goofy, calm, chaotic, or sweet, it’s you and that’s where the real magic is.
So, grab your camera (or your phone, or your best friend with the steady hands), dress everyone in something comfy and cute, and go make a little vignette of your own.
Oh and while you are at- tag us your favorite Vignette looks this season to be featured on our fed!