I know what you're thinking ... the holidays are months away, why would I read an article about family portraits?

Lucy Riles: My answer is simple. Take advantage while the weather is still nice and the kids are still out of school to snap a picture-perfect shot without spending tons of money on professional photography. Ask a friend or family member to tag along to help shoot. Here's how:

Day at the Beach: These are classic shots that never get old. Let the kids play and see what type of natural shots you discover. Make a sand castle, fly a kite, hit the waves, build your own human pyramid ... the sky's the limit, literally!

Flower Child: Take your children to a beautiful garden, whether it's your local zoo or your own backyard. Find a place that has a beautiful landscape to set a stunning backdrop. Snap shots while your daughter Daisy smells a field of wild daisies, or your daughter Sarah Rose holds a single rose.

The Old Ballgame: If your family members are huge sports fans, capture your son's first hot dog at the ballpark, the seventh inning stretch, or a classic father/son moment.

Location! Location! Location!: Whether you're on a mountain, in the south of France, or cruising down Route 66, make these dynamic moments into pictures your family will cherish for years.

Dos & Don'ts: Do think outside of the box: what would a professional photographer do with this setting? Don't be afraid to take risks. Do experiment with black-and-white pictures -- they are always classic and timeless. Don't be a victim of another holiday card full of posing smiles and Christmas sweaters!

Lucy Riles is a party planner and has been since she was a little girl. Being the youngest of 12 children, Lucy and her Mom were always coming up with new, exciting ways to throw a great party on a budget. To this day, Lucy loves planning and hosting parties for others. She is also a newlywed and lives in LA with her husband, Tommy, and dog, Mr. BoJangles. Connect with Lucy in the momlogic community!