Updating your family photos is important. You are documenting each stage of your life with your children and giving them tangible memories to hold on to. There is so much more importance attached to this than just pretty pictures. A family photo session is not just about having photos to hang on your wall. It is an opportunity to take pause and connect with your family. I want my photo sessions to feel like a fun experience for my families and not like a chore. It should be something to which you look forward and enjoy being a part of. How exactly do you accomplish this? Read below to find out.

Eliminate PreConceived Notions

You may be thinking that having pictures taken of you and your children is going to be rigid or maybe you are thinking you are going to be put into awkward poses. This is not the case with me. I try to keep the session light hearted and active. I do ask you to do a few silly things and I will direct and prompt you, but what I am aiming for is for natural moments to present themselves through those prompts.

Don’t worry about the kids

Kids are kids. I have seen it all and truly nothing phases me, so please don’t worry about the kids. Some people put off a photo session because they worry that their kids won’t cooperate or be unruly. This is especially true with toddler aged kids. The last thing a young child wants to do is sit still for a camera. I will pose and prompt you, but most of my prompts are interactive. I promise you…if you are relaxed and allow them to be themselves, you will get beautiful images.

Be open to Non Traditional Photos

I like the traditional photos and they have a place in my photo session, but the photos that will mean the most to you are the ones that show your connection to your children and their personalities. With toddlers, this is just not the reality of life. They are on the go and want to have fun. While I do capture these images during the session, it is no my goal to deliver a gallery filled with traditional images. I like to leave room in the session to capture those fun and candid moments that show your family dynamic. The more time we spend on rigid/posed images, the less time we have for that.

Treat your Session like a Date with Your Family

I am a photographer and I still schedule a photo session with a photographer annually. We all look forward to the session not so much because of the photos because I capture tons of those throughout the year. We look forward to having our family pictures taken because it truly feels like a special experience for us. As the kids get older, it is even more important. It is an hour without cellphones, TV, friends, chores, games and distractions. It allows you to show your love for one another and reconnect and bond. We always leave a session on a high and my husband and daughters always says how much fun they had. If you look at it more from that perspective it alleviates the pressure and allows you to unwind.

Choose a Special Location to You

I try to use locations that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but allow children the opportunity to explore. I also want the location to encourage movement in some way. If you choose a location that is new to your children or is fun, it adds to the family photo experience. Look at your photo session more like an adventure as opposed to a task.

Eliminate the Stress

Does dressing your family cause you stress? I got you. I have a client closet with women’s dresses available on loan and I can style your whole family with a custom styling board. I take all of the guess work out of the wardrobe for you. Are you unsure where the session should take place? Tell me a little bit about your family and your goals and I can suggest a place. Worried that your kids won’t stand still for pics? They don’t have to with me, so it isn’t a problem.

Bring the Dog to Your Session

I love dogs and I know how important they are to a family. Bringing the family dog to your session adds to the fun of the session, so if it isn’t too much for you, bring your fur baby along. If you have little ones and feel like it may be too much, you can bring along an additional person to supervise your dog in between shots.

Recent Family Session

This family really understood the assignment and brought their A game to the session. They were a blast to work with and their goal was to have images that capture their love for each other and of them having fun on the beach at sunset. I captured a few all eyes on camera images, but most of what I photographed was interactive. Although they were prompted and directed, many of these moments unfolded naturally. When I guide you into a pose, my goal is to allow for these special moments to present themselves. I sometimes use prompts to elicit it and other times I don’t. It is all about capturing love and emotion.

Ready to Schedule your Family Photo Experience?

Contact me to book a session.