If I had a dollar for every time a parent apologized for their child before we even started the session…
I’d probably be able to buy every family coffee afterward. Lol.
Almost every family says some version of:
“He’s so shy.”
“She never smiles for pictures.”
“They’re probably going to be wild.”
Can I let you in on a little secret?
I’m counting on it.
This Is Actually Why Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
Every photographer has a different style and approach, and that’s a good thing.
I once hired a photographer whose style was very heavily posed. She was talented, kind, and created beautiful images.
But as a mom, I left feeling disappointed because we didn’t get a single genuine photograph of my children just being themselves.
That experience taught me something valuable.
I realized I wasn’t looking for perfect poses, I was looking for connection.
It’s one of the biggest reasons I photograph the way I do today.
My sessions are a blend of gently guided portraits and natural prompts. We’ll absolutely capture those timeless smiling-at-the-camera images, but we’ll also leave room for the laughter, the cuddles, the movement, and the little moments you could never pose.
Because those are often the photographs families cherish the most.
Children Weren’t Meant to Stand Still
Think about your favorite memories of your kids.
Are they standing perfectly still with their hands folded?
Probably not.
They’re running barefoot through the grass.
They’re giggling so hard they can barely breathe.
They’re wrapped around your leg asking to be picked up.
They’re collecting rocks.
They’re chasing butterflies.
They’re being exactly who they are.
That’s the version of your child I want to remember.
The Goal Isn’t Perfect Behavior
My goal has never been to create perfectly behaved children.
My goal is to create meaningful photographs.
Sometimes that means we pause for a snack.
Sometimes we take a little walk.
Sometimes we play a game.
Sometimes we let them cuddle you, and bury their face into your chest.
Sometimes we simply let toddlers be toddlers.
Believe it or not, those moments often create the most genuine emotion.
I Expect Wiggles
Your two-year-old may want to explore.
Your four-year-old may tell me all about dinosaurs instead of looking at the camera.
Your seven-year-old may crack jokes.
Good.
That tells me they’re comfortable.
Some of the most beautiful photographs happen in the middle of the movement.
Parents, You Can Relax Too
Children are incredibly good at sensing stress.
If Mom and Dad are worried about getting the “perfect picture,” kids usually feel that pressure too.
This isn't the time to punish them for not following a prompt. Save that for the car ride home if needed.
I promise it'll be okay to let your kids be kids. You will be amazed at what I'm able to capture during those in-between moments if you just let your little ones warm up and express themselves.
Instead…
Love on your babies.
Tickle them.
Snuggle them.
Whisper something silly.
Play together.
I’ll take care of the rest.
The “Perfect Smile” Isn’t Everything
Of course we’ll try for a few smiling-at-the-camera portraits.
Mom will love those. Grandma will too.
But the photographs families come back to year after year usually aren’t the perfectly posed ones.
They’re the way your daughter reached for your hand.
The way your son buried his face in Dad’s shoulder.
The way your toddler wrapped both arms around your neck without anyone asking.
Those moments can’t be posed.
They simply happen.
Trust the Process
If your child needs a break, we’ll take one.
If they want to run for a minute, we’ll let them.
I’ve learned that working with children instead of against them creates a session that feels joyful instead of stressful.
The result isn’t just beautiful photographs.
It’s a beautiful experience.
One Day, This Is What You’ll Miss
One day, your toddler won’t ask you to carry them.
One day, your child won’t reach for your hand as you walk.
One day, they’ll be too big to fit on your hip.
Those little habits that feel so ordinary today will quietly disappear.
So if your child spends half the session laughing, running, exploring, or wanting to be held…
I promise we’re doing just fine.
Because childhood was never meant to be perfectly still.