If you’ve looked through my portfolio, you may have noticed something.
The children aren’t always looking at the camera.
Someone is usually laughing.
A toddler is running through the grass.
A little one is snuggled into Mom’s chest.
A family is walking hand-in-hand.
That’s because my goal isn’t to create perfectly posed photographs.
My goal is to capture connection.
What Is Prompt Photography?
Prompt photography uses simple directions that encourage genuine interaction instead of asking everyone to stand perfectly still.
Instead of saying…
“Stand here. Smile. Tilt your head. Look at me.”
I might say…
- Walk together and hold hands.
- Whisper something that will make Mom laugh.
- Give your little one the biggest hug.
- Race to the next tree.
- Snuggle your baby close.
- Tell Dad a silly joke.
The prompt simply starts the moment.
Everything I capture afterward is real.
Why I Photograph This Way
For me, photography has never been about getting everyone to perform for the camera.
It’s about documenting relationships.
I want to capture the way your family naturally loves one another.
The way your daughter reaches for your hand.
The way your son laughs at Dad’s goofy jokes.
The way your baby settles peacefully into your arms.
Those moments tell your story far better than perfectly placed hands ever could.
It also takes the pressure off. When you aren't expected to perform, the smiles are no longer forced or stiff.
When your family is relaxed and having fun, it always shows in the final image.
Why It Works So Well for Children
One of the biggest concerns parents have before a session is whether their children will “behave.”
The truth is…
I don’t expect them to.
Children weren’t made to stand still and smile on command.
They’re curious.
They’re playful.
They’re constantly exploring the world around them.
Prompt photography gives children permission to simply be themselves.
If they want to run…
We’ll run.
If they want to cuddle…
We’ll cuddle.
If they’re feeling shy…
They don’t have to force a smile.
They can bury their face into Mom’s shoulder, hold Dad’s hand, or simply observe for a few minutes.
Those moments aren’t mistakes.
They’re connection.
And sometimes they’re the most meaningful photographs of the entire session.
We’ll Still Capture the Classic Portraits
Don’t worry, we’ll absolutely capture a few of those timeless portraits where everyone is smiling at the camera.
I know those photographs are important.
They’re the ones that often end up framed on the wall, shared with family, or used for Christmas cards.
But once we’ve captured those…
The pressure disappears.
That’s when we play.
That’s when we laugh.
That’s when your family simply gets to enjoy being together.
And that’s usually when the magic happens.
Can/Will We Do More Posed Images?
Depending on our initial conversation and your session preferences in your questionnaire, some sessions do lean a little more posed at times.
For anything involving children, I absolutely love to lead with prompts and take a slightly more documentary approach.
For individuals, couples, or just adults- there may be a little bit more posing, depending on what you asked for during your booking process.
Before our session, you'll receive a questionnaire where I ask about preferences.
I'll ask about "must have" images or moments, what type of connection you hope we capture, and how you plan to use these images. Whether you want beautifully posed portraits to hang on the wall, if you'll be using them to create wedding invitations or Christmas cards, or if you simply want to capture natural giggles and snuggles.
I always do a mix of both, but I always consider your preferences and gauge how the session is flowing once we meet. Some people naturally thrive with prompts and freedom. Some people like more structured guidance.
The beauty in hiring a photographer is that we understand each client's needs are different, and we know when (and how) to give just the right level of guidance.
My Favorite Photographs Are Often Unplanned
Some of my favorite images have happened completely on their own.
A toddler reaching up for one more hug.
A little girl twirling because nobody told her not to.
A baby stretching after a nap.
Parents laughing at something completely unexpected.
Those moments can’t be posed.
They unfold naturally when people stop worrying about the camera and start enjoying each other.
More Than Beautiful Photographs
Years from now, your children won’t remember whether I asked them to smile.
They’ll remember how safe they felt in your arms.
How Dad always made them laugh.
How everyone held hands while walking through the field.
Those are the memories I want to preserve.
Because beautiful photographs show what your family looked like.
Connection tells the story of who your family was.
And that’s why I’ll choose connection over perfection, every single time.