I LOVE family sessions! The chance to document this unique moment in a family's ever-changing and growing lives is such a special privilege! Sometimes people think that they could never get beautiful photos like the ones from this session. But I believe that YOUR family deserves and, with the assistance of the right photographer, CAN have beautiful, sentimental photos!
One thing that people are nervous about doing family photos is that their kids will not tolerate smiling and being “sweet” for so long. They’re afraid their photos won't turn out like the ideas that they have in their heads or like the photos they see on Pinterest.
To that, I have two things to say.
1. Your family is beautiful and unique and what will make your session beautiful
if I can capture you and your family just as you are! If your child is feeling clingy that day, we’ll get all the snuggle photos! If they’re feeling energetic, then we can capture that playful side. Regardless of what’s going on, I will capture your family as they are!
Ultimately, photos are capturing a moment in time… a memory… freezing time forever - to be remembered by those photographed and those who are yet to come. Document what is, not an ever-changing standard set by trends on Pinterest! social media and Pinterest are great tools for photo inspiration (which honestly, I use a lot in preparing for sessions!) What really makes a photo beautiful, is when the family is just being themselves - two sisters giggling, a mom and a dad snuggling, sweet little unposed kisses.
2. If you are worried about your kid’s being willing to participate and be “sweet” for the photos, don’t be discouraged! You’re not the only one to have an over-energetic kiddo who doesn’t love having their photos taken! But there are many ways we can still capture beautiful photos for your family! If you have a patient photographer who understands kids, you will have a great session and beautiful photos!
I have worked with kids for many many years (I have worked in nurseries at churches, daycares, LOTS of babysitting, and as a children’s pastor starting when I was a teenager).
I am very patient, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to create a space and situation in which your children will be smiling and happy in their photos!
A few “tricks” I have are:
- little treats: having something like a fruit snack, skittle, starburst - anything bit-sized - can be a great incentive for a child to smile for a handful of photos at a time!
- getting energy out between photos: I had one little boy at a session who just wanted to run around… so, we ran from the session spot to a nearby tree and back between every 3 pictures! He smiled SO big for the 3 photos because he knew that after he did, he got to run back to the tree!
- bubbles: I always try to bring a little container of bubbles to my family sessions (especially for littles). It provides fun and a distraction while they warm up to me and in between photos! Honesty, watching kids be excited by bubbles can be pretty magical- so it makes for some sweet photos!
- an after-session activity: My clients ALWAYS have a successful session when they allow their kids to go for an activity (buying their fav toy, going for ice cream, going mini golfing, etc.) after their session! It is a great reward for "smiling nice” for an extended period of time (hey, it's hard for adults sometimes too!) and is always a great tool to use as a reminder throughout the session when they’re feeling done or a little fussy! You’d be amazing how quick a frown turns to a smile when they’re reminded that ice cream is on the table if they keep participating!
All in all, beautiful family photos are possible for you and your family!
Family photos are such a treasure! Each of you will never be the same as you are in this very moment. We are all always changing and growing. There is no better way to document these beautiful changes than photos, frozen moments in time to remember each season of this beautiful life we each have to live!
If you've been at all thinking about family photos, DO IT! Reach out and book the session!
Over the thousands of potential excuses that may be going through your head, you will never regret documenting your family as they are today!
Beautiful, messy, silly, crazy, quiet, loud, energetic, melancholy. Your family is unique, and I'd be honored to document your family's story.
Let's chat and get your family some fantastic photos!
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