Your adventure begins here...
Hey there! I'm so excited to be able to get to know and photograph your family! I take the same approach to photographing your family as I do with mine. More than anything I shoot to capture a feeling. There are little moments, feelings, and connections that take place as you spend time with each other that I watch for and photograph. Sure we'll get some posed stuff but I like to set up scenarios that allow for everyone to be able to move and enjoy each other instead of feeling like you need to stand around and wait for me to tell you what to do next. No need to yell at your kids and tell them to look at the camera. I'll talk to them and capture the look in their eyes in a natural way. If they hear their name too much they just start to tune it out anyway. Have a kiddo that is super clingy and you are their safe place? That's ok! Let's document that.
Photo Session tips
1- Build up the session to the kids. There's no need for bribes when the event itself is the reward. Talk to them about how much fun we get to have and that a lady with a giant camera is going to be following them around while they play and snuggle their family.
2 - Have a spouse that doesn't love having photos taken? That's ok. I have had quite a few men say at the end of the session that it wasn't as bad as they thought it would be, or even that they kind of have fun. I'll count either of those as a win! There's always an exception but for the most part I just see it as a time to be together with the people that mean the most to you in a pretty location. Nothing much better than that.
3 - Chapstick and Lotion! Dry skin and lips are hard to edit!
4 - Stuffed animals and pets welcome! Also, if you have a cool blanket or quilt bring it along!
5 - Let yourself and your kids be free. I use a mix of guided posing and observation to get great photos, and sometimes those are the ones where your hair is blowing in your face, or your kiddo has their thumb in your mouth.
6 - This probably seems obvious but make sure everyone has had something to eat and has had a drink of water. This can make all the difference sometimes!
