Showing up imperfectly to your family photos (and why that's enough).
What's holding you back from family photos? Is it the fear that your kids won't cooperate? That you didn't have the time or energy to create magazine worthy outfits? That you didn't feel totally put-together to deserve meaningful images? Let me tell you that your family photos don't need to be perfect. If you're showing up as you are...tired, joyful and a little overwhelmed but playful, you're in the right place for family photos.
Perfection isn't the point.
We're working together to remember this chapter of your life. The way your kids run to cuddle you when they need a moment of comfort, their amused smile when they play with your hair and their silly expressions when they've been caught red handed... let's remember these moments too, in addition to the joy-filled and smiling moments. Are you worried your kids won't cooperate? I will not force a child to sit on a blanket and say "cheese." If they're an active toddler who wants to run in circles, we'll play chase. If they're an elementary aged kid who laughs at fart jokes, I have a few up my sleeve. If they're a pre-teen who needs a bit of space, I'll take some photos of mom and dad first. I'll meet your children where they are.
You don't need to get everything right.
Many parents feel like they need to look a certain way (whether it's their hair, make-up, clothing, etc) before stepping in front of the camera. But you know what? Your kids won't remember how your shirt fit or if your makeup was the trend on Tik Tok. They'll remember how it felt to play with you and how it felt to dance, tickle, explore and jump together. But if you do want cohesive outfits and don't know where to start, I offer a complimentary styling service for all my families. Whether you need to start from scratch, or you just need to find the right shirt for dad, my personal stylist will help you in your budget and brand range.
Connection is magic!
The photos you'll cherish don't come from picture perfect behaviors or backdrops. They come from connecting with your family. The way they nestle into the crook of your neck, how they love to run in the opposite direction but always find a way back to you, and even the way their tiny hand encircles around your thumb as you're walking. These little in between moments are worth documenting.
Come as you are.
Show up tired but ready to be playful because you had that cup of coffee. Show up with your dirty car full of Cheerios stuck in the car seats. Show up with bribes and a little chaos. I'll meet you at your session with patience, flexibility and my camera gear. The goal is not perfection...it's to be authentic, exactly as you are. When your kids are older and you're empty nesters, they'll see these photos and treasure the way you were present with them. They won't see how frizzy your hair was or the wrinkles in your clothes. Let's capture some magic together!
