Experience Joy Together

Do you want to know the secret to capturing amazing family photos? It’s surprisingly simple: Have fun together and be yourself. Really, it’s that simple. Here is the thing, you are your children’s favorite person. They are bonded to you and they love you. You are the first person to make them smile and laugh. You are the one who wipes away the tears and hugs them when they are sad. They love you and you are the perfect parent for them. So when you are in your family session, just be yourself and enjoy your children. Make it your goal to get your kids laughing and smiling. If we have the kids smiling, the parents will smile, and the moment is perfect. Don’t worry about everyone looking at the camera or being “just so” that is the job of the photographer and that is pressure you don’t want or need. A good photographer can capture the essence of the moment without disrupting it.

Keeping our focus on family connection and fun gives us the ability to capture the authentic moments of everyday life. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing perfection, but the beauty of family lies in its imperfections. These moments of imperfection remind us that true connection thrives in the messy, unscripted moments of life.

I know photos can make people nervous. Trust me, my own husband gets so nervous about photos. So when the nerves come, keep your focus on your children and your spouse.

Here is a list of my go to’s fun interactions for parents:

• Play together.
• Stand close to each and say something funny.
• Hug each other.
• Put your arm around someone and give them a squeeze.
• Spin one of your children around.
  *Pro Tip: If you have a little girl in a dress this will look beautiful*
• Whisper something silly in your child’s ear.
• Pick up a child and interact with them.
• Do or say something you know makes your child laugh

Easier than you thought, right? It really is, and you have a fantastic advantage because you know your children. You know what makes them smile. You know their favorite songs, dance moves, and jokes. Sing the songs, pull out the dance moves, say their favorite silly words. They will love it, I promise.

Engaging in the environment is another easy opportunity to get beautiful images. Locations with water, for example, are perfect for getting genuine smiles from kids. Take off your shoes, walk through the sand or pebbles and enjoy exploring nature together. Pick up a stick and throw it in the water. Pick up rocks and skip them into the water. Put your feet into the water. All of these activities will engage your family in the moment of family bonding and you won’t even notice that you are taking photos.

Throughout the session, I will help guide you into authentic connection and help enhance your experience. A gentle suggestion or a playful game can keep the smiles coming and ensure a memorable session filled with genuine family moments.

For my clients, I come prepared with silly little games, blankets and fun phrases to keep the smiles coming. Whether it is blanket swing, tag, or just silly questions, I have got you covered. I want you to have a memorable session filled with family smiles and connection.

In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, family photography serves as a powerful antidote—a reminder that our deepest connections lie in the tangible moments of togetherness shared with our family. As we continue on our journey through life, these cherished captured images help us not lose sight of the profound beauty of family connection.