LET THEM BE KIDS: WHY I DON'T WANT YOOU TO CONTROL YOUR KIDS DURING PHOTOS.
Here’s something I wish every parent knew before their session, the more you try to control your kids during photos, the more they clam up. I get it. You want beautiful photos. You want everyone smiling, looking happy, and not making weird faces or running off mid-shot. But here’s the thing: when we start to stress about “perfect,” we lose real. And real is what I’m after.
When I photograph families, I want laughter that’s actually happening, not a “say cheese” smile that disappears the second I put my camera down. I want your toddler’s silly giggle, your teen’s side-eye grin, your baby’s belly laugh. That’s what makes a photo yours.
Here's the part most parents don’t know: I’m trained to work with kids in my day job, and I have two of my own. I know what it’s like when they’re shy, overwhelmed, or have big feelings in a new environment. My goal during every session is to create a space where everyone ; especially your kids, feels comfortable just being themselves. I’ll meet them exactly where they’re at, whether that’s running wild, needing a break, or showing off their favorite silly face.
If your kid runs, let them run. If they pick up rocks or start making faces, that’s gold. I’ll follow their lead, capture the genuine moments, and turn the chaos into something beautiful. Because honestly? The best photos happen when no one’s forcing it.
So if your child is shy or wild or anywhere in between, it’s okay. My job is to meet them where they are, not to make them pose like tiny adults. Your job? Just be there. Hold them, play with them, laugh with them, and let go of the idea that they need to perform.
Trust me: the images that make you cry happy tears later won’t be the “perfectly posed” ones. They’ll be the ones where your family looks exactly like themselves, love, joy, and a little bit of beautiful chaos all mixed together.
Ready to Capture the Real Moments?
If you’re dreaming of photos that feel like your family, not staged, not stiff, but full of life, I’d love to help you capture them. You can click the BOOK NOW button above or browse recent family galleries to see what real moments look like in action.
