Raise your {virtual} hand if you have never had professional family photos? How about those who have but worked with a different photographer before now? Regardless of which side you might be on, you might find yourself a bit unsure on what to expect when booking with me for the first time. You may be nervous because you feel like you don't know what to do in front of the camera or maybe worried how your kiddos might do and what the result will look like. Even if you have done numerous professional family sessions in the past, a session with me could be a completely different experience as every photographer has a unique style in the way they run their business and their approach to their sessions.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS WITH ME
Everyone will be having fun!
You probably looked through my social media or my portfolio in your search for a photographer. You will notice a consistent theme across my images. Couples are loved up on each other or families are snuggling up, ticking their kiddos, laughing or smiling at their little ones silly faces and you can just tell everyone is relaxed and having fun. Nothing makes me happier than to hear afterward from the moms AND dads, too, 'that was fun'! I stay away from forced smiles or stiff posing. I want my sessions to be as stress free, as possible. I do guide and direct your family but I also aim to capture the authentic moments that happen all on their own like this one below! Whether you are booking a holiday session, a family session, maternity session . . . my approach and focus remains the same.
One very important point to keep in mind is no two families are the same. Therefore, no two galleries will look the same. Each family I capture has their own dynamic and their own vibe, made up of even more individual personalities. Some families are a bit more reserved and low-key, like my own. Some are super high energy and want to run the whole time. If you have a toddler (or multiple) who never stop moving, I am down for it! However, don’t expect your gallery to look like one with the serious kiddo who is shy and snuggly.
Keeping that in mind, here are the consistencies that you WILL find throughout all my galleries:
- You’re going to have beautiful light, whether that is from golden sun or dramatic overcast skies.
- I am going to incorporate the beauty of the location we choose.
- Most of your gallery will not have everyone looking at the camera.
- You’ll get images that have lots of combinations of everyone in your family.
- I am going to make you snuggle, be affectionate, and show real emotion!
- There will be (kid-dependent) attempts at a few ‘everyone look here at the camera’
Most of my galleries are filled with images capturing more natural and genuine interactions. I will spend a majority of your session telling you to look at anyone BUT me. Images of everyone looking at the camera do not evoke emotion. Instead, I want to capture the joy in your face when you are smiling or laughing at your children; the love in your eyes when looking at your spouse; the happiness of being snuggled up with the people you love most in this world. My style is summed up in one word: Connection.
~ You hired me to capture the connection with your family, not your connection with my camera ~
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO AS A PARENT IS TRUST ME!
The first thing I want you to do is let go of the poses swirling in your head from your Pinterest board, from your friend's recent photo session or even one you see in my portfolio. From my experience, you set yourself up for disappointment when you focus on re-creating specific poses or images. There are so many variables and what works well for one family doesn’t always for another. Even promptings I use personally with my own clients almost never looks the same twice! I am happy to try something similar to a photo you love, but I cannot make any guarantee. It's best if you trust ME to guide your family. Because what I can guarantee is this: if you relax and have fun and enjoy your unique family, you are absolutely going to love your gallery. You’re going to love it because it’s going to tell the story of your family.
This *might mean* that your super serious baby doesn’t smile for ANY of the images. If they are a serious kid, try to embrace it for this season. One day, you will look back at these family photos and tell them that was a time when they were a tough one to crack and wouldn't smile for ANYTHING no matter how crazy the photographer acted and danced around! On the flip side, you might be telling them how they wouldn't sit still for a nano second! You will be reminded of how they kept you on your toes! Regardless, time is fleeting and you will want to remember your family exactly as they are in THIS stage of life.
HOW TO TELL IF WE ARE NOT A GOOD FIT
As a prospective client, it can sometimes be challenging to determine which photographer is a good fit for you and your family. Here are some things that might mean I am NOT the best fit for YOUR outdoor family photos:
- You have a more formal style and prefer all posed images with everyone looking and smiling.
- Showing public affection is something that is uncomfortable for you or your family.
- You will be disappointed if your gallery doesn’t include an image like the one you’re picturing in your mind.