I am not a “stand and smile at the camera” Photographer.
I fell in love with photography because of the emotion it can illicit. The details, the moments, the little things we forget...they live on in photographs. It’s because of this that I’m always searching for ways to document your connection and that doesn’t happen when everyone is smiling at me, saying “CHEESE!”. I’ll actually only take a picture like this (and will be happy to do so!) if it’s requested. This experience is more about your family being fully present, open, and engaging with each other, which leads me to my next topic!
I want you to be you.
Your session is meant to capture the beauty and authenticity that is your family; a collection of your details and moments. I want you to look at your images for years to come and actually feel and hear what was happening!
Because of this, I work with minimal prompting and posing. I’ll “set you up” in a formation that will look nice, but beyond that, I’ll ask that you don’t look at me and instead, interact with each other. If some prompting is needed, I’ll suggest you talk about what your plans after the session are, what the kids love most about mom and dad, who the biggest snuggler is, what makes each other laugh etc etc. ”Don’t look at me!” is often the phrase I find myself saying the most during a session and I know that can be awkward and weird; but it’s when you forget I’m there that the magic happens.
You’ll be getting close.
At the beginning of every session I always say, “Everyone should be touching in some way, at all times.” I’ll encourage you to get close enough so there aren’t any gaps between your bodies, your heads should be close, your hands should be touching. We’ll do lots of hugging and kissing. I often find that Mom’s will innately stroke their son’s cheeks or play with their daughter’s curls...those are the connections I love and am looking for! These are such small details that we do as Mother’s everyday, that are so fleeting and rarely documented. Let me capture them!
If you aren’t a “touchy feely” bunch, that’s fine too! Please let me know ahead of time...the last thing I want to do is make anyone feel uncomfortable. If this is the case, then just have fun! Stay close and make each other laugh. Show me what joy looks like in your family!
All those involved may not be happy to be there...and that's okay.
Although we always hope that everyone in the family is in good spirits for your photos, it is rarely the case. You can never predict how a child will act when they are in a new environment, with someone they don’t know (me!), pointing a camera at them. Guess what? Don’t stress! It’s okay.
I have three kids of my own, so I know how this goes all too well. Kids will be kids! The great thing about not being a “smile and say cheese” photographer, is that this rarely derails me. If they are crying and need a moment, let’s take some time for quiet snuggles. If they don’t want to be held and instead want to run free, I will follow them wherever they want to go. If they want to be wild and being spun around is the only thing making them laugh, DO IT!
I am there for you, every step of the way.
From your first inquiry to when your photos are finally delivered (and beyond), I am your support through this process. I will help with styling, do whatever is needed to make your family feel comfortable during our session, and am only a message away for whatever questions you may have. This experience is a two way street...the more open and comfortable we are with each other, the more natural and authentic your session will be. I love nothing more than showing up to a session and feeling like I’m meeting old friends. Let's create beautiful images together!
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