My Approach to Family Photography

Here’s what family photography SHOULD feel like:
Relaxed, natural, comfortable, silly, fun, goofy, full of laughter, awesome

Here’s what family photography SHOULD NOT feel like:
Stiff, awkward, uncomfortable, inconvenient, stressful

My approach to family photography is to concentrate on that first list. I understand that your family is probably going to feel a little awkward when you’re in front of the camera. That’s a completely natural feeling. As your photographer, the most important thing I do is to help everyone feel relaxed while we’re shooting. When you feel comfortable, you’ll be open to being yourself… and that’s the first step in telling your family’s story and capturing your true spirit.

(Can I tell you a secret? I’m used to being around cameras, and I still panic a little bit when I’m in front of the lens, not behind it. A good photographer will help you chill out and feel like a normal person.)

Here’s what I’ll focus on to make sure that everyone in your family feels comfortable and that your session is a success:

Mindset
Your family photography session isn’t a chore to cross off your to-do list. It’s a chance to slow down, be together, and connect with each other. Think of your photography session as an opportunity for uninterrupted family time. Make your session feel like a special event. Getting ice cream afterwards is strongly encouraged. If you treat your photography session like a thing you WANT to do instead of a thing you HAVE to do, it will be much easier to be in the right frame of mind.

Location
Let’s pick a location where your family feels at home - the beach, a scenic hiking trail, a local outdoor park where your kids like to play, or a favorite urban spot in the city. Every location has its own personality and options for exploring and creativity. We’ll work together to find the location that best suits your family’s vibe.
A great option is always your family’s home, a place where you all naturally will feel comfortable. Here are my thoughts on why at-home family photography sessions are amazing.

Movement
We’ll incorporate lots of movement, exploring and games into your session as a way of keeping everyone engaged and in a relaxed state of mind. Movement is especially important when young children are involved - it will keep them from getting bored and cranky. Be prepared to pick your kids up, swing them around, and toss them in the air!

Laughter

Did you know photographers have superb comedic skills? You can expect me to tell corny jokes, make fun of myself, and act silly with your kids. Laughter keeps the mood light, gets rid of nervous energy, and keeps everyone’s energy up.