As a mom of three boys, I personally understand preparing for your family photography session can feel a bit “chaotic”, you finally nail down your outfits, and now you have to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door in the right mood and on time for your session. You may feel a little stressed as you’ve invested your time, energy, and finances on this time slot you can only hope will produce a beautiful gallery.

Rest assured, as a seasoned Northern Virginia family & newborn photographer, I’m here to share some insights and tips on how to turn the seemingly chaotic moments into genuine and authentic memories.

Let’s dive in to a few of my favorite tips!!

Change Your Perspective

Try to think of family photos as an opportunity to intentionally hang out and celebrate being together. Love on your kiddos, have fun, and then go make a day of it! Get ice cream afterwards, stay and have dinner after we finish at the park, just be together. You’ll be so glad you did.

Changing the way we think about family photos not only makes the process enjoyable but also results in beautiful, love-filled images.

Let’s Create Smiles, Not Just Ask for Them

When you and your kids first arrive, I do my best to build rapport your kids and earn their trust. I want to get to know what makes them tick, laugh, and then run with it! I always have tricks and tips up my sleeve ready to use, and I will guide you and your family throughout our session!

I strongly believe in creating smiles rather than just asking for them! Genuine smiles happen when kids are having fun and playing, not when they feel pressured to pose. The more fun we have during the session, the more everyone can loosen up and interact authentically and joyfully.

Trust me when I say I want your kids to be a little wild & silly! That’s where the REAL smiles are. Embrace it and try not to step in too often to discipline or correct (unless absolutely necessary). Instead, just continue on and smile through it! Often the movement that comes with silliness actually allows for beautiful moments reflecting your family dynamics. And remember, I have three boys myself, literally nothing phases me!

Authenticity Over Perfection

As parents, we set the tone for our kids. Do your best to ditch the pressure for that “perfect picture.” I’ll do my best to make sure we have it, but that will only come with lower pressure and more focus on having fun.

Once you show up, your job is just to look lovingly and adoringly at your kiddos and have fun. Let the moments naturally unfold, and we’ll go back and forth between candid and posed pictures. Go into it knowing I’ll guide you, and nearly always, you will love the family pictures that actually feel real and capture your genuine love, over the forced smiles.

So, embrace the chaos, have fun, and let’s create beautiful, authentic memories together.