So many people have asked me after a hectic session with kids, “How the heck did you get these shots?!”. My answer is simple, the magic is always there, you just don’t notice it because you’re in the chaos.

I don’t have any children and I’m a pretty nonchalant person when it comes to photos, mainly because I’m the one capturing them and I see the magic of the moments unfold. However, for the parents who feel the same universal feeling of session anxiety- I got you!

My biggest kept secret when it comes to a family session is:

LET GO:

Of everything. Lower your expectations of perfection, performance of your children and of yourself. Allow me to do what I do best, capture moments of magic in between all the crazies.

Okay okay! I know what you’re thinking, for the majority of people- this isn’t the easiest thing to do. Relinquishing control and releasing all inhibitions can be hard especially when your kids are screaming and the sensory overload goes into overdrive. BUT hear me out- in my many, many years of capturing families, I’ve found the best way to capture natural and authentic moments is to let the kids lead the session. Take the time to let them decompress first, run, be wild, do all the exploring (while I snap them in their element). Movement is not only encouraged but also essential to me and my process. I am not the stand up and pose kind of gal. Incorporating games and play are an easy way to make the session not only fun for them but connected for you all.

My goal is always to photograph true connection, not the forced and unnatural moments. When you relax and enjoy yourself fully in the session, the authenticity of your connection overpowers any stress or anxiety.

Everyone’s personalities shine through, even if it’s not perfection- it’s true, to you.