I feel like I am a broken record when I say this, but it truly is those “in-between” moments that make for some of the best shots - those moments that may seem imperfect in real time, but are full of emotion and movement, and that capture the unique bonds that exist within each individual family. For some, being in front of the camera feels natural, but for others, it’s stressful! As a child, growing up, we did family photos every single year, and so I always felt very comfortable in front of the camera, as I was taught the value in it and had a lifetime of practice getting used to it! However, I know for many, the opposite is true. I’ve created this guide to help all of my clients out there, past and future, who may be in that second group.
One of the major ingredients in a powerful image is connection, which is the other reason I am creating this guide. I’ve noticed, even though I try to prep my families beforehand as best as I can, there can still be stress come session time, and ANY stress that exists can inhibit creating those connections. I KNOW family sessions can seem chaotic - so many different things are happening, and maybe you feel like your children aren’t listening - but I PROMISE, it’s a controlled chaos, and it’s in this chaos that connections flourish. Your job is not to connect with me, but with each other, and I capture that. The following four E’s are the ways in which we create that connection,
1. EMBRACE
Embrace that family! Hug those kids. Spoil them in love. You will often hear me tell you to get in close together…ok…no, CLOSER…like on top of each other close. SNUGGLE UP! The more touching, the better! Wrap your arms around them from behind. Hold them close. Furthermore, embrace the moment. If your kids are being silly, laugh WITH them! As a mom of numerous littles myself, I know how hard it can be to resist the urge to admonish them if you feel like they aren’t listening, but during our session is the perfect time to just follow their lead and roll with it! Embrace the freedom. Let go. If they get upset or hurt, scoop them up in your arms and comfort them. If you embrace whatever unfolds among the chaos, trust that I will capture the beauty in your relationships.
There is no such thing as being TOO close! Look at all that love and joy.
2. EXPLORE
This one is SO important for all you parents in the thick of life with toddlers: let those kids explore the environment around them. If your sweet child finds an interesting flower or stick, kneel down and take a closer look with them. If there is a ledge to climb, hold your little one's hand as they see how high they can go. Guide them, and for a bonus E: encourage them. I know it’s tempting to discourage them - “put the stick down!” you want to say. However, connecting with the environment is a great way to tell a story in your images, and you’ll be so glad to have a record some day of the things that piqued their interests.
Levi (3) showing off a cool stick to mom and dad that had captured his attention. Look at that big smile!
3. ENTERTAIN
This one is one of my favorites. I have a handful of games that we typically play at sessions to get those kiddos engaged and having fun, but it doesn’t stop with me. Entertain your children! Tell them you love them. Instead of telling them to smile, whisper a silly word in their ear to bring some big laughs. Relive a cherished memory to create a more serious connection. The authentic smiles that pour out will be well worth the effort!
Look at Levi (4), sitting there playing with grass, doing his own thing, as the rest of the family fawns over baby Joseph! There’s so much connection in this dreamy photo!
4. ENJOY
And lastly, please enjoy one another. If you’re ever unsure of what to do in a given moment, just think to yourself, “how can I show this person I love them right now?” Melt into your husband's embrace. Let yourself laugh at your kid's ridiculous jokes. Delight in the feel of your baby's soft cheek when you nuzzle it. Photographs are memories, so don't forget to enjoy this time with your family.
Owen (3) was also very inquisitive and had his own ideas for what he wanted to do be doing at any given moment, but look at the way his parents are loving on him! All it takes is one small moment to capture. Seconds later, he wriggled away, but that’s OK, because they trusted in me and that I got the shot!
And, when all else fails. there’s always bribery! I’ve seen parents have great success with promises of trips to the ice cream shop after a session, among other exciting treats. The options are endless, and the memories made don’t have to end with our session, so take them out. Let them stay up a little later. Keep engaging with them. Treat this as the big, fun, exciting event that it is, and your children will naturally cooperate, I promise. I hope this has given you some ideas about how to make the most of your family session, and has inspired you to ditch the threats of punishment or the expectations of perfection. Embrace your loved ones, entertain your children, enjoy every minute, and explore the environment with your family. Your children will remember these moments, good or bad, for the rest of their lives. Make it the best you possibly can! Connection and authentic emotion will not only make for a beautiful gallery that you will treasure forever, but also beautiful memories that will be treasured long after you are gone.
Nix is SUCH a personality, and I love that his parents were just watching his joy and taking it all in.
