This is the first year they're all in school, and my oldest will be 13 next month. Lately I've been thinking about all the things I never thought to document because, at the time, they felt so ordinary.
The way they laugh when you tickle them. The way they curl up in your arms. The sassy little attitude that eventually fades. The innocence of being completely themselves. The way they look at you with so much love.
When you're in the middle of raising kids, these things are just part of everyday life.
And then one day, they're not.
That's a huge part of why I photograph families the way I do.
I want to give you the beautiful family photo where everyone is looking at the camera. I know that's the one you'll probably put on your Christmas card or send to Grandparents.
But I want to give you more than that.
I want the things you don't realize you're going to miss yet.
The missing teeth. The ridiculous laugh. The way your child fits against you when you pick them up. The weird expressions and little bits of their personality that are so completely them right now.
Your kids don't have to behave for family photos.
I wish more moms knew this before coming to a session with me.
Having young kids is hard. Life is busy. Kids have big personalities. You don't need to spend your family session worrying about whether they're standing still or smiling perfectly.
We'll play.
We'll run around. Have a staring contest. Tickle the kids. Turn someone into an air guitar. And if your child stops everything because they found a really cool rock, show me the rock.
I want your kids to feel comfortable being themselves.
At a recent family session here on the Space Coast, the kids started playing near the water, digging in the sand and splashing together.
So I photographed it.
At one point, the oldest girl wandered off on her own to enjoy the water. Instead of calling her back and posing her, I photographed her exactly as she was.
Those ended up being some of my favorite images from their session.
Because I don't want your family photography session to feel like something everyone has to get through.
Twenty years from now, I want your child to look at these photos and remember what it felt like to fit into your arms. I want them to remember laughing with you and how much fun you had together.
And I want you to be able to look back and remember this version of them, too.
If you've been putting off family photos because you're worried your kids won't cooperate, you don't have to.
Come play with me. Let your kids be themselves.
I'll photograph the rest. ❤️
I'm currently booking fall family photography on the Space Coast and throughout Brevard County, Florida.
My October 24 Family Minis are open now for families who want a short, playful session and updated family photos.
Want more time and the full gallery? You can also book a Full Family Session.