From these photos, you see a happy, sweet family at Fleurish Greenhouse in Taylorsville, NC (which they absolutely are). But what you don’t see is:

• Us hurrying to squeeze in a few outdoor portraits before a storm—with lightning—rolled in.
• The kids who smiled perfectly for the first five minutes and then decided they were officially “over it.”
• The youngest needing a diaper change right in the middle of their session.

And yet, looking at their gallery, you’d never know any of that happened. What you do see are smiles, snuggles, and the sweet, in-between moments that tell their family’s story.

If you’ve ever stressed about how your little ones will behave during family photos, you’re not alone. Every parent worries about it—and as someone who photographs families with young children all the time, I promise there’s a way to make it not only doable, but actually joyful.

Connection, Not Perfection

The truth is—no family session goes perfectly. Someone will get dirt on their shirt, a bow will come loose, or a toddler will decide they’re not feeling it halfway through. But that’s okay. Because your photos aren’t meant to tell the story of a flawless day… they’re meant to tell the story of your family.

When you let go of the pressure for perfect smiles and perfectly still kids, something beautiful happens—you start to relax. You hold your little ones a little closer, laugh at their silly faces, and soak in the moments that are slipping by faster than you’d like. Those are the moments that truly matter, and they’re the ones that translate into the most heartfelt images.

My best advice? Treat your family session as something you do together. Don’t worry about the camera—or about me. Instead, love on your kids. Hug them. Swing them. Think about who they are and why you love them during our time together. When your focus is on connection rather than performance, the most beautiful, natural moments unfold effortlessly.

That’s why my approach to photographing families is rooted in connection, not perfection. I’ll guide you into light that flatters and give gentle direction, but the magic comes from the love and laughter that unfold naturally between you. Your children don’t need to perform—they just need to be themselves.

Practical Prep Tips for Moms

Now that you know the goal isn’t perfection, let’s make sure you feel as prepared and relaxed as possible going into your session. These are a few of my favorite tips for families with little ones—simple things that can make all the difference in how your photos feel.

1. Choose comfort over perfection.
   Coordinated outfits are wonderful, but comfort always wins—especially for kids. Choose soft fabrics, layers they can move in, and colors that complement your home (if you plan to hang the portraits later). When everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, the joy comes naturally.
   
   
2. Feed and rest before the session (but don’t panic if it’s not perfect).
   We’ll plan around nap times and routines as best as we can, but kids are unpredictable—and that’s okay. I expect wiggles, snack breaks, and tiny meltdowns. Sometimes those in-between moments become my favorite photos.
   
   
3. Be prepared for movement.
   My sessions are active and full of play! I’ll have you doing little games like “fly,” “fun,” or “telephone,” to get genuine laughter and connection. You might find yourself spinning your toddler, chasing giggles, or wrapping everyone up in a big family hug—and that’s exactly the point. These movements help everyone loosen up and create natural, joy-filled expressions.
   
   
4. Bring a few small comforts.
   A beloved blanket, a snack, or a favorite toy can go a long way in helping little ones feel secure. I’ve even used toys or snacks as playful prompts during photos—it keeps everyone happy and engaged.
   
   
5. Focus on loving your kids, not posing them.
   The best photos happen when you’re with your children—not worrying about where their hands or eyes are. Tickle them. Whisper a secret. Let them climb into your lap. These little gestures create the most genuine expressions and memories.
   
   
6. Let go of expectations.
   Every family session has its own rhythm. Some moments are wild and full of giggles, others are quiet and tender. When you show up ready to embrace whatever unfolds, you’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like you.

What to Expect During Your Session

Every family session has its own rhythm. Some moments feel calm and sweet—others a little wild and loud. But no matter what, the most important thing you can do is trust me.

You might feel like everything’s going off the rails for a few minutes—the toddler’s melting down, someone’s shoes are off, and the baby just wants snacks. But I promise, from behind the camera, it looks completely different. What feels chaotic in the moment often photographs as tender, playful, and full of real connection.

My goal is to create space for your family to be themselves, no matter what that looks like. I’ll guide you gently with direction when needed, and I’ll know exactly when to step back and let a moment unfold naturally. Whether I’m prompting you with a playful game or capturing a quiet snuggle between all the movement, you can trust that I see the beauty—even in the messy parts.

It may feel crazy, but it’s not. The love, laughter, and even the little imperfections are what make your session yours. And every single time, it turns out better than you think.

A Word of Encouragement for Moms

I just want to take a moment to remind you—you are doing an incredible job. Truly.

I know it can feel overwhelming to get everyone dressed, out the door, and smiling for family photos. But the fact that you’re showing up and choosing to document this season speaks volumes about the kind of mom you are. Your kids might not remember every detail of the day, but they will remember how loved they felt in your arms.

You are a wonderful mom. Even on the messy days. Even when things don’t go as planned. Your children already know how deeply they are loved—and your photos will reflect that.

So breathe, smile, and let yourself enjoy it. Years from now, when you look back at these images, you’ll see the beauty that was there all along—the laughter, the closeness, and the incredible family you’ve built together.

Ready to Capture Your Family Story?

If you’ve been putting off family photos because you’re worried about how it might go, I want you to know—you don’t have to do it alone. My sessions are designed to be relaxed, playful, and meaningful, so you can focus on loving your kids while I capture the in-between moments that matter most.

Whether it’s a giggle, a snuggle, or a quiet moment between chaos, your gallery will reflect the love and connection you share every day. I promise it will turn out better than you imagine.

If you’re ready to create heirloom-quality portraits that tell your family’s story, let’s chat and find a time that works for you.