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Unexpected Moments: Embracing Imperfection in Family Photography | Boston Family Photographer

Boston kids outdoor photo session

If there is one thing I love about photographing young kids, it’s capturing their genuine, candid personalities, with all of their sweet little expressions. Who doesn’t want to freeze a moment of their kids’ real laughter, and happiest smiling face? But we all know that is not them 100% of the time. Our kids have emotions (LOTS of them). They have focus, energy, passion, deep thought, needs, desires, and opinions. And a lot of those feelings aren’t displayed with a smile on their face, and that’s okay!

New England family baby photo session
Seaport Boston mother daughter candid expression

I am the biggest cheerleader for letting kids be kids, just because they are unpredictable does NOT mean your family session will be a bust. I promise you’re going to want ALL the genuine silly, quirky expressions to compliment the laughing, smiling ones.

Newburyport Massachusetts outdoor family beach portrait

When we ARE going for the smiley photos, don’t say cheese. I know, I know, “cheese” has been a go to since before we can remember. But usually saying cheese is a temporary fix that gets old quickly, and only really results in stiff smiles instead of those natural grins you were hoping for. Family photos are the best time to let go and get silly, and no one knows how to make your child laugh better than you do!

Boston Back Bay candid kids snack photography
Arnold Arboretum sassy expression daughter

After years of working with families and having kids of my own, I’ve learned the best way to photograph children is to be flexible and observe. Sometimes what you plan for isn’t what you’re going to get, but your kids are awesome! Whatever comes to them naturally during our session is often infinitely better than anything we could’ve posed, especially with littles. Giving them the space to do their own thing works wonders.

Outdoor playful candid sister expressions

Embrace their true expressions. The silly face, the mad face, the curious face, the shy-burys-her-head-in-your-shoulder face. There are so many faces that create picture perfect moments, and they’re even better because they’re authentic. If we set our goal to capturing your kid in their true authentic self, you’re going to walk away with a beautiful collection of fun, candid, lifestyle photos that you will love and cherish forever.

South end boston newborn family at home

In home sessions and why I love them | Boston family photographer

Your home is special to you. This is number one. It’s where you create a great majority of your family memories, and it’s where you all feel comfortable. I didn’t actually realize how true this was until we did our own family photos in our home last winter. There’s something about the photos in our bed that just hits 

  1. It’s easy. This sounds like a simple answer, but if you have young kids, and you take away the whole element of getting them out the door and into the car or stroller once they’re ready, it’s a game changer. Just getting them dressed and letting them be make all the difference between a stressful session, and a peaceful session.

  2. Weather is not an issue. No checking the weather app every hour leading up to our session.

  3. We have more flexibility in scheduling a time. This is a big one. We schedule outdoor sessions 2 hours before sunset or just after sunrise. The longer the days are, the harder it can be for families to schedule an outdoor session. An outdoor session at 6PM may have beautiful light, but also may be harder on your kids’ dinner and bedtime routine. Indoor sessions are usually scheduled around 10AM, so no sunrise wake-and-go, and no witching hour meltdowns.

  4. Go with a casual wardrobe. Socks and shoes off, get comfy. I usually recommend lighter, solid colors, and very low pressure coordination. And the best part? If someone gets a stain, just change because you’re at home!

How I Take a Month Off Every Summer and Why Its Great for Me and My Business | Boston Family Photographer

As cliche as it sounds, (like many other parents) I’ve realized my kids are only little once. They are little, needy, interesting, and fun, and I’ll never get this time back. My core values in my family portrait business are based around spending, documenting, and ENJOYING time with your family. My first maternity leave went from July-Sept and I was FREAKING OUT about the thought of taking a September (IYKYK) off from the photography business. But then I did, and my clients understood, and everything was ok. Once I knew it was possible, it wasn’t scary.

In fact, the timing of taking a month off to reset and spend with family before jumping into my busy season of weekend sessions and post-bedtime editing was the best thing that I could have done for my family and for business. Not having to grind right into the busy season without a break had me feeling refreshed, energized, and excited about photoshoots. And I didn’t have to go in with the guilt of less time with my kids because I just spent a whole month with them.

Here’s How I Did It:

1. Made sure I had an OOO with a clear message - I would be checking in on email once a week (say every Thursday for example), and therefore slower to respond.

2. Made sure my booking calendar was set up, automated, and easy for clients to book and receive confirmation emails without my help.

3. Planned content ahead of time. Blogs, social media, and Newsletters were scheduled not just for the month I was away, but through the busy season so I could focus on sessions when I returned.

4. Had a team member I could rely on. My assistant does not typically respond to emails for me, but I made sure I was able to loop her in on anything that needed attention while I was gone.

5. Didn’t stress about it. Did I miss out on scheduling a few photoshoots that were time sensitive? Yes. That would have majorly stressed me out in the past. I am more on the “I can’t serve everyone” train these days. And that’s ok with me.

Confession: Since the pandemic, I’ve been taking a winter month off too. Winter is the slow season for me, so I spend about 2-3 weeks on back-end things like updating my website, content planning, and general maintenance. Then I take one month where I work one day a week. Me from 5 years ago would have died over this.

Taking on Toddlers During Your Newborn Shoot | Boston Photographer

Just days into embarking on their journey with three kids, the Gillespies were ready to capture some precious moments with their brand new baby and his older siblings. With mom and dad having two toddlers in tow, I was more than happy to be welcomed into their South Boston home for a cozy indoor session. Having two young kids of my own has made newborn shoots even more special to me, give me all the baby snuggles!  Also, Charlie was a total natural, and went along with whatever we wanted.

Annie and Jack were so excited to show us all around their home to help scope out their favorite spots to play. As I received the formal stuffed animal introduction, I had dad giving the performance of a lifetime just behind my head while I snapped some playful, candid photos. Between the giggling and jumping on the bed we lost count of how many times we lost Annie’s bow in the silliness, but somehow she had it on for every photo.

The bow itself was the cherry on top of the family’s coordinating wardrobe. The Gillespies pulled a page right from our style guide and accented their neutral-toned outfits with pops of blue. All of which looked great against the backdrop of their home. It's easy to overlook your own bedroom as a photo location, but I find they tend to make a great spot to get comfortable in front of the camera.

After exhausting the photo opportunities in the bedrooms we relocated to the kitchen to break out everyone’s favorite: snacks. When discussing prep for the session I always recommend bringing along your kid’s favorite (non-messy) treat to break out when their patience starts running low. Once we had Goldfish coupled with the rare opportunity to sit on the counter, the kids got the second wind.

The shoot ended with the whole family (including the dog) piled onto the couch to snuggle and love on baby Charlie. What made this such a successful family session was everyone’s attitude. Mom and dad were easygoing, we gave the toddlers some freedom so they had fun the whole time, and this allowed us to capture these genuine, authentic family moments.

How to Have the Best Mother's Day Ever | Boston Family Photographer

This Mother’s Day we are doing a giveaway! We are giving away two mini sessions. One will be nomination based (I’m sure you or someone you know is very deserving of beautiful photos of themselves with their kids), and the other will be chosen at random.Here’s how to enter:

  1. Click the “Contact page” link enter in your email address to be entered. That’s it! You will be entered to win a mini session, winner will be chosen at random.

  2. To nominate yourself, a friend, sister, or any other mama who deserves this, DM me with a sentence or two on who you are nominating and why she deserves it.

Two winners will be chosen: one at random, and the other will be chosen by me from nominations. Both winners will be selected on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 14, 2023, and posted on my story at 10AM.

***Important! Mini sessions will take place next Saturday, May 20 at 5:30 and 6PM in the Boston’s South End. If you are chosen as a winner, you must be available for this time slot.

Mother’s Day video | Boston Family Photographer

What to Wear for Winter Photos | Boston Photographer

Wait…it was just 50 degrees yesterday now it’s 20 degrees out? Yup, winter in Boston is as unpredictable as it comes, but luckily the weather app is usually reliable for forecasting the upcoming days' conditions. 

When it comes to dressing for winter photos, here is my best advice.

  1. Wear or bring extra layers. Nothing is worse than freezing! While you don’t want to look bulky like the Michelin tire logo, bring an oversized slouchy sweater or wear that thermal shirt underneath. Layering is a great way to complete a look.

  2. Bring an extra coat. You can wear a more stylish coat for photos, but having an extra puffy coat to put on in between shots, or as we move from one place to the next, can be just the break you need. 

  3. Gloves and cold weather accessories. Add a seasonal flare to your photos by adding those winter accessories like scarves, gloves, boots, and beanies. There are so many cute options for these items out there, have fun with it.

  4. Color: Winter tends to bring some more muted colors so if you want to stand out add some splashes of color to your outfits. Layering is a great way to add color.

Most importantly choose to wear clothes you feel comfortable and confident in, no matter the season.

Behind the Scenes of A BOSTON Summer Family Session | Boston Photographer

For those who have done a family portrait session with me, you know I only shoot early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid harsh lighting from the sun. In the middle of the summer in particular, we are not only at the mercy of the sun’s unforgiving light, but also the brutal heat! And long summer days mean EARLY mornings and LATE evenings for kiddos. For this mid-July shoot, these two were champs, getting up and out the door early, with the promise of doughnuts waiting for them on the other side of the shoot… I mean I would get up at sunrise for doughnuts, wouldn’t you?

Siblings often feed off of each other’s energy and spirit which was 100% the case for Saj and Ani. For 7am, all I can say is I wish I had Saj’s energy! Sitting still can be tough at any age, but especially for 5 year olds. This shoot had lots of interaction such as running, tickling, secret telling, hiding, and hugging…which ended up as tackling in some (most) instances. We try to follow along with whatever makes our toddlers happiest, and if that means lots of sweating and running around, we are totally cool with it.

Overall the lighting worked in our favor and we got some awesome action and family shots!

What to Wear for Fall Photos | Boston Photographer

Fall is the most popular season for family photos, and with the scenery in New England, it’s no wonder why! The weather isn’t as hot and muggy as it is in summer, nor does it feel like you need to break out a parka. The trees are putting on a beautiful color show, and overall there is a warmer tone. Here is some of my advice for wardrobe for family photos during fall: 

Decide on a color palette. Choose a few colors, a bit more earth toned, with one color that pops more. Popular color choices include sage, grey, navy, blue-grey, burnt orange, dusty rose, mustard, burgundy…to name a few, but I won’t put a limit on the MANY colors that look and photograph great in fall.

Coordinate outfits. No need to match each other. It can be easier to start with one person’s outfit, then pull from those colors or patterns to use for other members' outfits. This leaves room for individual personality to come on through.

Dress for the weather. Take note of the weather that week, and find a coat or sweater that you love and could easily throw on over your outfit. Pro tip: babies will get colder faster so bring a little blanket to wrap them up in! I ALWAYS suggest layering outfits for babies and young children.

Choosing wardrobe (especially for the whole fam) is HARD! But it doesn’t need to be stressful. Lay things out ahead of time, and I am always available to give feedback and suggestions on wardrobe options.

How to prepare for your session: The ultimate guide | Boston Photographer

Wondering how to get the most out of our time together? Do you have any specific shots in mind already? Have some questions about the shoot? Here is a comprehensive session guide to best prepare you for your Family Photos!

Step 1: Check the style guide for wardrobe.

Step 2: Feel free to send inspiration photos if you have them. If you have a pinterest board-share it!

Step 3: Answer the questionnaire I sent. It makes all the difference when I know a little about your kids and how to approach them. This is also a great opportunity to let me know if there are any specific shots you really want going into our session.

Step 4: Let the kids be kids and don’t stress if they aren’t “behaving”. Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun.

3 of my must have shots:

Hugs and kisses

Tickles (or something similar that gets them giggling)

Active playing. Chasing our kids gets sweaty and dirty, and it’s not always glamorous. This is where the real stuff is. The stuff your kids enjoy and more importantly, open up to. All kids are different and if you know what kind of play brings out the best in yours, it is a huge help in capturing their genuine happiness.

Step 5: Go through this checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

  1. Make sure everyone is fed and hydrated ahead of time (adults too). Everyone is just more happy when they’re not hangry. Tip: stay away from foods that stain clothes or faces

  2. Bring easy snacks and water with you. Snack ideas: cheerios, white cheese, raisins…

  3. Have outfits ready ahead of time - like wayyy ahead of time. Pack an extra if you have a young baby, messy blowouts and spit up are definite possibilities.

  4. Leave yourself plenty of time. When you need to be somewhere on time, someone will have a meltdown or poop at the very moment you need to leave. Keep your sanity and leave yourself extra time, you don’t want to cut into your session time because your toddler hid his shoes.

  5. Bring something your kids love. This is totally optional, but if your kid has a toy or lovey that brings them more happiness than anything else in this world, it would be a great idea to have it with you, and even get it in a few photos - it can make a really sweet memory to look back on. One of my favorite photos of my son is him holding onto his “Lovey” at the end of our family session.

Now you’re ready for your session! Just show up and have fun with your kiddos.

What to do when your kids won’t “behave” for their session | Boston Photographer

One of parents’ biggest concerns is that their family won’t cooperate for their session. You want photos of your loving, giggly, happy kid, and your sweet child won’t smile on command like an angel for family photos. Of course not! Your 3 year old runs from the camera, your 5 year old has no idea how to smile naturally, and your moody 7 year old is done with us before we start. Sound familiar? We are here to make this fun and capture your kids’ true personalities, quirks, silly faces and all. If you are having fun, they will have fun, and the giggles will follow.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting the best out of your kids:

  1. Get your kids excited for the session and let them know how much fun it will be, but no need to over prepare them or add too much pressure for "best behavior”

2. Kids pick up on your stress, so stay cool, even when they don’t. Meltdowns come and go, we have plenty of time to take a break and reset, no biggie!

3. Bribes work. For older toddlers and school age kids, rewards can be our best friends. Having their favorite (non messy) snack on hand can be a lifesaver. But try not to break it out too early, or they’ll be fixated on it!

4. Go with the flow. I’ll always have an idea of how I want a shot to go, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that young kids are unpredictable, and the better shot usually comes from allowing them some wiggle room.

5. Above all, if you are having fun with them, they will have fun with you. Be prepared to pull out all the stops with hugs, kisses, tickles, chasing, and their favorite ways to interact with you. You know what brings out the best in your kids, so come prepared to be silly if that’s what does it.

Gina’s Family Photos in Arnold Arboretum | Boston Photographer

As an early mother’s day gift, Gina spent a windy afternoon at the Arnold Arboretum with her husband Jay and two daughters. Years ago, I had the opportunity to shoot both Gina’s maternity and newborn photos for her second child. It’s always special to work with clients over the years and see their child(ren) grow, as her daughters now are in elementary school and very much their own person. 

That morning we were debating whether or not to reschedule the shoot due to the wind advisory, (which if you have long hair, you KNOW the wind can be a friend and an enemy) but ended up going with it. Thank goodness for that as we captured some great moments!

Emma and Isla had such fun energy and even as the temperature dropped, kept the fun and laughter going. The true sister spirit came through as they made each other giggle, and had reminders to be gentle with each other. My approach to this shoot, and all of my shoots, is lifestyle based, so I love capturing them in their element, letting their personalities shine through.

We ended the shoot in the rose garden, carrying that energy with us, as our last shots were of the family jumping and running around.

Fun Ways to Photograph your kids This Summer | Boston Photographer

Summer is here (and so is the heat)! Hand-in-hand with this warmer weather comes longer time spent outside, especially for kids. To capture your kids having fun in the sun, I’ve created a list of some summer photo ideas that will bring a smile not just to your kids face but to your face as well. 

Capture your kid:

  1. Eating watermelon or summer fruit. Be prepared for sticky hands and chins! You can even make a day of this by transforming it into a picnic.

  2. Splashing in the water. Pool, ocean, lake, it doesn’t matter. Yes, your kid(s) will love this one, and yes, you may get wet. Trust me if you miss the shot of the cannon ball splash, they will be happy to do it again.

  3. Doing classic “summer things”. Fourth of July fun, lemonade stands, playing with bubbles, running through the sprinkler, bbq nights- capture a family moment you love!

Have fun trying out different summer activities with your kid and capturing the moment as is. Pro tip: remember to bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Here's (and cheers) to the Dads | Boston Family Photographer

Ok let’s be real - I often overlook the amazing dads. We are (finally) hyperfocused on mom, as we should be, let’s give moms ALL the support. But what about the dads trying to “do it all”. The dads that have to miss the moments we’ll never get back, or make the hard decisions to go back to work after a mere two weeks with their newborn because that’s what everyone does. The good ones are our support systems and they don’t often complain (until they come down with the dreaded man cold lol, can I get an amen?)

I didn’t fully appreciate what it takes for a good man to become an incredible dad until I saw Nick become just that. And I’m not talking the “Wow what a hands on father!” BS comments that we get when people witness dad taking the kids for a walk or having any general interaction with their kids (moms you feel me?) I’m talking about the dads that are IN IT. Whether it’s staying at home full time, rushing home from work to jump right into bath-time, or taking one for the team in the middle of the night.

Above image by Melissa Rabbitt Photography

Dads get a bad rap for the “are we done yet” attitude at their photoshoot. I get it; it’s not easy and sometimes even uncomfortable to create special memories on command. They aren’t flashy about their relationships, but when I get to actually capture a few moments of their genuine connection, those are the photos that make us all melt. 

Baby Portraits: six months old, cheeks, and smiles-oh my! | Boston Photographer

The first year of baby’s life goes by so fast! Each month brings a new milestone, whether it’s sitting up, holding objects or crawling. While I absolutely love newborn shoots, it’s always exciting to work with babies within their first year. Just like each month brings a new milestone in development, a 3 month old and a 9 month old react differently in front of the camera. This past spring I had the lovely opportunity to work with Theo, a six month old, at their stunning condo in downtown Boston, and oh man, did he have the best expressions. Wait till you see those cheeks!

Theo was a natural, like ready to be on the cover of magazine-worthy. As a six month old he was sitting up by himself, and loved grabbing his feet or was completely fascinated by the drawstrings on his pants. While he went through the range of emotions like most babies, Theo was quick to offer back up a smile, thanks to his cheerleaders and support team, his mom, dad, and aunt! All of whom were running around behind me chanting, singing, playing peek-a-boo, and redirecting his attention with Sophie the giraffe. 

As you can see from the photos, Theo had multiple outfits which are especially helpful to have on hand on any infant shoot, (because babies can be messy). He went through his changes like a champ, and his wardrobe went great with the overall vibe of the space. Enjoy some of Theo’s moments below!

6 months is a big milestone! But no matter the age, if you interrupt nap time, there will be some tears.

A Tribute to the Mamas | Boston Family Photographer

Moms. I see you. Organizing family photos, juggling schedules, getting outfits together, bringing supplies, making sure the kids (and partners) look happy... all you want is a few good photos since you have none.
Then I get to witness and document these amazing sweet, silly, lovey moments and it's the best.

I hope you have a beautiful Mother’s Day.

My Five Favorite Unique Boston Locations For Your Family Photos | Boston Photographer

Boston Public Garden, Arnold Arboretum, Seaport–all prime photo locations and quintessential Boston gems. And it’s always a different experience, no matter how many times I shoot there (thanks to you!) All great options, but if you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path, unique locations for your family photo session, they are not as far as you might think. While they might not look like much as a whole on the outside, there is always a spot to create great images. (BONUS: one of these locations has been teen approved- meaning they are more invested in the shoot!) 

Destination 1: Underground Ink Block. This urban graffiti park located between Boston’s South End and South Boston is fun for any age. Bright, bold colors and fun art-what more could you ask for!

Destination 2: Mill Buildings near my Lawrence Studio. Remember me mentioning the teen approved site? Well this is it. Actually, I recommend this location only for older kids due to the raw industrial nature of the space. (of course it’s safe to shoot at, but not for little wandering hands). It creates some cool (yes, this word was used by a teen), industrial looking images.

Destination 3: Unkempt Field or Hill. Those tall grass photos that capture the light–need I say more? You know what I am talking about. For this type of location, I always suggest bug spray and a blanket.

Destination 4: Your home. This location is the most overlooked option. Share your love for the space you live in. Indoor, backyard, there are more great little nooks than you’ve ever realized.

Destination 5: An interesting wall. Have you ever driven by a side of white brick wall, or brightly painted side of a building, and thought, “isn’t that interesting?” No? Just me? A simple wall can add a lot of different looks. Bright, bold, rustic, edgy, playful. Add a simple texture background to keep the focus on you and your family, while giving your photos a bit of a flare.

Looking for more ideas? Reach out, so we can find a location that’s perfect for your family photos.

How to get natural expressions from kids | Boston Photographer

Nothing compares to a genuine, heartfelt smile from your kids. Throughout the years I have discovered some of the best ways to get authentic emotions out of kids, and I’ll let you in on my secrets. It’s not as difficult as you think, just get ready to be a little goofy!

I absolutely love working with kids. They typically don’t fake how they feel, especially the younger ones, and kids tend to wear their expressions very honestly; creating a light-hearted atmosphere can give you the genuine look you want. When I’m on a shoot, I am always ready for those candid shots to capture them in their natural setting. 

Try kissing them. Babies and toddlers can be the most unpredictable, as one moment they may be laughing then the next it's like a little rain cloud is over them. But one of my favorite ways to bring joy to their faces is having mom, dad, brother, sister, you fill in the blank here, kiss different body parts. Their eyes, nose, fingers-try it all! 

Another safe option to melt those serious expressions is Peek-a-boo. You’ve got to love a classic. This one works best on kids under the age of 2.

Here comes the tickle monster! If you know your child is ticklish this can be a great secret weapon to turn any frowns or discomfort into a toothy grin. 

Toss your child up in the air! (safely)

Who doesn’t love a good dance party and sing along? Dancing can help a child relax and get out any jitters. Young ones love songs, so bonus if you sing in a silly voice. For upset babies, try putting on their favorite song to see if that can crack a smile or at least change the mood.

Make everything a game. See who can jump the highest, or if they can pop out from behind a nearby prop on the count of 3. Play Simon Says-but add an accent! Or tell them to hold a serious face and keep it as long as they can.

Break out the jokes! (Yes, even dad jokes) This one can work on both younger and older children. Maybe it’s a knock-knock joke, or a family inside joke. Perhaps you might even use some bathroom humor for the younger ones-whatever gets them cheesing!

Connection is key for older kids. Teenagers will whip out their phones if they have the chance. Ask them if they have any photo requests so they feel more invested. Find out their interests by taking some time to chat.

Make a funny sound. I tend to use this one for babies and younger children to grab their attention, but you can also make an older kid laugh this way as well.

Take. Breaks. Period. An hour can be a long time for any kid (and parents too if we’re being real here). If anyone needs a break, we take it. Taking 5 quiet mins in exchange for a happy 10 mins is always ok with me. .

Next time try one of these tactics to get a real smile, sometimes it just takes a little trial and error.

How to Do Winter Photos the Right Way | Boston Photographer

I absolutely love the seasons. Each season brings you something to look forward to and enjoy. Apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, blooming flowers in the spring, sunshine in the summer, and hot cocoa and snow in the winter! Living in Boston we get the full force of the seasons, and winter can bring us a beautiful snowy wonderland but also some frigid temperatures. Don’t let those temperatures discourage you from creating some cozy, magical photos with your fam!!

Don’t underestimate home photoshoots. Home is where the heart is, creating some wonderfully fun and cuddly images in a space that means something to you. Before every session I take some time to scout the best spots around your house with the best lighting. (Spoiler, I can ALWAYS find at least a few spots). Indoor sessions are perfect for young kids and babies.

In the mood for some outdoor shots as well? Maybe it snowed the night before or the lighting is stunning. Combo sessions are a perfect way to get both outdoor and (warm) indoor photos! Just remember to bring plenty of layers. Older kids can have fun layering up, and young kids will get excited to run outside-though their mood can change pretty quickly (hello cold hands and runny nose) All we need is a few minutes outside, before running back home to warm up! Pro tip: A change in environment is also great for resetting not-so-great moods.




My Approach to Candid, Natural Family Photos - Goodbye Fake Smiles | Boston Family Photographer

Can you even imagine that trying to get a few good photos of your kids could be stress free? Or that capturing natural, candid photos of the whole family could even be fun and enjoyable? I know it seems like a pipe dream but it’s really all in the approach. Keep reading for my favorite ways to capture your unique family dynamic, naturally.

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You know when you ask your kids to do a task and they completely ignore you? But if you ask the same thing of them, play it cool, make it fun, like it’s their decision, they are all over it. Family photos are no different. Instead of “stand there and smile”, we take more of a “I bet you love your mom so much, how do you show mom how much you love her?!” approach. This allows the kids to be spontaneous and candid, and avoids the fake smiles.

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Our sessions are for the families that genuinely love being around each other and playing with their kids. Before our session, we start with a questionnaire to get to know your family better. This gives you the opportunity to think about those silly, playful moments you have at home with your kids, and share them with me so we can recreate them at our session. 

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Worried about what everyone’s wearing? I know this can be one of the most stressful things about scheduling your family photo session before you even think about walking out the door. That’s why I’ve put together this guide (click here) that makes planning outfits super easy. I also love being a part of this process, so I always encourage families to send me options if you want my input. The best thing you can do is make sure everything fits everyone ahead of time, and lay out your outfits the night before your session, right down to socks and shoes.

Our ultimate goal is to document your family so you have these memories of how you actually were, how you played, how you laughed, and how you loved each other. So if your kid buries her head in your shoulder for every photo, or will only wear his favorite sweatpants, it is what it is, and I promise you’ll want to remember this phase either way.

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The year of the supermom. Moms You need to hear this now

It’s been a year unlike any other. Can we just take a moment to CLAP.FOR.THE.MOMS. The working moms, the stay at home moms, the special needs moms, the home educator moms, the moms that TURNED IT UP this year because we had no choice. I won’t go into the glaring societal pressures of working moms that really presented themselves this year (but read: lots of eye rolls for corporate America totally displaying all the ways we leave working moms in the dust).

You were expected to work full time hours, while also providing your own full time childcare and education for your children. And to my SAHMs, we see you, and the 168 hours a week you’re working.

I’ve done both this year. Neither is easy, both test your relationships, and both can feel like the weight of your entire world is all on you.

But you did it. You’re doing it. Your kids are going to be just fine, and you’ve learned you have freaking superpowers for getting everyone through this year alive. 

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To my new moms - it has been incredibly isolating for you. Your village was never allowed to exist. And you did it. You. The sleepless nights, not being able to put baby down and have a minute to yourself, second guessing everything...and all the baby snuggles in the world.

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To my toddler moms - I feel you. I’m there. Power struggles, no breaks, life without playdates is HARD. But this bond we formed with our kids? Unbreakable forever.

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To my young school aged moms - How? How can you be expected to help your kids learn and give them what they need? You’re not a trained educator, but you taught them about real life. They see you. They admire you everyday.

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To my teenage moms - Your fragile teens had everything taken away from them this year. Sports, structure, necessary peer interactions, important milestones. And you still made them feel special and loved.

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Everyone has had their own struggles and obstacles. No matter where you think your failures from this year lie, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. You carried the weight of your world. Cue Beyonce’s “Who Run The World? GIRLS” in the background please. Way to go Moms.

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