A child-led family photo session
North Dallas Family & Child Photographer
The typical what ifs …..
Often, as parents, we mentally run through the what ifs … what if they have a melt down, what if they won’t cooperate, what if they are grumpy because they didn’t get a nap, etc…. As a mom of 4 kids – who are now well past this stage, I know these scenarios well. I had my first three kids in 3.5 years. So, I quite literally had my hands full! Because I have walked through and navigated those what ifs too, I want you to know that I am also thinking through these things as your photographer. When you book a family photo session with me – we are a TEAM. I plan for your sessions to be child led.
What is does a child-led family photo session look like?
I am so glad you asked! This is one of the biggest successes to my photo sessions. Often I have heard parents worry that their kids will:
a) not last for a full session
b) won’t cooperate for a session.
And that really isn’t an issue, and here is why… The kids are “in charge” at the session. We are going to follow their cues, their interest, and do the things they think are fun.
It might feel like they aren’t doing what you would expect them to do at a photo session.
But trust me…. I have been doing this a long long time. (18 years!). Maybe in your head you think what makes for a successful session means that they sit down and give me their biggest smile – and above all else LOOK AT THE CAMERA.
But let me show you another way for your next family session!
I am not trying to make your child smile at me. I want them to enjoy you, enjoy each other, and enjoy the setting where we are. When we put all that together, everyone enjoys their photo session. And you know what happens when kids are enjoying all those things? They smile, they laugh, and they have a good time. My style is not posed, sit and be still photography. I learned photography on my own children many years ago, and their specialty was not looking at the camera. I have a very laid back approach to our sessions, and I want you to know that it will be ok.
Picture your family photo session more like this….
We will start with the whole family first, it’s the beginning of the session so everyone might not quite feel comfortable yet, so we talk and laugh. You look at your spouse, your hands are clasped with your child. Your kids may be walking though grass or splashing in the water with bare feet. The kids see a fallen tree log and, with dad’s help, they walk down the length of it. All the while, I am photographing while your kids explore and play. It’s very laid back and even fun!
But what about…
I know in the back of your head you still have those lingering thoughts of the what ifs. Like what if my kid cries, or what if my kid makes weird faces the whole time, of what if they get dirty. All of that might happen, but it doesn’t derail our session. Sometimes kids cry – they just do. In all my years photographing kids this just isn’t an issue. What if my kid makes weird faces? Meh! NO BIG DEAL. I just laugh it off, and take the weird-face pictures. They usually get it out of their system, and we move on. (You will probably look back on those weird/silly faces once they are older and think it is funny.) What if they get dirty? A little dirt is no big deal – for real. I edit things out all the time. Parents have no idea the amount of dirt, boogers, scratches, and bruises I have edited off.
My child is special needs….
First off, I see you mama! I know that you have had to navigate things most people don’t even have to consider. You and I will make a plan so that this will be successful. These are a few things I had parents tell me:
“My kid is a runner – as in – they will run off” “My child is unable to stand unassisted” “My child has a lot of sensory issues and can get very overwhelmed” “My child’s eyes are very light sensitive” We will make a plan so that your session can be successful and safe.
I hope that helps put your mind at ease. If you are ready to book a session you can do that here.
April 10, 2024
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