Why are Family Photos Important?

I know what you are thinking. “Why should I even consider hiring a photographer? I have this phone right here in my hand that does a pretty darn good job of documenting my family’s lives.” And you’d be kind of right! I love using my phone to capture all those little moments with my own family, it is just so darn convenient.  But you know what, my phone doesn’t take great pictures.  My phone doesn’t consider the rules of design or take into consideration skin tones and light.  My phone doesn’t include me in the pictures at all, unless I flip the camera and get that awkward selfie.  My phone doesn’t allow me to be fully present with my loved ones.  I am the one working and filming and trying to get my kid’s attention and focusing more on the light than on the time with others.  Hiring a photographer does put you at complete ease.  Finding a photographer you trust can help you to relax and enjoy the experience with your family and actually be included in the photos! Your children will want to remember you too.  Not just see themselves in pictures. 

Maybe you’re thinking “Uh, why are family photos even important?” Well, if you have children you know how quickly time goes by!  It’s like you blink and those babies who were just born are already smashing a cake for their first birthday.  Then they get into school and extra curricular activities and time speeds up even quicker!  Photography will help you to slow down and savor the moment. Photography also gives you something to look back on in later years so you can reflect on those precious moments with your family. Photography can also make you cringe later, so find a good photographer that will give you those timeless photos. And these are things worth investing in! Photography is art, but it is also personally special to each person and family member who love and adore those people in the images.

Maybe your thinking “I don’t have the time for family photos!”  Well, I know from experience that if you plan it, it will happen! Just commit! Think of all the things you make time for that you plan in your own life.  Doctor appointments, getting your hair and nails done, vacations, church meetings, meals, there are countless things you plan in your day to day life!  Photography is just another one of those.  Christmas comes every year, and you will know you need photos for those Christmas cards.  Big life events, like getting married or having a baby, all require documentation! Make it easy by booking a photographer ahead of time.     

In summary, the photos and videos and memories that you want to hand down aren’t going to be the blurry crazy millions of digital and phone photos.  They are going to be the ones you value enough to print.  The ones that capture your family in an artful and beautiful way.  They are the ones that you will want to look back on and remember and show your children.   

Thanks for reading!

Why should I book a full session?

There are many reasons to book a full session.  Here are some thoughts you might be struggling with.

Opposing thought 1: “Hey, I only need one nice family picture!” Honestly, said no one ever.  It never works this way! By the time you’ve put all that work into hiring the right photographer, picking out clothes, getting yourself ready and your family ready, getting to that perfect location on time, you’re not going to want just one photo! You will want cute pictures of the children, and fun family shots!  This takes time, and you have already invested so much!

Opposing thought 2: “It doesn’t take that long to get a good picture.”  That might be right for older children who will look at the camera and smile for that perfect traditional portrait.  But what about all those interactions in between that perfect shot?! What about your actual real-life family dynamics? I am telling you that it takes time to get used to being in front of the camera.  A quick 15-minute session is going to deprive you of genuine reactions and interactions. And just like you need warm up time, so does your photographer.  Sure, we can do everything to get those perfect shots quickly, but the more time you allow the more time the photographer can get those creative and emotionally deep shots! 

Opposing thought 3: “I don’t have the time for a full session.”  Look, you’ve spent a ton of time getting ready. Getting your family ready.  You’ve bought the outfits, you’ve done your make up, and hair, you showed up on time.  This is no small feat! Make it worth it!

Opposing thought 4: “A whole hour of taking pictures sounds so painful.”  Oh man, I hear you on this one! I would hate to spend a whole hour in front of the camera forcing smiles and poses.  However, full sessions aren’t like this.  Of course, I want to capture that one perfect, over the mantle, everyone looking and smiling photo.  But sometimes the best ones come from forgetting the camera is there. With a full session you will have time to do an activity together.  Genuine real-life moments only come with time.  While mini sessions are great for getting that one perfect traditional photo, full sessions are invaluable for the candid moments.  If you or your children need time to warm up to the camera, a full session might be for you!

Opposing thought 5: “I don’t have the money for a full session”.  I get that, photography is an investment. But honestly, it all depends on what is important to you.  If you want an awesome experience and timeless photos that you will remember and love, then I would encourage you to make it a priority.  You can book as far in advance as you need. For me, I require 50% at the time of booking, so if you pay half now, you can pay the rest when your session is.  If that is a full year out, then you can start saving and getting excited for this important day! For example, you know you will want fall family photos or maybe you go pick out your own tree every Christmas.  Maybe there is a tradition you will want to document so that you can be fully present! If so, then I would encourage you to make a photo session your goal!     

Opposing thought 6: “I don’t need a full session, it’s just not necessary.”  Honestly, I am going to just encourage you to think about it! There is a lot of value in a full session.  It is an experience! The time, attention, details and storytelling are going to be that much better in a full session!  Artful photography is an investment. To book your session go to my contact page and reach out to me today! Thanks for reading!

Christmas Mini Sessions

Hi there, people! I thought I would share some of the pictures from the Christmas mini sessions I did in November. And what better time to share than a week (and a day) before Christmas! I hope you are savoring this Christmas season. If not, slow down and reflect on just how special this time is. Enjoy!