Seriously. Let them throw sand. And get wet, and run around like crazy finding big sticks or shells and getting their nice clothes dirty.
Would it come as a surprise to you that one of the main reasons people say that they either dread having family photos taken or don’t have them taken at all is the fact that they find the whole process stressful? I bet not. I hear it all the time from people who haven’t worked with me yet. It usually comes in the form of “my kids refuse to cooperate, instead of smiling at the camera they usually end up in tears.” or “My partner dreads posing and smiling and it’s always apparent in the photos.” It’s no wonder that people seem to associate family photos with stress. But what if I told you that there’s another way?
The secret to stress free family sessions.
Yes, it is possible to have a stress free and even enjoyable family photography experience. Now, what if I told you that it has little to do with your kids and almost everything to do with YOU? Yes you. Now, I know you might be thinking, “Me?! I’m the one who wants to be here, I’m the one putting in all the effort!” Well that’s probably true, and I applaud you for that. I’m forever preaching about the importance of family photos and documenting all of the seasons of your life so that your kids and grandkids can look back one day and remember not just what your family looked like but who you were. Getting everyone in front of the camera is an essential first step! But the secret to a stress free experience is learning to let go. Let go of how you want everything to be. Release your ideas of perfection and what your family photos “should” look like. Free yourself of all of those expectations you’re (consciously or not) putting on your family.
Do you know what shows up when we kick expectation to the curb? Authenticity. And do you know what else follows expectation right out the door? Stress.
So let them throw sand. Embrace the mess and the imperfection. Let the kids be kids and sit back to soak it all in. Leave the rest to me.
For more information about how authentic family sessions work shoot me an email!
Want to see more? Follow along on Instagram and don’t miss any of my recent work.
