Family Photos with Wiggly Kids? Are you sure?
If you've been following along here on my little blog, you know I am a mama of an adorable, tow-headed toddler and a brand-new baby boy. Life can be pretty full and busy these days, and I know many of you mamas are in the same season of life. I've talked to so many parents who wonder how in the world they can do family photos with littles who are always on the go! I want to encourage you a little bit today:-It's not about the perfect photo: I meet a lot of moms who want The Photo. You know the one, where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera, and no one's clothes are wrinkled and it looks like a storybook. That one. I'm here to tell you, that is not the photo you will want to look back on in the years to come. As a photographer, of course I try to always get the one amazing Christmas-card-worthy image! Everyone loves a great photo, but the ones the moms truly treasure are the ones that show personalities, real laughter, and JOY! Please give yourself and your children grace, and know that being yourself (and letting your kids be themselves) will really give you the best images.-Lower the stress on the day of: Remember that your kiddos feed of your energy, so if you arrive to your shoot with a gritted teeth smile and blood pressure that's skyrocketed, try to take a deep breath and be present in the moment, so that your children can relax. A relaxed mom really helps a shoot go more smoothly. Remember that I have been doing this for quite some time, and I have seen it all! Wiggly kids, diaper blowouts, siblings squabbles. It's okay, it really is. I am a mom, and I understand! I want you all to create a memory on the ACTUAL day of the shoot, and that memory should be wonderful. Don't forget to feed everyone protein (including yourself) so that no one is suffering from low blood sugar or a headache.-Trust me: You may be inwardly cringing as you watch your toddler running around, but I honestly love it. Please trust me and know that I am able to get good images despite what may appear as chaotic times. Laugh, play, and be open to non traditional moments. I encourage parents to bring things like bubbles or even their favorite wooden toys that won't be super disruptive. Even a favorite book can be a really cute prop, and no, it won't "ruin" a session. I promise. Remember that your toddlers and little ones are...little. Cultivating a great experience now with a photographer will make family photos happy and easier in the future, as they will be used to the process.