When I send the final gallery, it is often filled with the calm, sometimes perfect, sometimes unprompted moments. They see a sleepy newborn curled up in a basket. A proud toddler smiling at the camera. The family wrapped together in perfect golden hour light. What they don't see? All that magic that happened in between. Behind every "perfect" image is a whole lot of real life.

A person sits on a hardwood floor near a window with sunlight streaming in, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.



When a feisty toddler refuses to cooperative? That's real life. Any parent can tell you, there is no forcing a toddler do anything. So don't. Let them play, let them run, let them explore and watch them come naturally back. For a hug, for a snuggle, for boop on their baby's nose. It's all perfect. Big siblings who love the camera? Awesome! I love the ones who jump on in without being prompted. I sit back and let the magic happen. Those end up being my very favorites.

Sweet sibling portrait series showing tender moments between older child and newborn baby on white backdrop.


As a photographer, my job is to guide the session but another very important aspect is to just watch. Watch for the minuscule moments that happen on their own. Paying attention to how the interactions unfold naturally when families are together. Those are the moments I long to tell as part of a wider story. Those are the ones that simply cannot be set up and those are the ones that add substance to your story as a whole.

A child leans over a white table while drawing or coloring in a bright, sunlit room.
A tender breastfeeding moment captured in warm tones with a white knit blanket and rust-colored clothing.
Close-up view of hands gently holding a small white bunny on a polka dot blanket in warm sepia tones.