I have a confession to make. 

Despite being a family photographer…

For many years, I was one of those people that loathed having photos done of my own family (I have 2 Scorpio children and a Gemini if that explains anything).

Well, actually, I should clarify that I started to loathe having photos taken of us after we had our second child and things became more complex with multiple children to prep outfits for and coordinate nap schedules, feeding etc. 

While on maternity leave with our third baby, with lots of time to think during late night feedings, I found myself feeling sad about the idea of not having beautiful photos of us together during that time. I started asking myself…

What would need to change in order for my own family to have a stress-free, fun family photo experience?

Was that even possible?

In one of those late night moments, with my son in my arms, I made a commitment to start figuring that out. So I decided to hire someone to come photograph us every 3 months for that first year of his life. 

The most memorable of which was when we did 3 month photos in winter. Which surprised me because winter is traditionally not thought of as a ‘good’ time for photos. But that particular shoot ended up being my favorite of all the seasons we shot in that year. 

Remembering back on that week leading up to pictures… 

Postpartum with a new baby (our third), and we were months deep into dressing two toddlers in winter gear day in and day out. My husband and I were completely maxed out. I would be lying if I said I didn’t consider cancelling the session as I spent the night before thinking about getting everyone ready the next day. 

But as I sat there with my phone in hand, about to text my photographer to reschedule, I reminded myself of the commitment I had made to document our family every 3 months in that period. Thinking about having photos the next day, sitting with how tired and exhausted I was, I asked myself – 

What would make tomorrow easier? 

Well, what if I didn’t do all the things that feel exhausting about having our picture taken? 

What if I didn’t do anything to prepare, and I just let it be about having a truly regular morning? For the good or the bad, whatever that might look like. 

Couldn’t hurt just this once…

So I went to bed that night without doing anything to prepare. 

I didn’t pick anyone’s outfits.

I didn’t buy anything for the shoot. 

I didn’t clean anything in the house.

I didn’t put any pressure on my husband to do anything whatsoever. 

And it was absolutely AMAZING. 

It was so easy in fact, and sooooo much fun, that I decided to put this kind of plan to the test again for a client of mine. 

A regular morning at home. No planning. 

They left a key under the mat for me so I could let myself in at sunrise and have just a regular, cozy winter morning at home. 

It was absolutely perfect.

The Super 8 video I shot that morning. If you’re interested in learning how to shoot Super 8, for your clients or your own everyday memories, check out this post I wrote about How to Shoot Super 8. 

With all of that said, I think the big take away here I’d love for you to walk away with is to challenge the idea of what family pictures has to be for you this year if you’re a parent: 

• Don’t feel any pressure to clean your home or buy new outfits.
• Take a chance and plan nothing. 
• Plan your family photos in winter. 

Most importantly of all, however you decide to plan or not plan your family photos, don’t forget that everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be really special.

If you’re interested in having this kind of photo experience with your family, click HERE to reach out to me.