Wild, real, and full of laughter, that’s what great family photos look like.
If you want family photos that truly feel like you, reach out anytime with no pressure. Tell me how old your kids are and where you feel most comfortable. Then we’ll choose a location together that fits your family.
“Authentic family photos? How is that supposed to work? My kids never sit still. And we as parents have zero experience in front of the camera.” If those thoughts sound familiar: perfect. Because that’s exactly what a family session is for. You don’t need any skills. You don’t need to practice. You don’t need to be “photogenic.”
Trust me: for your family session, you don’t need photo experience, and your kids don’t have to sit still either. The only thing that truly matters is that you have fun. Like you’re doing something exciting together. For your photos, you’re not meant to force anything or stand there stiffly. The images happen playfully, and your kids are allowed to set the pace. That’s how authentic family photos are created.
Simple Tricks for Authentic Family Photos That Actually Work
We start with things your kids already love. “Ring-around-the-rosy,” for example. Perfect. The first great images almost happen on their own, because you’re all in the moment, not because someone says, “smile.”
Next classic: piggyback rides or riding on your shoulders. Let’s see how good the dads are as “horses” and how steady your little ones are up there. And while you’re moving, the thing that looks best in photos happens naturally: real expressions, real laughter, real closeness.
Or we do something super simple that kids instantly love: everyone stacks their hands and you see who has the biggest hand. I’m betting it’s the smallest one in the family. Or is it? Let’s find out during the session. That’s not a “program.” It’s a game. And that’s exactly why it feels natural.
Unposed Photos: Please Don’t Practice “Looking at the Camera”
And promise me one thing: don’t brief your kids ahead of time on how to “look properly into the camera.” Do you know what “properly” looking into a camera even means? Because I sure don’t.
Instead, tell your kids you’re meeting Anna and that we’re going to do a few fun things together. That instantly takes the pressure off. And if you’d like, you can tell them a couple quick things about me so I feel familiar before we meet. For example: that I love chocolate more than anything, that I have a son named Noah, that I have a horse, and that I always bring a camera to capture your adventure for you, and for grandma and grandpa. That’s all they need.
Your Personal Photo Experience: You Bring the Kids, I Bring the Plan
You know your kids best. And I know a lot of great photo locations that truly work for families, not just pretty, but practical: plenty of space to run, little corners to cuddle, light that flatters you, and spots where you can take a quick breather.
We’ll talk beforehand about everything that matters to you: your wishes, your style, your favorite place, or whether you’d like a recommendation from me. On the day of the session, you can simply show up. I’ll guide you without forcing you into anything that doesn’t feel like you. You’ll get clear, easy prompts, and in between, the thing you can’t plan happens naturally: your real family energy.
