If you’ve ever thought about scheduling family photos but immediately started wondering, “How am I supposed to get everyone ready, keep the kids happy, get everyone to smile, and somehow make this actually work?” you’re not alone.

Family photography can sound a little intimidating, especially when you have young children. What if your toddler won't sit still? What if someone is having a meltdown? What if your child is shy? What if nobody cooperates?

The good news is that your family doesn't have to be perfect for family photos to turn out beautifully.

My family sessions are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to the people in front of my camera. My job isn't to make your family fit a particular formula. It's to get to know your family, figure out what works best for you, and create space for genuine connection while still giving you beautiful, thoughtfully composed photographs.

Most importantly, you don't have to spend the entire session being the photographer. You get to be Mom. You get to be Dad. You get to enjoy your family. I'll take care of the pictures.

Before Your Family Photography Session

Every family is different, which is why I like to get to know a little bit about yours before we meet.

Let's Talk About What You Need

Phone consultations are available for every session. Sometimes it's simply easier to talk through the details, especially when you're trying to figure out what kind of session will work best for your family.

And if you're a busy parent who would rather communicate through email or text, that's completely fine, too.

I want the planning process to work for you, not create another appointment you have to squeeze into an already busy schedule.

We'll talk about things like what you're hoping for from your session, the ages and personalities of your children, and what kind of location or overall feel you're looking for.

Some families already have a beautiful location in mind. Others know they want a certain look or feel but don't know where to find it. And some families simply want somewhere beautiful that is close to home and convenient.

There isn't one right answer.

Your session is built around your family.

You'll Receive a Questionnaire Before Your Session

Before we meet, I'll send you a questionnaire that gives you a chance to tell me more about your family and what is important to you.

This helps me come prepared and gives you an opportunity to share things that I might not otherwise know.

I'll ask about things like:

• What is the reason for your session?
• Are there particular photographs or combinations of people that are especially important to you?
• What are your children's favorite things right now?
• Are there hobbies, interests, or activities you'd love to incorporate?
• Is there anything that might make the session challenging for someone in your family?
• Is there anything you'd like me to know about your children?
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This information is especially helpful when we're photographing young children.

You know your kids best.

If you know that your three-year-old needs a little time to warm up to new people, I want to know that. If your child does better when we jump right into something fun, that's helpful, too.

The more I know ahead of time, the better I can tailor the experience to your family.

The First Few Minutes Are About Getting Comfortable

When we arrive at your session, the camera doesn't necessarily have to come out right away.

The first few minutes are an opportunity to meet everyone, introduce myself, and get to know your family a little bit.

Every child responds differently to a new person.

Some kids are ready to jump right in.

Some respond really well to a little direction right away.

Some young children are nervous around someone new and need a little space to watch, observe, and decide that I'm okay before they're ready to interact with me.

And that's okay.

Parents know their children best, and I'm more than happy to adapt.

If your child needs a few minutes, we'll give them a few minutes. If they are ready to play, we'll play. If they need some direction, I'll provide it.

My top priority is making sure everyone is comfortable enough to interact naturally with each other while I capture those moments.

Your Family Session Is Flexible, But It Isn't Chaotic

Relaxed doesn't mean that I'll simply show up with a camera and hope for the best.

I come with a plan, and I'll give you direction throughout the session.

I'll help arrange everyone so that you look your best. I'll guide you through different combinations and poses, and I'll keep the session moving.

If possible, I like to get the larger combinations finished early.

And yes, we will get that everyone-looking-at-the-camera photograph.

Because even families who love candid photography usually want at least one really good photograph where everyone is looking at the camera.

I make sure we get those important photographs while everyone is fresh and cooperative.

Then, if someone needs a break five minutes later, we have plenty of time to pivot.

What If Your Child Has a Meltdown?

It happens.

Toddlers get tired. Kids get hungry. Someone doesn't want to stand there anymore. Someone suddenly decides that the grass is offensive.

That's real life with children.

And it doesn't mean your session is ruined.

If your child won't cooperate with what we were originally doing, we'll try something different.

Maybe we play a game.

Maybe we get moving.

Maybe we sing a favorite song.

Maybe there are jokes, tickles, or a little running involved.

Maybe your child needs to snuggle with Mom for a few minutes.

Maybe we simply give them some space.

We pivot.

The goal isn't to force a child into a particular pose. The goal is to create opportunities for your family to connect so I can capture those genuine moments.

Sometimes the photograph we weren't planning to take ends up being everyone's favorite.

I'll Give You Direction Without Making Everything Feel Posed

There is a difference between being directed and being stiffly posed. (Check this out to see why interactive photos will be more meaningful to your kids.)

I want you to look your best, so I absolutely will help you with things like where to stand, where to put your hands, how to position yourselves, and where to look.

But I don't want you spending an entire session thinking about what you're supposed to do with your hands.

Once I have everyone where I want them, I love to get people moving and interacting.

Walk together. (If your kids are like the little one in these photos, that just might be the favorite activity!)

Snuggle.

Tell your child a joke.

Tickle them.

Hold hands.

Pick them up.

Talk to each other.

Play.

Those interactions create the expressions, connections, and little moments that make your photographs feel like your family.

Family Photography Should Be About More Than Everyone Smiling

Of course, I want to give you beautiful portraits where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.

But I also want to give you the photographs that make you feel something.

The way your toddler reaches for you.

The look your child gives you when you make them laugh.

The way siblings interact.

The way Dad picks up his little girl.

The tiny hands that won't always be so tiny.

The personality that is uniquely theirs right now.

The connection between the two of you that sometimes gets lost in the busyness of raising a family.

I don't just want to photograph what your family looks like. I want to preserve what this season feels like. (Find out here why you shouldn't wait to schedule photos)

Your Family Doesn't Have to Fit a Formula

There is no perfect way to have a family photo session.

Some families spend most of their session laughing and running around. Some love cuddling and quiet moments. Some children are naturally outgoing, while others need more time to warm up.

That's why I don't believe family photography should be one-size-fits-all.

I tailor each session to the family in front of my camera.

Especially when young children are involved, the best session is one that considers their personalities, needs, energy levels, and interests.

My job is to give you enough direction that you know what to do, while leaving enough room for your family to simply be yourselves.

Looking for a Family Photographer in Grants Pass, Medford, or Southern Oregon?

If you're looking for a family photographer in Grants Pass, Medford, or throughout Southern Oregon, I'd love to create a session that feels comfortable, relaxed, and meaningful for your family.

Whether you have little ones who never stop moving, a shy child who needs some time to warm up, or a family who simply doesn't love having their picture taken, we can find an approach that works for you.

You don't need perfect behavior.

You don't need perfectly coordinated children.

You don't even need to know exactly what you want.

You just need to show up and be together.

I'll take care of the rest.

Because someday, you'll look back at these photographs and realize just how quickly this season passed.

And I want you to remember more than what everyone looked like.

I want you to remember what being a family felt like right now.