The Traditional Family Portrait

I am sure we have all at least once participated in a family portrait. Your mother probably got you, your siblings, and your father dressed nicely, and you all headed to the nearest JC Penny, Sears, or local photography studio to capture that classic family photo.

Unfortunately, I do not have a professional portrait of my entire family from when I was a child. My parents had scheduled a session at a local grocery store. (I’m not sure why a grocery store other than it perhaps was some kind of deal they had received.) Upon arriving at the grocery store, we quickly realized our photo would be taken in the middle of the store, not in the back in a separate room but instead right near the check-out lanes. My parents decided to jump ship, but my sisters and I would have to suffer the embarrassment of having our photo taken while surrounded by all the Saturday-morning shoppers. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

The Modern Age

These days, I don't know that professional portraits are as important to people because everyone has a camera in their pocket. We have millions of photos just sitting in the cloud, and we are overwhelmed with the massive amount so that we end up not displaying those milestone moments on our walls, or even in albums.

Well, I'm here to say that it is time to have a professional capture those fleeting moments. I will help your family through the entire process from what you should wear to directing you to allow natural moments occur between your loved ones. I had the opportunity to help several families this past fall with how to style their family. Trust me, I understand how overwhelming that it can be in this whole process, and that's why I want to help alleviate that stress. And while I understand that most are comfortable in jeans, I strongly suggest to step a few feet out of your comfort zone. When families first began being photographed in the late 19th century, it was a big deal! To have access to this type of technology meant that you were going to show up in your best for this special occasion. In the 21st century we should treat your family session with the same mindset - ladies get your hair done, and boys get your haircut a week prior to your session. We may have picture fatigue in 2024, but let's make these photos count and the ones you want to hang on your wall!

I'm Here to Help!

When it comes time to start documenting your family, we will start off with a traditional portrait of your family - nicely posed and smiling at the camera for Grandma to hang on her wall. From there, we will work on capturing natural moments. We will work at your pace so you can become comfortable and forget the camera is there. I will assist your family by directing you, and saying silly things to help bring out genuine emotion. And most importantly, let your kids be kids. The last thing we want is an upset child because sometimes it may be difficult to come back from those types of emotions. I will follow you, allowing your children to explore and do what do best - be kids.

Finally, I may ask you to snuggle, lie on the ground, throw the littles up in the air, and simply just embrace one another. If there is something you are not comfortable with, don't hesitate to tell me, but I promise when I ask of these things from you and your loved ones, while it may feel awkward in the moment, the end result will be gorgeous.

Let's Continue the Tradition of the Family Portrait...

...but let's make a new tradition of making those family portraits unconventional. In other words, we will no longer have flat and 2D photos, but we will have photos full of life, love and emotion.