How to get natural looking, authentic moments captured in your photos:


My approach to photography is rooted in authentic and priceless moments that you will treasure for years to come. Now that is not to say that I won't take posed photos of everyone smiling at the camera, I know those moments are important as well, but my true passion is for capturing every day moments that will be the memories you look back on when you are in your 80s. The way you looked at your children and smiled as they played a game, or the way your husband can make you and the kids laugh with his corny dad jokes. For me, photography isn't just about picture perfect posing, it is the real and raw moments that make life so beautiful.


Ways that you can feel more comfortable in front of the camera:

  • Play a game like red light green light, Simon says, or something that you know brings a smile to your kid's faces.
  • Have fun conversations together, talk about and reminisce over your favorite memories with each other. This brings up genuine emotions on your faces.
  • Tell the funniest joke that you know.
  • For couples, talk about your favorite thing about the other person, why you love them and are so happy they are in your life.
  • Make silly faces at each other and just have fun together. A good game is also trying to see who can make a serious face the longest.


I know these ideas may seem a bit silly but they really do help everyone to loosen up and feel more comfortable. Eventually you kind of forget there is even someone there taking photos of you. That is what I hope for during every session. I can give direction as needed, but my goal is to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Having photos done in your home or somewhere you go frequently can also create a familiarity that makes it easier to feel comfortable.


Another way to get photos that feel more authentic is to plan an event, like baking cookies, having a picnic, painting together, etc. That way there is something to focus on and puts less pressure and awkwardness with not knowing what to do. I hope these tips help you feel more prepared for your session and gives you a glimpse into how I try to make sessions more fun and less pressure for everyone. I want your photos to reflect the beauty that I see, they are an investment you make that only increase in value as time goes on.