Embracing Chaos - Chicago In-home Family Session

Aug 31

I cannot tell you how many moms worry about their kids "behaving" for photos, being able to follow directions, standing still, and giving big smiles for the camera. We have this idea in our heads that the perfect image is that in which we are all posing and smiling, but I find that it is actually the wild moments, when kids are being themselves, running around and being silly, and when families are genuinely having fun that turn out the most precious photos - those that resemble real life in all of its messy splendor.

Take this at home family session, for example. Two little kids plus a dog, you can imagine they had me running around, switching angles and directions, and coming up with different prompts for play. And I just love the images that resulted from the session! They feel real. Full of life. Don’t you think?

If you are a mom of young children (and/or pets) and are considering booking an in-home session but have concerns about how it will progress, let me give you some recommendations:

First, let go of expectations and recognize that perfection is not what you should strive for. You want real images that will remind you of this time in your life and of your children’s personalities.
If there are any images that you want to get and that are important to you, mention that to your photographer in advance, so they can get them first. Similarly, mention if you want to have pictures of any room or area.
Don’t worry about “pleasing” your photographer! At least for my sessions, I find that moms want their kids to follow my guidance, but the truth is that I am in your home as an observer with the goal of documenting yourlife. I like it when kids take the lead. I like it when they are having fun. My job is to be ready for whatever may come, and think quickly about how I can get great candid images.

My last recommendation is simply to book the session. There’s truly something special about photographing your family in your own home that will always bring back precious memories. I promise you won’t regret it.