As a photographer, there's something magical about capturing the essence of a family's unique dynamics and creating lasting memories. I believe that the best family portraits come from sessions that are easy-going, natural, and reflect the true spirit of each family member. In this blog post, I want to share my tips on creating a storytelling family portrait session that focuses on the simplicity of love, joy, and genuine connections. My sessions are typically held on the stunning beaches anywhere from Orange Beach, Alabama all the way to Rosemary Beach, Florida. Wherever you are, I'll come to you! Now let's get to it...


1. Embrace the Chaos:

One of the key elements of an authentic family portrait session is allowing the kids to be themselves. Children are full of energy, curiosity, and spontaneity – qualities that make for heartwarming and candid photographs. By letting the kids be kids, I capture those special, unscripted moments that showcase the genuine bond between family members. It's those in between moments when your family is being themselves that create my favorite photos.


2. The Ripple Effect of Relaxation:

It's crucial for parents to come to the session relaxed and stress-free. I often remind families that if the parents are stressed, it can affect the overall atmosphere of the photoshoot. Children are highly attuned to their parents' emotions, and if stress is in the air, it may make it challenging for them to showcase their love for each other. By trusting me to handle the technical aspects, parents can focus on enjoying the experience with their family. And trust me, I totally relate and know how stressful it can be leading up to a session so I do my best to help you feel prepared and relaxed when it's time for your session.


3. Styling Guidance for Effortless Elegance:

To make the process smoother, I offer a styling guide to assist families in choosing outfits that complement each other without looking overly coordinated. Coordinating colors and styles can add a cohesive and polished look to the final images. This guidance ensures that your family looks effortlessly put together while allowing everyone's personalities to shine through.


4. Collaborative Planning:

I believe in involving families in the planning process to make the session more personalized. We discuss the best time for the shoot to take advantage of the golden hour and determine a location that suits your preferences and lifestyle. Whether it's the beach, a favorite park, your backyard, or a sentimental spot, choosing the right location enhances the storytelling aspect of the photographs.


5. Capturing Natural Light and Genuine Smiles:

Selecting the best time for the photoshoot allows me to harness the beauty of natural light, creating a warm and flattering ambiance. Whether it's the soft glow of sunset or the gentle light of morning, I aim to capture your family in their most natural and radiant state. By allowing everyone to relax and be themselves, genuine smiles and interactions are effortlessly documented.


A lifestyle, storytelling family portrait session is more than just a series of posed photographs – it's an opportunity to freeze moments of love, laughter, and connection in time. By embracing the easy-going approach, my clients can trust that their family's unique story will be beautifully captured, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.


So what are you waiting for?! Let's create magic!