I’ve had the joy of photographing so many beautiful, real, love-filled moments. I also know that getting in front of the camera doesn’t always come naturally—especially for families juggling life’s many moving parts.
Let’s dive into some common myths around family photoshoots and open the conversation around some roadblocks. I’m not going to tell you there’s only one way to celebrate your family. Instead, I’m going to tackle the hesitations I’ve heard when parents are considering a family photoshoot because you deserve to be in the frame, just as you are.
We’re too busy for family photoshoot.
I get it—between school drop-offs, work, and the daily chaos of family life, finding time can feel impossible. But photoshoots don’t have to take up your whole day. They’re designed to be short and meaningful, with flexible scheduling to work around your life. Time flies, and one day you’ll be so glad you pressed pause to capture it.
We’re not photogenic & it’s awkward, photoshoots are stiff and formal
My job is to help you relax, and draw out the warmth and connection that already exists in your family. It’s not about looking perfect—it’s about feeling seen and celebrated.
Good news—there’s no stiff posing here. My sessions are designed to create space for cuddles, adventures, tickles, conversations, and laughter. Think of it more like hanging out with your family while I quietly document the magic in between. I can guide if it’s needed, or be out of the way completely.
Most importantly, family photoshoots are child-led, which means I follow their lead and I can adjust if they need to move, run or explore. My focus is helping you and the kids to have a good time. There’s no expectation to perform—you just need to show up as your messy, perfectly imperfect selves.
Family photoshoots need to have everyone looking at the camera and smiling.
Honestly, the gold is in the moments that they are enjoying themselves. The snuggles, the sideways glances, the giggles and the fun. These are the moments that feel real, and they’re the ones you’ll want to hold onto most when you look back. If your kids prefer minimal or no eye contact, or feel the need to move their bodies – that’s perfectly ok with me. Coming into a photoshoot with having fun as the goal will also help reduce your own stress too.
Family photoshoots are too expensive.
Adding a family photoshoot into the budget can feel like a squeeze. I also like to flip the script and think of it this way: your family’s memories are priceless. There’s an upfront cost but in the years to come it will feel even more worthwhile. These images will outlive the latest toy or gadget and become some of your most treasured keepsakes. I also offer a variety of options to help make professional photography more accessible. You might also notice that I don’t offer discounts- I don’t want to put prices up just to be able to offer a discount once or twice a year.
I need to lose weight before I book a family photoshoot.
This one comes up a lot. I’ve also said it myself before too, so please know I’m not immune to this type of self talk. I want to gently say to you, like I’ve said to myself before: you are worthy of being in your family’s story right now. It’s also a great way to model accepting yourself to your kids. Your children won’t look back and wish you looked different—they’ll be grateful you were there, in the frame, holding them close.
You are worthy, exactly as you are.
We don’t have the right outfits.
Our home isn’t picture-perfect.
I have a free What to Wear Ebook that has helped families like yours to feel confident and coordinate to the family members. Oftentimes, you can use clothes you already have. Or maybe you would love to shop for something new, or wear a piece from my client wardrobe. Remember that comfort trumps trend every time—because when you feel good, it shows.
You don’t need an Instagram-worthy house for meaningful photos. We can in be indoors, or out – depends what suits you and your family. I’ve photographed families in garages, small apartments, cluttered living rooms, and all kinds of backyards, it’s not so much about where we are vs being in the photos.
My partner hates photos.
This is so common, and it’s usually based on awkward past experiences or the fear of being overly posed. But once they realise that it’s a relaxed, pressure-free session with room to just be themselves, they usually loosen up and maybe even enjoy the experience. Hand on heart, I promise I won’t make anyone say “cheese.”
We are people of colour and cameras typically struggle with our skin colour.
I want to assure you that the camera struggling is a myth (professional cameras, that is). Phones are a story for another time. I have a high level of technical skill and can mix natural and artificial lighting as needed to ensure all skin colours on camera appear true to how we see them in real life. I’ve worked with lots of amazing people with different skin tones, you’re welcome to request examples.
Sunset isn’t a good time for my kids.
This one bugs me as a mum who has experienced the high hell of my kids going through the witching hours. Choose a time that works for you. There’s benefits to sunset of course, but no one’s going to have a fun photoshoot if the time doesn’t suit the kids. If you really want the sunset colours for your family photoshoot, one of my best tips is to work around daylight savings, so if you do love a beach sunset is to time it during the year in mid April that it’s warm enough, and the sunsets are early.
Only perfect families get professional photos.
No such thing as perfect families here. Your family, just as you are, is worth documenting. I photograph those from blended families, solo parents to neurodivergent kiddos and families with additional needs—and all are deeply, beautifully worthy of being seen and celebrated.
If you’ve been putting off booking a family session because of any of the reasons above, I hope this gives you a gentle nudge of encouragement. Your family story is unfolding every single day, and I’d love to help you remember these moments.