It’s been a joy to journey with this sweet family for the past three years. I met both of their adorable girls in the hospital and have documented their growth over the first year with sessions at 1, 6, and 12 months. I’ve visited their vacation home and celebrated the grandparents. This past weekend, I saw them for our seventh session together! That feels pretty special.

Family photography/videography is deeply relational work. There’s a huge amount of trust when a mama says, “Come film me 12 hours after giving birth!” or “Let’s keep that session two days after our toddler’s ear surgery!” I am so grateful for families like this one that trust me to gently guide the session, whatever the hurdles.

After all the smiles and fun, as I pack my gear, I try to set aside time to ask how they’ve REALLY been since I saw them last. I want them to know I care about more than meets the eye. This is when I open up too…sharing the good and the hard. In those few minutes of conversation, the relationship becomes less transactional and more intentional.

Making our clients feel deeply seen can never occur with a camera to our face.

I feel so strongly that the session isn’t just a means to an end…it’s everything. Don’t throw away an opportunity to understand the joys and struggles of the families you capture. It will inform your heart and shape your art.