When families inquire regarding booking a session with me, I love hearing what attracted them to my portfolio! Nine times out of ten, it’s my ‘natural photo style’.

Potential and current clients often tell me that they want that un-posed, candid, natural photo style that my work reflects. I am here to let you in on a little secret…

This ‘natural photo style’ is not actually un-posed.

When people think of posed family photography, visions of everyone looking and smiling come to mind. You won’t see a lot of that on my website, but there is a lot of posing that takes place during my family sessions. Let’s talk about three common client assumptions when it comes to lifestyle family photography.

1. You Must Only Book Very Snuggly Families

Au Contraire! It’s actually quite rare for me to have a naturally snuggly family in front of my camera. Even the snuggliest of families can feel awkward snuggling in front of a stranger with a camera. In the photographs above at Minuteman Park in Concord, I directed mom where to crouch down. I then directed her daughters to sit on her lap one by one and snuggle in. Some families take it away from there! Others I may direct to kiss their child’s head, hug them in tighter, or laugh together.

2. Your Families Sit in a Field So Naturally and Spontaneously Laugh Together!

Nope, they definitely don’t! When is the last time you and your family sat in a field and spontaneously laughed together? I am guessing never. Lifestyle photography is about prompting genuine and candid emotions in a beautiful setting. After I carefully arrange you on a quilt, I tell you exactly what to do! I’ll tell you where to place your arms and who to look at. I might tell your kids to say a funny word or tickle a member of the family. I’ll tell you to snuggle in and often, to move closer.

3. How Do Your Families Look So Beautiful While Candidly Playing And Running Around?

Well, because it’s not fully candid! Is it still genuine? Absolutely. I am telling your children what to do, but they still act like their normal adorable selves while doing it. I might tell them to smell flowers, to hug each other, or to spin their dresses. I might tell them to whisper a secret to each other or run towards me.

If I tell your family to walk together, I tell you where to walk and how fast. I tell you who to look at and when to fake laugh (which always makes you really laugh!).

If you love my candid style but have been nervous about achieving it with your family, let’s chat!