Family photos should be fun, full of laughter, and something you look back on with a smile. After photographing so many families here in Berks County, I have learned the things that catch parents off guard the most. I want to share some real talk so you can feel prepared, relaxed, and genuinely excited when it is your turn.
It is okay if your kids do not cooperate every minute
Perfectly still, perfectly posed children? We both know that’s not realistic and that really is okay! Kids wiggle, they get silly, they test boundaries, and sometimes out of nowhere, they decide it’s break time.
At my Sinking Spring photo studio, I let things happen naturally, whatever that may mean, rather of trying to fight against them. It keeps everyone happy gives you images that genuinely reflect who you are as a family, not a version of yourselves you hardly recognize.
You might get tired during the session
Photo sessions can feel like a lot, especially when younger children are involved. Getting everyone dressed, making it to the studio, and then preparing for the unexpected kid mood shifts, can feel overwhelming before the first photo is even taken. That’s exactly why I structure my sessions to move at your family’s pace. We take breaks if needed, give little ones time to reset, and keep the focus on enjoying the time together rather than rushing to get through it. I’m often asked, “Do kids really take a break to hang out in the play area and still willingly come back to finish photos?”. And yes, they really do!
Scheduling this way does limit the amount of sessions I can fit into a day (I limit to two, if you’re wondering), but you know what? It is totally worth it! The end result is not just beautiful photographs, it is a much happier memory of the day itself. Instead of leaving worn out, you leave with the feeling that the session was actually a success….and FUN.
The confidence starts before photo day
Most people think the nerves and awkwardness hit as soon as the camera comes out. What no one tells you is that the right photographer makes sure you feel comfortable before you even step in front of the lens. That is why I always start with an in-person consultation. We talk about outfits, what matters most to your family, and what you plan to do with your photos.
So when you walk into the studio, you are not bracing for stiff poses or being told, “on 3, smile.” You already know we are going to laugh, talk, and just let things happen naturally. That confidence shows in your photos, and you end up with images that feel like you.
You’ll leave wishing you had done this sooner
Most parents walk in bracing themselves for chaos and hoping a few photos turn out. What usually happens is they leave saying, “That was actually fun.” The laughter, the little breaks, and the natural moments make the experience enjoyable, rather than a chore.
If you have been wanting photos that actually feel like your family, my Sinking Spring studio is the place to make that happen. You will laugh, relax, and enjoy the time with your kids while I take care of the details. Photo day does not have to be complicated. You simply show up, spend time together, and leave with photos that bring you back to those little moments every time you see them.