I wanted to chat with you about something that’s really close to my heart as a photographer – encouraging play during a photoshoot, especially when it comes to your kids.

Getting all dolled up and posing for the camera can sometimes feel a bit daunting, especially for the little ones. But I truly believe that involving them in the process and letting them have some fun can really make a difference in the outcome of your family photos.

When you look back at your family photos years from now, you want to be able to feel the genuine joy and laughter that was present in that moment. And what better way to capture those genuine emotions than by letting your kids play, laugh, and be themselves during the shoot? It adds a whole new level of authenticity to the images, and trust me, you won’t regret it!

Playing is such a natural part of childhood. Kids love to run, jump, and be silly with their mom and dad. So why not embrace that? When parents join in the playtime, it creates a sense of togetherness and happiness that shines through in the photos. It’s a beautiful reminder of the fun-loving bond your family shares, and it really shows in the final imagery.

As parents, we tend to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect … the outfits, the smiles, the poses. But sometimes, the most perfect moments are the ones that are unplanned and spontaneous. When we let go of our expectations and simply enjoy playing with our kids, magic happens. The stress melts away, and what we’re left with are beautiful, genuine moments captured in a photograph – something we will always treasure.