Family sessions can be tough. Especially with toddlers. I know this because I have one myself. My daughter rarely stops moving and it’s hard to get her to sit still. So as you can imagine, having family photos taken is madness! After my very first family session of attempting to get some posed photos, I decided that it’s much more stressful trying to have everyone collectively smile and stand still, and face the camera. So why not just let everyone hangout and be themselves. Not everyone is comfortable behind the camera and it’s my job to provide prompts and create an environment where everyone feels relaxed.

My approach now is much more natural and unposed. In fact, when working with clients I always ask what they all love to do as a family, or if there’s any important routines they have where the kids can just be kids. When Amanda asked me to take their family photos at the beach I knew exactly what to bring.

For our session I brought this beautiful boho teepee tent for the girls to run in and out of right alongside the shore of Lake Michigan. The girls were able to laugh and run around chasing seagulls with mom and dad, while having this incredible beach setting.

Nothing felt forced, we were able to create memories and capture moments where the family was just being themselves.

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