I was SO stressed about our family photos—and if you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror trying to make sure everyone’s outfit “goes” while a toddler clings to your leg and your spouse is asking where their shirt is… then maybe, just maybe, you can relate.
I had this dreamy, sun-drenched vision in my head: my husband and I barefoot in the garden with our four kids, watermelon slices in hand, the hose misting in the background, little giggles erupting from the fairy garden, while our oldest strummed his guitar in that effortlessly cool way he does. A slice of our real summer life, captured forever through the lens.
But real life had other plans.
Thanks to a summer of non-stop rain and steamy heat, our garden had morphed into a full-blown jungle. Our tomato plants towered like sunflowers and rogue squash vines created a barricade hoping we’d never get to them. There was zero chance we could all squeeze into that green chaos for a photo. And suddenly, my dreamy vision didn’t feel dreamy—it felt impossible.
So I scrambled for a backup plan. I found myself completely unraveling—stressing over family photo outfits, suddenly caring way too much about whether my daughter’s dress “matched,” and running in and out of stores I haven’t set foot in since 2019. My kids were stressed because I was. My husband didn’t need to say a word, I could see he was quietly dreading session day. (And thank you to Cait Rose for photographing us and flip-flopping with my plans.)
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Somewhere between wrestling a squash vine and trying to match socks that shouldn’t even be in the photo (we were supposed to be barefoot, remember?!), I heard a familiar voice.
My own.
The one I use when talking to my beautiful clients during their family photo sessions—the voice that reminds parents that the shoes don’t matter. That kids being themselves is a gift, not a problem. That authenticity trumps perfection every single time. That real-life moments are what make the most beautiful family portraits.
So why was I trying so hard to make us look like something we’re not?
Maybe you’ve been there too.
You want your family photoshoot to feel effortless and joyful, but instead you’re buried under outfit coordination, snack negotiations, and worries about whether your toddler (or teens) will smile—or melt down—in front of the camera.
Let me say this, from one mama to another: You are not alone.
What I had to remind myself that day—and what I remind my families again and again—is that these photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about connection. About togetherness. About bottling up this fleeting, blink-and-it’s-gone chapter of life and holding it so close to our hearts.
So let the kids wear their favorite mismatched outfits. Let them bring their favorite toy or their jelly-stained fluffy. Let go of the pressure to perform, and just show up as you are—because who you are is enough. Chaos and all.
When we finally stepped in front of the camera—yes, in a backup location, yes with messy hair, and yes, with one child in a dress I begrudgingly bought—something magical happened.
We laughed. We played. We connected. And we captured something far more meaningful than a perfectly styled image.
We captured us.
If you’re planning a family photo session and feeling overwhelmed, here’s what I want you to know:
- You don’t need the perfect garden.
- You don’t need Pinterest-worthy, perfectly curated outfits.
- You don’t need well-behaved kids (because, hello, real life).
You just need your people, a little bit of light, and someone who sees the beauty that God put inside of you.
As a family photographer who loves authentic moments, I promise to capture your real—messy, magical, beautiful life—just the way it is.
Because those are the memories that matter, trust me, I know!
Looking for stress-free family photos?
I’d love to help you plan a session that feels like you—unposed, heartfelt, and deeply genuine. Whether it’s barefoot in your backyard, chasing toddlers through tall grass, or cuddled up on the front porch, let’s tell your story, exactly as it is.
📸 Book your authentic family photo session today – Get in touch here!
Serving Central Ohio families who want real, honest, and beautiful family photography in Granville, Columbus, New Albany, Bexley and surrounding areas.
