08/17/2026
Something crazy happened.
We were about to take our own family photos. The outfits were ready, locations set, weather cooperating. All the check marks across the board. But something was still giving me an uneasy feeling.
I was stressed. Will my kids listen? Will they smile? Will everyone hate this?
And I didn’t love that feeling.
But it led me to have the conversations, set the expectations, and do all the things I preach to my clients on a regular basis.
So we talked about the farm we were going to (and how I also shoot there often), all about the photographer, and what she might ask.
We talked about the plan for fun later: McDonald’s drive-thru. And NOTHING sounded better than a crispy Diet Coke after being in the August heat.
I let my kids know they had permission to be silly (within reason), but also how much I wanted these photos to be hung on our walls and placed in frames.
So, did they listen? Not really. We needed reminders. BUT everything was fine.
We laughed A LOT. And the photos are SO us. Some of my favorites to date.
I’m glad I followed through on what I always tell my clients: set the intention, and guide the session in ways you know you can.
Sometimes you just need to practice what you preach.
