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Don't Forget- dinner still needs to be planned 😉
Your favorite local photographer based out of Gloucester, VA
Many families in Viriginia keep meaning to book family photos, but life keeps happening first. Work schedules, tired toddlers, messy houses, waiting to lose weight, waiting for the 'right time'. But the truth is- this is the exact moment you are going to want to remember one day.
You know the wall in your house? the one you display all of your favorite moments, with all of your favorite people?
That wall is your masterpiece, the only problem with that wall is your photos are a little outdated. Don't get me wrong it is nice to have the years out there displayed showing how everyone is growing and changing. But the most recent one, well, it isn't so recent. You keep telling yourself you will get to it but deep down you know you're putting it off because the kids don't cooperate, schedules are a nightmare and you are still trying to figure out if you set something out for dinner. Don't worry I'll remind you to do that after you read this post 😉
Why Families Keep Waiting 🤔
Probably because you have tiny little people that have a schedule of their own that the Good Lord himself isn't even aware of? Absolutely!!!
I have been there, about 5 minutes ago.
You have no idea what melt down is brewing, what the source or the solution will be. You do not want to put that on someone else or even begin to face the overwhelming sensation that circulates with that scenario.
As a Hampton Roads Photographer, I am here to tell you, it will happen. But most times it is how you react that dictates the outcome of your session.
If not the tiny little people, it is probably the spouse that has no wants or desires to stand in front of a stranger and look at a little black box. I know they are already insecure about that 10 lb weight gain, they don't want to put on nice clothes and walk through talk itchy grass. (eye roll)
All of which is understandable. I guarantee your local photographer has seen this far to many times, at least I have. I used to be that person that would do anything to not have their picture taken.
My ex-husband would also drag his feet and make it an absolutely horribel experience before we even got out of the front door.
So happy I upgraded 🤪
The key to the perfect session
First thing you want to do is- breathe.
Stop trying to control every little detail, I'm not kidding - STOP!
As your local Gloucester, VA photographer I want to welcome you into embracing the chaos and become one with it. Seriously, kids feel your energy and feed off of it. Speaking of feeding, make sure you actually feed them and/or bring snacks. Everyone loves a good snack.
Back to breathing,
your little one doesn't want to wear their favorite sweater that you thought would go perfectly with everyone else. That is ok, don't fight them. Just pick another color (if the color was the issue 😅 ) that coordinates and bring the original for backup.
They decide to jump in a puddle in the middle of a session, how about we all just jump in the puddle? My family is huge for jumping in puddles so it helps that we actually have puddle time.
As a Family Photographer in the Hampton Roads area, I get my safety shots first. These are the ones with everyone together, looking their best. When I get these if they don't want to smile that's fine, I might just assign mom or dad to a tickle time until they are forced to cooperate, or we are going to sing baby shark at the top of our lungs in our favorite monster voices.
Whatever is happening, we are going to create a fun environment. We can sing, laugh, dance. This doesn't have to be serious, unless you're after some serious fun, for some serious smiles!
So relax -Breathe
Tell them you're going to party and enjoy it! This is that small window you can get down on their level and just enjoy it.
I didn't forget....
the spouse.
You don't have to be like me and upgrade. But you should let them know why it means so much to you.
My personal favorite is "if something happens to you in the next week I'll probably forget what you look like 🤷🏼♀️ I also won't have a recent image to tell AI to age you appropriately or have them create images of our future children," SCARY!
or
"Our children won't have a recent photo of you and they will forget what you look like and who knows who they will have tattooed on them in memory of you!"
you can get so creative and over exaggerate to the max with this. HYPE IT UP!
The actual experience with me is still fun packed. Bring on the sarcasm, the giggles, the random mini games.
I once had someone ask me why would I take adults to an arcade? I told them they will see.During the session they were so lost in the fun that I felt guilty for interrupting. Later they told me every date should be at an arcade.
The point is let go of your typical standard perception of a photo session. If you want something unorthodox let me know. We can make your session an actual date, I will pick the place and you can both experience the unknown together. This is only if you dare!
Remember...
Breathe
Get messy (embrace the chaos)
Have fun, cut loose
Be dramatic
Try something new.... the worst that can happen is your talk about that one photographer that was completely off her rocker 🤷🏼♀️
This is the process:
I. Book the date.
Let's set up a call and see what day works for both of us.
I am based in Gloucester, Va and service the surrounding areas.
II. Take photos.
Show up for the occasion, bring an extra outfit just incase. Remember we don't want to create something stiff, we want to memories worthy of The Wall and maybe you will go for a swim or jump in the puddle.
III. Deliver memories.
Expect your images within 1-4 weeks. 4 weeks is worse case scenario, world apocalypse, hospitalized. I am really going to need your sympathy. 1 week is usually the standard.
My editing style tends to be between lighter natural and rustic. If you do not like something always just let me know. I rather you be happy then stuck with something that you will never want to show anyone (awkward).
Your family doesn't need to be perfect to be worth remembering
Inquire Today to Book Your Session
Don't Forget- dinner still needs to be planned 😉
or if you want to put that off just a little bit longer you can checkout some of my work to see how your next family session will look like!
