I’ve been a family photographer since 2008, and it’s time to reveal the secrets I’ve been hiding. Bonus: enjoy some photos from my sessions this winter and spring!
1. I’m starting off with a really embarrassing one… Don’t hate me, but yes, I Photoshop you in my head while we’re having a conversation. I literally cannot help it, and I know that may make you feel awkward, but I sincerely hope it doesn’t. For one, I never would change anything about your facial features, your body, or your outfit choices. Ew, no. That would be so super shallow. You’re beautiful just the way you are!!
But after years and years of photo editing, I’ve trained myself to look for anything I might have to fix later — like a bra strap that’s showing, something in your teeth, or a hair part that got a little wonky in the breeze. I often tell people if I notice those things, even complete strangers, because I’d want to know if it was me!
2. No, your family is not normal. I don’t even know what normal is because I’ve never seen anything of the sort. Each family is different. I’ll say it again for the people in the back. Each family is different! And that’s what makes your family so wonderful. Embrace your weirdness.
3. Yes, I realize my sessions are an investment, but no, I’m not getting rich. After paying my retoucher and taxes, I only keep a third of the package pricing. And because of the weather and inevitable client illnesses, my income is pretty volatile. I’m (more often than not) worried I won’t be able to make payroll. Even though you technically have two weeks, please pay your invoices as soon as you can. Thank youuuuuu!!!
4. Sometimes it’s easy to reschedule your session. Sometimes not. Sometimes I can fit in a session even though my calendar says I’m booked. Sometimes not. Can’t hurt to ask, right?! I will do everything in my power to get you in and to a better date for you! My schedule is usually pretty flexible, but this year in particular has been wild.
5. Yes, I’ve had clients make me feel uncomfortable during a session. Thankfully, no one has ever threatened me or made an advance. Nothing like that. But you meet all kinds as a family photographer and some clients have been either incredibly rude to their spouse or to me. I cannot stress how very rarely this happens, which is why they still stand out in my mind. The vast majority of my clients are literal best!!
6. Yes, I’ve had my share of screw ups! I’ve only had to reshoot a session once, way back when I first started. Another time (again early on), I drove an hour to a client’s home for a newborn session only to realize I packed props for the wrong gender. I only do newborn sessions in my home studio now. LOL.
A couple years ago, I drove to a client’s home for a family session and realized I left my camera on my kitchen counter. I broke into tears (I had a lot going on). My client was super sweet about it, and my husband brought the camera to me. It all worked out!
Sometimes while shooting, my thumb slips without realizing it and suddenly I’m over- or under-exposing the images. Underexposing is MUCH easier to fix than over, but I’ve luckily caught the overexposures the few times that happened and was able to reshoot those images before my clients left. So yeah, your family photographer is human, too! We all make mistakes.
7. Yes, I genuinely love seeing you every year, and yes, I am genuinely shocked by how much your kids have grown. They’re always frozen in my mind as the last time I saw them.
8. No, I’m not giving up photography now that I’m about to be a published author. (If you hadn’t heard, my debut novel, Soulmatch, comes out with Simon & Schuster on July 29th, 2025!) Your photo sessions are SUCH an incredible stress relief for me. I always come home SO happy afterwards! So please, book up those remaining photo session dates of 2025. I cannot wait to see you!!
9. Yes, I’d LOVE it if you’d consider preordering my novel! Soulmatch is a YA dystopian romance where you must report to the government on your 18th birthday to learn about your past lives and if you have a soulmate. Good souls leave with their inheritances. Bad souls leave in handcuffs.
The Soulmatch preorder campaign includes a signed hardcover copy, two free bookmarks, two stickers, and character art, all for the low low price of only $19.99! (tee hee hee) Preorders directly impact marketing and publicity dollars, so they’re hugely helpful!! Thank you for considering!
10. I’m honestly so grateful for each one of you. Becoming a full-time family photographer was such a huge life-changing (for the better) accomplishment, and I’m so lucky to be able to do what I do. Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for your family.
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