The magic of family sessions

In the famous words of ferris builer, “life moves pretty fast…” and if you don’t stop and taking pictures once in awhile, you will realize that you can’t get that time back.

My litter brother has a beard now. When did that happen?! I swore he had baby cheeks not that long ago.
My second littlest sister is starting college. Well, actually, she’s already on her third semester. I vividly remember her learning how to spell her name.

You always think that you’ll have more time. But the truth is, time slips through our fingers too quickly. I hate it. But this is why we photograph: to document the way we feel about each other, and remember things that you hope you won’t have to have documented in the first place.

Family Photography has a magic that is so important. It brings people together. And when you think about it, that is REALLY hard to do! Getting everyone in one place, at one time, and INTERACTING with each other? Not on the phone or watching TV? How many times do you get that? It’s kind of funny because in a sense, family photos are memories in themselves. The experience is fun, lighthearted, and full of laughter (not just awkward laughing either). And sure, the guys might snarl at first, but they understand why it’s important. And they’ll be pumped to see the pictures when they’re done. Most importantly, family sessions remind you of what’s important. (insert heart-melting awwww). But it’s so true!

Here's the list that I give all of my clients for stress-free family sessions:

1. When dealing with littles, make sure that the kiddos have eaten and had their nap time, and bathroom, before arriving at the session. This prevents any crying or torture tantrums! (Which are very common.)

2. Bring the kids’ favorite toys and snacks! This helps comfort them when they’re stressed or scared of the camera/ new environment.

3. Plan outfits a week in advance, and have all hair and makeup scheduled right after you book your session! Finding cohesive outfits can be a treasure hunt, so it’s best to knock it out as soon as possible! Hair and Makeup artists book up quickly, so book them as far out in advance as possible.

4. Bring any props that you want to be photographed. Think about what makes your family unique, and bring anything that’ll help convey it. If you’re a military family, you can show up in uniform. Or if you’re a fishing family, bring your rods! Adding personality to the session is what makes it yours.

5. Laugh off the punches that will get thrown your way! Tell your kids and your man, that it will be a fun and easy-going time! It’s really important to be patient with your kids and not get stressed out about any of the little details. Trust me, they don’t matter. At the end of the day, the kids are going to be the boss in this I will work around anything that gets thrown our way! It’s important that this session remains fun throughout the whole process, otherwise, everyone will just dread doing it again!

Kelsey & Tyler: like butter on toast

Kelsey and Tyler’s first date was a trip to the dentist.

Not in a literal way, but I just really want to see you again, type of way. They met on a dating app, but the reason why they decided to meet up was the uncanny amount of boxes that were being checked off. Family in car mechanics… check! Love of country… check! There were just enough commonalities that it was pretty much a no-brainer to get together. They went on a few usual dates, but the first official, “I want to see you again” was when Tyler needed a ride to the dentist. I asked Kelsey what her reaction was, and she said she was just happy to be along for the ride!

Really pay attention to that.. she was just happy to be along for the ride.

Us humans are busy creatures! We got dogs to feed, our bodies to exercise, and we got money to make! Or at least catch up on the latest How I Met Your Father episode… all important things!!

So, when we take valuable time to help someone out that we recently met online, that means something big. Even if it’s for something small; that’s the beginning of this love story.

Tyler and Kelsey’s love for each other melts like butter on a slice of toast. It’s warm and easy. Which is why I can never get enough of it! I am so passionate about capturing these types of stories because they are the best stories to share! They make you feel all of the feels in this crazy life that we live.

Our session went by way too quickly, I never feel like I am done capturing love! It’s too cute!!

I’m so happy for these two, and I can not wait to see what their future holds.

Reasons why we need photographers

What’s up friends?! I’ve been doing some reading lately, and sometimes the books that I read give me homework. One book that I am in the middle of is “Book yourself Solid” by Michael Port. Michael helps people who are tired of thinking small, which is the line that got me to pick up his book. Then I thought why not turn his homework into a Blog post, and share what I am learning? So, here we go! The question that got me here:

Why do people buy what I am selling?

Photographers can capture how you’re feeling in the moment

Talk about a superpower! I think this is one of the biggest reasons why professional photography will always out-beat selfies. How do photographers do this? I place my clients in the best lighting and in the best background possible. This eliminates distraction and really pulls the focus on the person in the photo. Next, I give prompts that pull out expressions. Sometimes the way that you’re feeling doesn’t always show on camera. Lastly, photographers help set the tone. They remind you to think about how big of a deal it is to be in that moment. They hype you up with enthusiasm, or they create a quiet moment with a simple whisper. This 100000% makes A HUGE difference in how the photos look!

In the biggest moments of your life who are you going to trust.. someone who doesn’t know how to work a camera?!

When it comes to milestone moments, you don’t get too many do-overs documenting it. Photographers are worth an investment because they know how to work a camera like it is their lot in life! Have you tried working manual mode? Do you know how to find the best lighting in harsh scenarios? Do you know how to pose in such a way that it flatters everybody? If you do, then shh I’m not talking to you. ;) We photographers have studied SO. MUCH. and we’re never done learning. Not to mention— Our equipment is NOT cheap. Our gear costs the price of a car. And you’re going to hire your uncle Jim?

Photography can express your creative juices

Whether you’re the one in front of the camera or behind it, photography is an art form. There is a multitude of ways you can express yourself with this medium. From costumes, angles, lenses, lighting choices, photoshop, and so much more! You can show people you’re creativity and what goes on inside that pretty mind of yours.

Photographs can empower you

This one’s especially about Boudoir sessions, but photographs can help you fall in love with yourself. It’s not really about the photos themselves, it’s about discovering how to feel comfortable in your own skin- then becoming obsessed with it! Photography is an experience that puts the spotlight completely on you. It can make you feel like a celebrity (especially when we blog about you). Photo sessions are a fun reason to dress up, get your loved ones together, and have a blast!

The Cutest Engagement Session in Chico

My favorite part of a session is when the jitters of being in front of a camera totally melt away when you’re just enjoying being with your person. This was for sure the case with these two. Their time together is so natural and full of joy, and their love for each other can not be overlooked. How they met has been woven back and forth from being the girl next door, to summer camps, all the way to college in Florida. Sometimes when someone stays in your life after all that, it’s fate! I had SUCH a blast photographing this session, and I am counting down the days to get them in front of my camera again!

Gorgeous Lake Tahoe wedding: kamaryn & chris

One of the reasons why I loved working with Kamaryn so much is that her heart truly valued making a great experience for everyone. She really wanted the photos to go well, for the location to be easy for her bridal party. And also, she just really wanted a beautiful location for her photos! She truly understood that you need good lighting to make good photographs. She made sure to rent and air bnb with GORGEOUS window lighting to show case her getting ready photos- and bonus! It came with a super cool bar for the guys. I always sympathize with the guys because all they want to do is get to their “man cave” and get their drink on! This option was so perfect because I got to take some great photos of them in action with their bro time!

also, kamaryn was totally willing to rent a lighting tent, because she understood that the beach might create harsh shadows. Unfortunately, there was a massive fire in the area. Sadly, most of Chris’s and Kamaryn’s guests weren’t able to make it due to the hazardous smoke.

However, it made the wedding so much more intament . They were truly surrounded by love and support. And bonus, it made the lighting SO dreamy, even if the landscape wasn’t as blue as they had originally wanted.

I loved working with these two! I wish their marriage so much happiness!