Top 5 Fears of Family Photos {Photography Tip, Antioch IL Photographer}

I know taking family photos, especially if you have young little kids can be scary! I have a two year old who I try to take photos of daily. With my two year old I have experienced all the ups and downs that come with trying to get a nice photograph. I wanted to take some time and share with you the top fears parents have when taking family photos.

  1. Fear: My kid(s) won’t cooperate.

    Reassurance: It’s ok, nothing beats a photographer’s child and I understand that some kids take longer to warm up before letting their personality shine. The key is for you to relax and not worry and your little one(s) will follow along.
    Helpful Tip: Let’s plan a session time that will work best for when your little one is at their happiest during the day. Is it early in the morning or later in the evening, I will work with you to pick a time that will work best for all little ones involved.Antioch IL Photography Tips 1

  2. Fear: My kid(s) won’t smile.

    Reassurance: There is always something that makes a little one smile…be it a silly song, a tickle from mom and dad or a fart noise…a smile will happen during the session. I aim to make the session fun and exciting so you don’t have to worry about your little one(s) not smiling.
    Helpful Tip: Share with me the secret info about what your little one loves…movie, cartoon, book, song. It will give me something to chat about with them and smiles will shine when they are talking about something they love.

    Family Tips 3

  3. Fear: My kid(s) will have a huge meltdown.

    Reassurance: It won’t be the first or last kid to have a meltdown at a photo session…take it in stride and so will I. There is no rush during family photos and that is to allow for any necessary snack breaks, extra snuggles, or just quiet moments to let your little one(s) relax.
    Helpful Tip: Make sure to bring favorite snacks or ‘lovies’ and don’t worry about taking a moment to calm your little one down. I hold no judgement for any meltdown, remember I have a two year old who is currently going through the start of his meltdown moments.Family Photography Tips 2

  4. Fear: It’s not worth it and I can just take photos with my phone.

    Reassurance: It is worth it…if you are taking the photo how will you be in the photo? Photos are a form of family heirlooms and it’s so important for your little ones to have photos of their entire family together. Just think of them being able to show their future family what they looked like as a little one.
    Helpful Tip: My goal is to make the entire experience fun and stress free for you so that years later you will look back at these photos so happy you have them.

    Family Tips 4

  5. Fear: We don’t have anything nice to wear.

    Reassurance: I can help you! We can work together to plan outfits. I have a Pinterest board of outfit color schemes and ideas that can help you. Planning outfits isn’t as hard as you may think.
    Helpful Tip: You don’t need fancy outfits to look amazing. Wear what you feel comfortable in and it will show in your smiles. Stick with simple classic looks and your photos will never become funny family historical memes.

    Family Tips 5

Did I miss your fear associated to getting family photos taken? Let me know what your common worries are during family photos!

College Bound {Cary IL, Senior Photographer}

I have moments when I don’t think I’m in my 30’s.  Like it’s all pretend and I’m going to wake up suddenly with my Mom telling me I’m going to be late for school and not to forget to drop off my sister and brother.  Moments when I feel like I just graduated high school and next fall I’ll be starting my first year in college.  Maybe because life is so fresh and exciting for you when you are ending your journey in high school and about to start life at college…maybe because it’s true what they say about how being a kid is the easy part of life.  Whatever it is, there are moments when I secretly wish I was back in my teens.  (Don’t worry Jeff, I wouldn’t give up one day without you…)

Spending an afternoon this past fall with Alyssa was such a treat.  I enjoyed seeing how excited she was about going off to college and I truly understand how it feels to know you’ll leave behind your furry friend.  I know Alyssa will do awesome with what life has in store for her and I hope she enjoys every little moment on her journey at college.

Do you know of a senior looking to get their senior photos taken or are you a senior looking to get your photos taken?  Please contact me and I would love to create a customized session just for them / you!

Snow in March? {Wisconsin Photographer}

Wisconsin Senior Photographer

How about that weather?  In the midwest we are enjoying the continued visit of Mr. Winter.  I thought it was after the first day of spring already…apparently everyone didn’t get that message!  The ground is still covered with snow and frost is on my car windows in the morning.  Don’t get me wrong I love snow and winter…I live in the midwest by choice after all.  But there is a time and place for winter and right now I feel like it is stepping on Spring’s toes.

With Easter coming this weekend I have a hard time picturing myself in anything but a winter coat and sweater.  Do you remember wearing those cute little dresses with matching hats and shoes?  I ache for those warmer temps right now and these two girls know what I mean!  At least they were good sports on putting up with the cold.  It’s hard to believe that one has never experienced weather below 50 degrees!  Poor thing…I feel like someone should have warned her that Wisconsin and winter can be brutal!

Are you planning on Easter dresses or Easter sweaters?

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Winter Wonderland {Round Lake Beach IL, Portrait}

Midwest winters do have some perks to them.  Snow days, comfy sweaters, hot chocolate and beautiful landscapes. After a recent snow storm I was able to take some beautiful pictures of my sister. Of course snow boots were required but so were bright winter coats and white snow covered trees.  Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t get beautiful pictures.