Unposed Family Photography: Why Slowing Down Creates More Meaningful Photos

Every time I walk into a family session, I remind myself of one simple truth:

Kids deserve time.Time to warm up.Time to settle in.Time to be exactly who they are.

And parents deserve that too.

I think that’s why I’ve always been drawn to unposed photography , the kind that doesn’t ask anyone to smile on command or “hold still” or pretend to be having the perfect day.

The kind that feels like slipping into a memory instead of trying to create one.

But the real reason I photograph this way? It goes all the way back to my years in education.

Where It Started

Before I ever picked up a camera for anything more than fun, I worked with kids every single day. I learned quickly that children bloom when they’re given space. True space to be themselves.

Some kids leap right into your world.

Some take a few steps back to watch first.Some bring you a rock, or a story, or a question.

Some need to hold a parent’s hand for a while before letting go.

All of them are perfect.

And those years taught me something I carry into every session I book:

You can’t rush connection.

Which is exactly why…

I Only Book One Session Per Day

I never want a family to feel rushed or squeezed between two other appointments. I want the entire day to feel wide open, like there’s all the time in the world for your kids to run, warm up, explore, or cling to your leg until they decide I’m safe.

Some of the best photos happen long after the “scheduled” time would have ended.

The quiet moment on the blanket when your toddler finally snuggles in.

The sibling giggle that comes after twenty minutes of shyness.

The moment you take a deep breath and your shoulders drop because you don’t have to hurry.

That’s why I protect the day.

One family.

One story.

One unrushed experience.

It’s never just about photos for me,  it’s about creating a space where your family can actually relax long enough to let the magic happen. ✨

What It Feels Like When We Shoot Together

If you’ve ever had a session with me, you know I move slowly. I follow the kids. I watch the dynamics. I let things unfold naturally.

Maybe it looks like:

• your toddler showing me their “treasure of the day”

• your child showing me the best place to take their photo

• your baby curling into your shoulder

• you laughing because something ridiculous just happened

• everyone forgetting they’re being photographed for a moment

Those are the moments I live for,  the ones you don’t script, pose, or force.

This Is Why Families Come Back

Parents always tell me:

“It felt so easy.”“I can’t believe they warmed up to you so fast.”“It didn’t feel like a photoshoot at all, it felt  just like us.” “You made the kids feel so comfortable” 

That’s the goal.

Not stiff. Not staged. Not stressful.

Just your family, exactly as you are,  with a little space to breathe and be together.

Because years from now, these are the photos you’ll want:the ones that feel like that season of life not like a perfect Pinterest moment.

And If You Want Something Extra Cozy… Hot Cocoa Sessions Are Open

If winter feels like the perfect time to slow down, bundle up, and capture a few sweet moments, in-home or hot cocoa sessions might be your favorite thing ever.

They follow the same philosophy:

One session per day, so your kids can warm up slowly (just like their cocoa).

No rushing, no pressure, no perfect posing.Just cozy, real-life winter magic.

☕️🍫 And if you join my email list, you’ll get 20% off your In- Home or Hot Cocoa Session.

It’s my way of making these special, slow memories a little easier to say yes to.

👉 Book your session I’d love to create something beautiful with you.