I was at a birthday party last weekend in Phoenix and overheard some moms talking about their family photos- they mentioned that they could only handle making their child smile and say “cheese” for 15 minutes, hence booking a mini session. Overall, they seemed really stressed about the whole process.

I absorbed that information and thought to myself- “Man, I’m really bummed for them- family photos shouldn’t have to be stressful or exhausting.”

But I get it- They had to dress everyone, strap everyone into the car (likely around dinner time to get that sunset glow), sit in Phoenix traffic, listen to any whining/arguing about going, keep any little ones from falling asleep, make sure everyone’s outfits didn’t wrinkle or get spit up on them in the car, find their photographer, and make everyone cooperate and sit still for the very short time period that their session was. Shoot- imagining all of that stressed me out!

When family photo sessions are stressful, those are the memories and feelings you remember when you look at those “perfect” smiling at the camera photos. And that is NOT the feeling family photos should evoke.

What if we took away the stigma that you have to look perfect for photos or that your child MUST be smiling?

What if we hung out in your home and your children showed me their stuffies and precious treasures?

What if the kids jumped on the beds and snuggled on the couch?

What if everyone ate cookies or donuts on the kitchen counter?

What if you put on your favorite family playlist and you danced with your kids?

What if everyone jumped and splashed in the pool?

What if you did a color war with your family in the backyard?

What if you painted each other and made a colorful mess?

What if we swam and ate popsicles?

What if we showcased your perfectly, imperfect family in all of it’s incredible glory?

Your family photos don’t have to be stressful or a pain point in your year.

They don’t have to involve fancy clothes or a trip into the desert.

It’s time to let go of this idea of perfect photos and embrace the laughter, love, fun, and ease of an in-home family photo session at your home in Phoenix.