AHHHHH the dreaded family photos....

Families look different for everyone.  Sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small, sometimes they include pets, sometimes they are blended, sometimes there are wounds that need healing...no matter what they all include love and the desire for connection.  Often times family photos (or prepping for them) is stressful.  Selecting outfits (and no you don't have to all match), keeping attitudes in check, rushing to get out the door when all of a sudden someone spills something or has to go to the bathroom.  Then you have the weather and everyone NOT smiling at the camera when told to. 

Well even though all of those things happen the goal is to not to only aim for the 8x10 glossy image of perfection for your wall or Christmas card, but to enjoy a bit of time together and love on each other.  To interact with your kids and remember the things you love about them.  This is not the time to be the strict parent and teach them a lesson (I say that to myself as I write this).  I fall into the trap too, of wanting them to 'BEHAVE' as they should...maybe they would if we just let them 'BE' ...meanwhile I swirl around you zooming in and out of the moments that are happening.  Of course I always try to get people to laugh and even once in a while look at the camera but truthfully life happens in these in between times and isn't that what you want to remember?  Even if it means a tantrum or a snot bubble, but what if it could mean that toofy smile, or the cutest nose crinkle?...that's real life and having a variety of memories after a session is my goal.   Perfectly imperfect...