As a family photographer, I have learned that no two sessions are alike. Each family brings their unique personalities, dynamics, expectations, and unpredictable moments. Even with all my planning and preparation some sessions don’t go as smoothly as I'd hoped. But I think that's okay. When these situations happen, I learn from them. It makes me a better and a more creative (and faster) photographer.
I always stay calm and flexible. It's VERY important to stay calm. If a child is having a meltdown, the weather takes a sudden turn, or someone forgot an essential outfit piece, me being calm can help diffuse tension. Being able to pivot and ‘go with the flow’ is important and sometimes gives us even better photos than I had planned to begin with.
Once, I photographed a family with two young boys. Both the kiddos were not a fan of the camera (understatement). Every time I would lift my camera and point it even slightly in their direction, they would run away or hide behind mom or dad! I had to think fast. After a quick talk with mom and dad we decided that the parents would play with the boys. They would pick up the boys, chase them, swing them in circles and blow bubbles together. I stepped back and put the zoom lens on my camera body. The kids were so busy playing with the parents they didn’t pay much attention to me. The session ended up giving us life-style photos and not the planned posed ones but they turned out great! When things don't go as planned, clients might feel stressed or even blame themselves. I always tell them that these hiccups are normal and manageable. To communicate this is VERY important! If everyone stays flexible and is willing to try a few new things, the unexpected can often lead to photos that show a lot of beautiful emotions and connections between family members! Even when Mother Nature gives you a spontaneous rain shower during a photo shoot, you could try and work with that. I’ve done photos with umbrellas (protect your gear though!) that are super cute. Or, if possible, find shelter and use the rain as a backdrop. The rainbow that comes out after the showers can give you amazing photos too!
Very often it is the smaller things we have to deal with. Situations like, kids not wanting to sit still ( I make them run around for a bit before sitting down again), not wanting to be in e certain pose or not wanting to smile. Just changing up a pose or slowing things down can change a lot. A toy, a snack or playing a game can make all the difference. Even showing a child a photo on the back of my camera is helpful every now and then.
Sometimes, if nothing is working, the best option is to pause or reschedule. If a child is overtired, or the weather is completely uncooperative, it might be best to think and talk about the possibility of trying again. Most clients will appreciate the honesty and the photographer's dedication to delivering the best results.
As said before, every challenging session is a chance to grow as a photographer. I always reflect on what happened and think about what I could do differently next time. For photographers, these experiences will build confidence and resilience.
No matter what happens, I try to make sure my clients leave the session feeling good. There are always a few fun or candid moments I will have captured, they can see. I’ll let them know I’m excited about the next session and the final results. When a photo session doesn’t go as planned, it’s an opportunity to show my creativity, adaptability, and professionalism. I’m grateful for my background as a social worker and having studied the developmental stages of children. Raising three kids of my own is sure coming in handy too :0)
By staying calm, communicating openly, and embracing the unexpected, photographers can create a session experience that is as memorable as the photos themselves. After all, life is full of imperfect, beautiful moments—and that’s what family photography is all about!
