What does "family lifestyle photography" mean to you? This will be my focus in 2018--capturing the family IN ACTION--something I try to encourage during my sessions. We're going to have fun in the new year...more location shoots, themed sessions, and stepping outside the box (less intrusive, with more focus on those candid shots). We'll be bringing the "REALNESS" back to photography. Real smiles, raw emotion, and true happiness--2018 is going to be a fantastic year.

Lifestyle photography is the goal for 2018. We'll do some standard posing, but it's not going to require those "CHEESE-y" smiles and all eyes at the camera. The rest is up to you. So how do we achieve it? Here is my list of ideas and areas of focus that will make your session as real as possible without forcing it. 

1) The most important thing--HAVE FUN! I want you to feel comfortable. I have 4 kids of my own. Nothing brings me greater happiness than seeing kids in action, even if they are throwing temper tantrums, crying, or they refuse to cooperate. They're kids. It's natural, and an important part of "lifestyle photography."

2) Pick the location that works for YOU--A favorite spot, the beach, a playground, the park, a farm, the woods, your own house. Your location sets the mood for the shoot. If the kids are comfortable and happy, it will show. Instead of telling them your having family photos taken, tell them you're going on a family outing or adventure. I'm just there for the ride!

3) Bring "tools"--Bring a picnic lunch. Pack a special treat. Don't forget your favorite blanket and everyday "props" you would like to include in your photos--nothing unnatural--from here on out, we won't even call them "props," we'll call them TOOLS. When a writer tells a story, he uses a pencil and paper (we'll keep it old-fashioned). A painter uses a canvas, paint, and brushes. A carpenter uses wood, hammer, and nails. You see where I'm going with this...and two of the greatest tools we could possibly use to compliment all of the wonderful things that will already be present are the great outdoors and natural light. 

4) Do your thing. Play with your kids. I'll chase after you! I'll be there to capture those moments--expressions of excitement, the action shots, the silliness, the sincerity, the positioning of hands, feet, and everything in between. Focus on each other. I'll do the rest.

I look forward to the year ahead, and the next chapter of this beautiful journey. Every family has a story, and a picture IS "worth a thousand words." Let's keep it simple, real, and true to life, and most importantly, let's keep it FUN!