Things Moms Worry About Before Booking Family Photos: From A Virginia Beach Mom and Family Photographer

As a both a Virginia Beach mom (of four!) and a family photographer, I can assure you – I understand the worries that run through your mind when considering booking a family photo session. I’m also here to tell you that you don’t have to have it all figured out. It’s my job as the photographer to help guide you through the whole experience and to make it actually enjoyable for your family. I want you to love your experience with me as much as you love the final images.

I am sharing five worries you may have as a Virginia Beach mom thinking about family photos, and why you should NOT worry about them below! 😉

Worry Number One: What if my kids won’t behave?!

This is probably the comment I hear the most and my answer is always the same: they don’t have to behave perfectly. My style of photography craves movement and candid moments and though I aim to get at least a few “smiling at the camera” shots at every session, that’s absolutely not what we are doing for the entire time. With my family sessions, I use fun prompts, games, and lots of walking to keep the kids moving, having fun, and being them! Even when the parents in front of my lens feel like it’s chaotic, I tell them to keep smiling and enjoying the moments – and honestly, it’s those photos those end up being the favorites.

Also as a Virginia Beach mom of four myself (ages 3 through 13), I promise there is nothing that your kid(s) will do that surprises me. I have seen it all and we can laugh through it together. 🙂 If you are looking for more tips on family photos with kids, you can read this blog post.

Worry Number Two: My husband hates photos.

I have had quite a few clients share this quietly after their session like it was a surprise to me that many men don’t look forward to family photo day and I always share that I am fully aware of this fact. Yes, I love photos and it’s my job, and I know that not all men do and that’s perfectly ok. I do think it’s important to frame it (with both your husband and kids!) as a positive experience and then it usually will be, I promise!

I’ve also been very proud to have multiple dads comment after the photos that “wow, that was actually fun”. That’s always a win in my book.

Worry Number Three: I have no idea what to wear.

Before I was a family photographer I was a Fashion teacher and my degree is in Fashion Merchandising, so a huge part of my background is in styling and I absolutely share this knowledge with my clients. Immediately after booking, my clients receive a Session Prep Guide that includes an entire section on styling. I also offer clients the opportunity to text me pictures of ideas that they are considering and truly LOVE to help with this, as the clothing pieces you choose do make a big difference in your final photos.

All full sessions booked with me receive access to my Client Closet, which is a curated collection of dresses that photograph beautifully. I love providing this to my clients so that it’s one less thing that they have to worry about!

Worry Number Four: I don’t know how to pose.

That’s what I am here for – I’ve got you! A big part of my job is helping your family pose throughout the session and also – for most of my session, you don’t always have to pose! Like I mentioned before, I lead a lot of my sessions with fun prompts, games or walking and none of that requires posing!

Worry Number Five: It’s too much work.

I have never heard a mom regret the work she put into documenting her family. The photos you take now are moments captured in time that (I hope!) will become images that you treasure forever and that will be passed down for generations to come. Any effort you put into a photo session will absolutely be worth the priceless memories that will come out of it.

If you are a Virginia Beach mom who has been thinking about a family photo session but have one of the worries above, I promise that I can help make this a relaxed and enjoyable experience for you and your family. I would love to chat more! You can inquire here or email me at ashleybricknerphoto@gmail.com. I hope that I get the opportunity to work with you!!

If you liked this blog post, you might also like these below, as well as this informative read from Jen on how long does a family photo session take?

What Time of Day is Best for Photos

Tips for Family Photos with Kids