Things I’ve Learned as a Photographer ( That Have Nothing To Do With Photography)

How Photographing families taught me more about snacks, sweat, and what actually matters!!

I’ve been photographing families for a LONG time now and I’ve learned a lot about light, lenses, shutter speeds and kelvin- but honestly?

The real lessons have nothing to do with photography. The most valuable things I have learned would fill a book that would sit quite comfortably in the self help section. Or maybe fill one of those Chicken Soup for the Souls books (anyone remember those?!)

So here’ s a little list of things I’ve picked up from life behind the camera… and none of them require a thing about aperture.

1. Snacks Will Save You:
   • Yours, theirs, anyone’s. Mini Marshmallows might possibly be the duct tape of family sessions! A well timed mini marshmallow has helped me in more ways than I can count! It’s the same color as your teeth (big bonus for the editing process), I haven’t met a single kid with an allergy to a marshmallow, and they are super fun to see if you can catch them in your mouth mid air!!!
2. Bugs Don’t Care That You’re a Professional:
   • You could be mid-magic moment, capturing golden hour joy, and BAM- mosquito buffet! Let’s not even start on the bugs that swarm on those sand dunes! I’ve done entire sessions where I’ve shown off some pretty awesome dance moves just to cover up the fact that I’m totally being eaten alive by gnats and mosquitos! It’s all part of the job. Also why I always carry bug spray.
3. Parents Are Too Hard on Themselves:
   • Every. Single. One. I’ve have moms who apologize because their little one didn’t want to smile (and we got the most absolutely magical candids). I’ve had dads who thought they were “awkward” but were holding their babies like they were holding the whole world in their arms… because they were! I promise, you’re doing better than you think!
4. Kids Will Always Be Cooler Than Adults:
   • They show up exactly as they are and they don’t apologize for it! They don’t care about matching outfits. They don’t worry about instagram followers. They just want to run and play and feel safe. They are the ones who lead me on the session. They are the ones who teach me how to show up!
5. It’s OK to Cry (And Sometimes You Just Will):
   • Spoiler Alert: Sometimes I get teary at my sessions. Not because something went wrong, but because something went soooo incredibly RIGHT! A mama whispering “I love you” into her child’s ear, and the soft little tender look that passes between them just for a brief second. It gets me! The little twirls between a daddy and a daughter. Sometimes it’s the wild moments… the running down the beach chasing each other where you are just completely present in the moment with your family. It just gets deeps inside my heart in the best possible way!
6. I can spot the lovey from 30 yards away:
   • Call it my mom senses- or my photographer instincts. But I will find the object that’s about to photobomb your holiday card (will it be a Paw Patrol toy, a beloved blanket, the construction car?!). I promise you I will find a place to honor it and also a way to keep it safe for one moment tucked away!
7. The Most Beautiful Photos Happen When No One’s Trying:
   • One of the first things I tell my family’s when they get out of the car is “I promise you, you won’t have to worry about what to do with your hands!” It’s the biggest fear most people have because that’s where everyone feels awkward. What do I do with my hands?! Here’s the truth, you don’t have to do anything! The magic happens when you forget the camera’s there. This is why I play games. To help you forget that I’m there at all really and just hang out with your family. I just want to capture you.
8. Barefoot Is A Lifestyle:
   • If you’ve ever gone on a photo session with me, it’s kind of a weird thing. I actually can’t take photos with my shoes on. It’s weird. But I’m not talking about just me. The best sessions end with sandy feet, grassy toes, and the kind of wild joy you don’t get when everyone’s worried about staying clean! Let it go!!! Get messy!!! Be free!!!
9. Connection Beats Perfection:
   • Matching outfits don’t matter. Pinterest poses don’t matter. What does matter is how you felt! Because in ten years, you won’t remember what shirt or the dress you wore- but you’ll remember the way your child reached for your hand. You’ll remember the laughter and the giggles. You’ll remember the silly games you played and the snuggles you had. You’ll remember how you all felt during the session! Did you play? Did you spend time together connecting? That’s what matters!
10. Your Life is Already Beautiful- You Just Don’t Always See It:
    • This job has taught me that most people don’t realize the magic they are living. But from behind my lens, I not only see it.. I get to share it! The tenderness. The strength. The laughter between the chaos. And goodness it’s breathtaking!

These lessons can’t be taught in course. They aren’t technical! But they’re the ones I carry with me- session after session, story after story.

They’re the reason I love what I do!

And no matter how many years go by, I’ll never stop being humbled by this truth: The heart of what I capture has never been about the photos. It’s always been and will always be about you!

Thank you for trusting me and allowing me in to your stories!!

If you are looking to share your story or have it captured, I’d love to help you see just how beautiful yours is! Connect with me and let’s chat about your dream session!