Delaware County Family Photographer: What to Expect From a Family Session

If there’s one thing I hear from parents before almost every family session, it’s some version of:

“My kids probably won’t cooperate.”

And I promise—you do not need to worry about that.

As a Delaware County family photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of families over the years, and I can confidently tell you that very few kids show up ready to stand perfectly, smile on command, and do exactly what we ask for 30 minutes.

And honestly, I don’t need them to.

Your Family Doesn't Have to Be "Good at Pictures"

Some kids are shy. Some need a few minutes to warm up. Some want absolutely nothing to do with looking at my camera. And some arrive ready to run in the opposite direction.

That's all normal.

My job isn't just to show up with a camera and hope everyone cooperates. I'll guide you through the entire session—where to stand, what to do with your hands, where to look, when to cuddle your kids, and when to just let them be themselves.

We'll get the photos of everyone looking at the camera, of course. But we'll also get the little moments in between—the laughs, the snuggles, the way your child reaches for you, and all of the things that actually feel like your family right now.

Yes, 30 Minutes Really Is Enough

Most of my Delaware County family sessions are 30 minutes, and parents are sometimes surprised by how much we can accomplish in that amount of time.

But after years of photographing families, I've found that 30 minutes is actually a sweet spot—especially when young children are involved.

It's enough time to create a beautiful variety of images without asking your kids to hang in there for an hour when they're already over it.

I keep things moving, give plenty of direction, and pay attention to the kids so we can work with their personalities instead of against them.

You don't need to spend the whole session wondering if we're getting anything. I've got you.

I'll Help You Figure Out What to Wear

I know getting everyone dressed can sometimes feel harder than the actual photo session.

You don't need to show up with a perfectly styled Pinterest family.

When you're planning your outfits, I can help guide you toward colors and combinations that photograph beautifully and work well with the location we've chosen. In general, I recommend coordinating rather than having everyone match exactly.

Most importantly, I want everyone to still look like themselves.

And if you're standing in your bedroom staring at six different outfit options wondering which one photographs best, send them to me. I'm happy to help.

You Don't Need to Know How to Pose

This one is especially for the moms who tell me, “I'm so awkward in pictures.”

You don't need to know what to do.

I'm going to tell you.

I'll guide you into flattering positions, give you something to do so you don't feel like you're just standing there, and make small adjustments as we go.

You're not responsible for making the photos look good. That's my job.

What If My Child Has a Meltdown?

Then they have a meltdown.

Seriously.

We take a minute. We change what we're doing. We let them move. We get mom or dad involved. Sometimes we completely abandon the plan for a few minutes and just play.

I've been doing this long enough to know that pushing a child who is finished usually doesn't get us anywhere.

I'd much rather meet them where they are.

Some of my favorite photographs have happened right after a parent thought the session was falling apart.

So please don't spend your session apologizing to me for your kids being kids. I've seen it all.

Family Photos Without the Pressure

My goal for every family session is pretty simple: I want you to walk away feeling like that was much easier than you expected.

I photograph families throughout Delaware County and the surrounding Philadelphia area, and I want the experience to feel relaxed from the moment you book.

I'll help with the location. I'll help with clothing. I'll guide you through the session. I'll handle the kids.

You just need to show up and love on your people.

Because your kids don't have to behave perfectly for you to have beautiful family photographs.

They just have to be themselves.