Babies are perfect. Families are messy. The biggest issue I see happening with family photography sessions (be it a newborn session or any type of session) is that parents treat these sessions as one more chore to check off their to-do list. What if, instead of going in with this mindset, (which, lets face it, is full of negative energy) we took a moment to slow life down and treat these sessions as a wonderful way to spend quality time with the people we love most? And the icing on the cake? I'm there to immortalize it in photographs. You take a day to slow down and really make memories. Not fake ones. Real ones, frozen in time to remember forever, for you and your family long after you're gone.

How can this happen? Easy. Schedule it. Take a day off work. Pull the kids out of school for the morning. Don't tell me this is not possible! People take days off all the time for doctors appointments and pull their kids out of school for vacations. One morning is not going to kill anyone! If it is, well... maybe you have some things to work on. I would say for most people this is absolutely do-able, you just have to prioritize it. Think of how excited your kids would be at the thought of playing hooky for a morning just to be home spending some quality time with you.

You want beautiful, emotive, meaningful images with your family. The only way to make this happen in an authentic way is to actually be authentic. This means making time and space in your life for this to happen. Not frantically scheduling an hour at sunset in some random outdoor location that means nothing to you. Yes, I've done this for years and sure there is a time and place for these type of sessions. I am not saying there is anything wrong with those. But I'm asking you to look deeper, for something more meaningful. I'm tired of seeing parents stressed to the max, trying to look perfect. The real you is so beautiful. The chaos, the calm, the authentic you with your family. How do we get there? We start at home. 

But Wendy, my house is a mess and I can't get it together... Guess what? It's ok! We move the mess out of the pretty light, NO BIG DEAL! Let me reassure you, as a mother to 3 boys, my house is never neat and tidy. I've seen it all and am living it as a mother. There will be no judgement from me no matter what the state of your home may be. I only want to help you savor this fleeting, beautiful time with your family. 

Here's what this looks like:

When we plan a session together I'll ask that you take a little video of the areas in your home that are the brightest. Usually that's where the majority of the session will be. This will give me an idea of what I'm working with so I can plan ahead if any other lighting is needed, which I can bring if so. If you don't have time to tidy the house, we will just move things out of the spot where the light works best. And then when we're done we will move stuff back. Easy peasy! I will also bring clothing if you don't have anything to wear. There are so many options in my client wardrobe. Take advantage and have one less thing to think about!

Your family story is so beautiful, if you are a family in Myrtle Beach or anywhere in the world, I would love to help you tell it in photographs...

And here is a peek at a recent newborn family session. Take the time. It's so worth it.