Having been a photographer for the past 7+ years, I have heard every reason under the sun why scheduling a photography session will have to wait (and they're all reasons I have used not to schedule one for my own family). The truth is, there is very rarely a "perfect" time to schedule family photos. Maybe someone in the family isn't feeling like they look their best...maybe finances are tight...maybe the house is in a constant state of disaster. Maybe it's all three??
The comment I hear the most usually refers to how "mom wants to lose a few pounds before she has pictures taken". Here's the honest truth....no matter what you look like, your family loves you for who you are RIGHT NOW. They don't see you the way you see yourself....they see this incredible person who takes care of them and gives the most amazing hugs and makes the best pancakes on Saturday morning. As someone who has struggled with weight issues my entire life, I know what it's like to look at a picture of yourself and not be able to see past the parts of you that you hate. As a photographer, I know how important it is to find ways to position my clients so that they love the images I create for them. Please don't let this be the reason you avoid having pictures taken with your family! They WANT you in the picture!
Often, families won't schedule a session because of finances...photographs are seen as more of a "want" and not a "need". And I agree, to an extent. They aren't a need in the sense that we can't survive without them. But when you think about what really matters, there are few material items you would protect in the event of an emergency and pictures are at the top of the list. When we were preparing to evacuate last year with Irma bearing down on us, the only things I packed (other than some clothes and food) were my hard drives full of pictures. Almost everything else is replaceable. We don't think twice about spending $100 on dinner that will be over in two hours...imagine saving a little of that each month to put toward something your family will be able to enjoy for years! It can be an investment (paid in installments) but one that will bring you joy over and over...
As far as the messy house goes, I can't help you there! My house often looks like a tornado went through it (did you see the picture of my daughter jumping on her bed that I posted on Instagram a few weeks ago??) Yes, her room is always that messy...
As much as I don't love showing the world my messy house, I also know that this is part of our story. This child of mine can spend an hour in her room, cleaning and putting things where they go, and three hours later, it looks like this. The rest of the house tends to hold up better but I've given up in here.
Sessions in your home shouldn't be stressful....just the opposite, actually...so, if scheduling a session in your home is causing anxiety, embrace the fact that although your home may not look like something out of Coastal Living or Magnolia, it's where you and your family spend some of the best moments of your lives. It's where you brought your baby home from the hospital. It's where your kids learned to walk and talk and do multiplication and division. It's your HOME and it is loved!
My new Storyteller Sessions were created to help document your family's story and your incredible lives together. If you are struggling with the thought of scheduling a session because of one of the above reasons, call me and we can talk about ways to solve the issue. Telling your story is important and I want to help you make it happen!