Family Photos Can Be Simple

Let’s be honest: when someone says “family photos,” your brain might immediately flash to visions of matching outfits, forced smiles, and someone (probably under age 6) having a meltdown about snacks. But I’m here to say—it doesn’t have to be that way.

Family sessions can be simple, fun, and real. And yes, they can take just 30 minutes. Even in Las Vegas!

Take this recent session as proof. This awesome blended family met me at a cozy neighborhood park near their home. A location that was simple, yet meaningful. No big production, no pressure—just real moments, real laughter, and a variety of shots that captured their connections perfectly.

We got all the good stuff: full family photos, siblings laughing, step-siblings goofing around, parents sneaking a quick moment to themselves, and individual portraits that showed off each personality. The best part? No one felt rushed or overly posed. The kids had space to be themselves, the parents were relaxed, and everyone left smiling (and not just because it was over).

That’s what these sessions are about. Real connection, genuine smiles, and making it easy enough that it actually feels enjoyable.

If you’ve been putting off family photos because it sounds like a lot—this is your sign that it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s What We Got in Just 30 Minutes:

First up... full family shots (the "everyone smile and say cheese" ones—but make it natural). We did poses including telephone, walking, and kids on their phones. The session even ended in an organic group hug!... okay.. at least it started that way... and I encouraged everyone to jump in. I got about .02 seconds... but it was enough!

Anyways, more photos during the session were...

• Individual portraits (hello holiday cards and profile pics!)
• Couple photos (because parents deserve a moment too!)
• Mix-and-match combos (siblings, step-siblings, parents with kids, you name it)
• Candid moments that weren’t planned, but ended up being favorites

That’s the beauty of keeping it low-key. We didn’t need fancy outfits or a Pinterest-level backdrop—just good light, good people, and a photographer who knows how to make it easy (hi, that’s me 😄).

Why Short Family Sessions Work:

1. No pressure: Kids (and adults) don’t have to “perform” for an hour straight.
2. Genuine moments: Everyone is more relaxed, and it shows in the photos.
3. Time efficient: You're in, you're out, and you’ve got a full gallery of frame-worthy shots.
4. Perfect for blended families: We can be flexible and capture every meaningful pairing without dragging things out.
5. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or a mix of both, short and sweet sessions are ideal for keeping the mood light and the smiles real.

Let’s Keep It Chill, Not Chaotic

If you’ve been putting off family photos because it sounds overwhelming, let this be your sign—it doesn’t have to be. Book a session that’s flexible, fun, and focused on you being you. I’ll guide you through the whole thing, help with posing (or not!), and capture the kind of moments you’ll actually want to print and hang. It will be quick enough that teenagers and husbands will (barely) complain (;

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup, coordinating outfits from head to toe, or a massive plan. You just need your people, a little time, and someone behind the camera who knows how to make it feel effortless. We’ll laugh, we’ll keep it moving, and we’ll wrap things up before anyone has a chance to say, “Are we done yet?”

So whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or a mix of both—this is your reminder that getting updated photos can actually be fun. All the love, all the chaos, and all the beauty of your unique crew, captured in a way that feels true to you.

📸 Ready to book your own low-stress family session? Let’s chat! Email me at [email protected]

Or just want to see more cuteness from this session? Keep scrolling 👇