Kimberley As a family photographer, one of the greatest joys of my job is witnessing authentic connections between parents, siblings, and children. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing my dear friend’s family to celebrate her daughter’s 2nd birthday. This session, like many, reminded me of the magic that happens when families trust the process and let their love for each other unfold naturally in front of the camera.
Starting the Session: Tears and Hesitation
When working with little ones, there are always surprises. For this particular session, the birthday girl was a bit shy and uncertain about having her photos taken. She clung to her mom, her comfort zone, and wasn’t too keen on being in the spotlight. There were even a few tears at the start. It’s moments like these where I pause and remind myself—and my clients—that we don’t need to rush. Family photography is about capturing real emotions, and sometimes that means waiting until the child is comfortable.
I often offer to reschedule if a child feels overwhelmed because I never want them to have a negative association with photo sessions. But in this case, we decided to take our time, allow her to adjust, and let the session unfold organically.
The Power of Connection: Big Brother to the Rescue
One of the most touching parts of this session was the role her big brother played. It was heartwarming to watch him step up to support his little sister. He offered her toys, played peek-a-boo, and did everything he could to keep her spirits high. His patience and love for his sister were beautiful to witness and made a significant difference in helping her relax.
These moments between siblings are what make family portraits so meaningful. Sure, we can plan for posed photos, but it’s these candid interactions—the spontaneous smiles, the shared giggles—that truly tell the story of a family’s bond.
Mom’s Comfort: The Turning Point
Sometimes, all it takes to transform a session is a small change. In this case, we decided to bring mom into the photos, and it made all the difference. Her presence gave her daughter the reassurance she needed to open up, and we captured some incredible moments together. To make things even more fun, we handed her some colorful blocks to play with, which helped shift her focus from the camera to playtime.
Once the tears subsided and she began to feel more comfortable, we witnessed a remarkable transformation. Her smile started to shine through, and the session blossomed into a joyful celebration of her personality. You would never guess from the final images that she was hesitant at the start!
Why Patience Matters in Family Photography
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in family photography is that patience is everything. Children, especially toddlers, are unpredictable. They may feel overwhelmed by new environments, shy in front of strangers, or simply have a hard time focusing. It’s our job as photographers to meet them where they are and create an environment where they feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
I always aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible for both the parents and the children. I don’t mind waiting a little longer or taking breaks to ensure the child feels happy and safe. After all, the goal is to capture genuine, joyful moments—not forced smiles.
Looking Ahead: A Holiday Session on the Horizon
What made this session even more special was the knowledge that I’ll get to work with this wonderful family again soon for their holiday photos. After seeing how the birthday girl blossomed during this session, I’m excited to see her and her brother again—this time with festive outfits and holiday cheer!
Each family I work with has a unique dynamic, and capturing that in photos is an honor. These are the moments families will look back on for years to come, and it’s my goal to make sure those memories are filled with joy.
Ready to Capture Your Family’s Memories?
If you’re looking for a family photographer who understands the importance of patience, authenticity, and connection, I would love to help you create timeless memories. Whether it’s a birthday session, a family milestone, or just capturing everyday moments, I’m here to make sure your photos reflect the beauty of your family’s unique bond.
Visit www.kimberleyasante.com to learn more about booking your session. I look forward to working with you and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
I’m sending this to my husband ASAP!!!
I absolutely adore this! I prefer those candid real shots far more than staged ones. Just beautiful.
I can imagine that, especially when it comes to little ones, patience is key when it comes to photography! I love the way that these photos turned out, they’re so lovely.
The BEST photographer! I love these kids’ poses and images. Parents defiantly need to go to Kimberley Asante!
Aw, these photos are adorable! Kids usually lack patience, and it is great that you care so much about their comfort.
These are such cute photos. It’s so easy to focus on posed shots, but this reminds me that candid moments are often the most memorable and genuine. I remember a few of them when I was younger.
Hihi….the perfect moment to capture on both your viewfinder and trigger, has to be waited for, unpreparedly. It’s the best thing I like about photography.