For me the answer is always the kids.

Most the time, adults need to lead children.

But there is also a time when adults need to step aside and listen to children, allowing the children to lead.

Whenever I do a portrait shoot for a family, I always watch and listen to the kids. They are my guide to how this session will unfold. They answer all my questions…How much energy do they have? How do they feel about the camera in their face? Are they scared by it, excited about it? Do they want to connect with me? What can they teach me? How would they take a picture if they were the photographer? Carter didn’t have to think about the answer to this question. 🙂 He’s a natural!

I had the honor of taking Brendan’s photos this summer. It was such a rich experience because I also took Carter’s photos when he was a baby. To watch Gayla and Ken’s family grow is amazing. They are the most wonderful, kind family, and I’m so excited for you to see their slideshow! Turn up the volume, the music by Alison Krauss is perfect for this sweet family shoot.

To watch Brendan’s Slideshow, click on the name!

But even if you watch it, I have to show you two favorites!

Look at how Baby Brendan smiled in his brother’s arms.

Carter has got the sweetest face and little curls in his hair. I’m telling you, he will rob your heart when you meet him!

For those of you doing portrait shoots, here are a few rules of thumb I go by…

Before I start a portrait shoot with a baby, I always suggest feeding the baby right before we start. Not so much for hunger but comfort purposes. I know that I’m going to spend the next two hours asking this little baby to interact with me. And even if they sleep through the whole session, they will have connected with a me…a stranger. I want them to start with the smell of their mom, take a break in between and maybe nurse again–reconnecting with their mom, and then I watch them carefully to make sure I never ask to much.

As you can see in the first image above, the two year old can have pretty strong ideas about how a photoshoot should go. And I love it! Some photographers email me and say they get really stressed out at this point. The kids aren’t cooperating and getting crabbier by the second. But I think it’s important to remember that as you gain confidence in yourself, you will know when you’ve captured the shots you want.

And remember, the family rarely feels you caught anything “good” because they are caught up in how their kids are behaving or not behaving. But as your confidence grows, you’ll be able to reassure the family that you actually caught exactly what you wanted.

If you want more help with your Portrait business, check out or Portrait 101 Kit. Hundreds and hundreds of people have bought this kit and given us the BEST raves! I share all kinds of secrets, like how I market myself, create packages/pricing, interact with clients, photo release waivers and staying organized, plus much more. You can see all the items in detail if you click on Portrait 101 Kit.

This kit, along with all our other kits, was designed for you. We get so many emails every day asking us about how to get their portrait or wedding business off the ground. These kits are a compilation of all the answers we’ve found. Enjoy!

Congratulations Gayla! I loved working with your family again! What a honor. Brian and I adore all four of you. We can’t wait to connect again soon!

Much love,
Me Ra