Embracing Imperfection: Capturing The Essence of YOUR Family In Photos

Perfect is a word that I grew up hearing a lot about, and thinking a lot about as well…I wanted to be a perfect student, daughter, and friend…working hard towards straight A’s and always doing the right thing.

As I’m now an adult well past those years, I’ve learned that there are times that perfect is really not needed. You may have heard of the phrase ‘progress over perfection’ and this is something that I’ve tried to embrace when decorating in my home, and within my business.

Perfection is also a trait and expectation that I think a lot about within parenting as well… telling myself that I don’t need to be a perfect Mom, and letting my kids know that I don’t expect perfection from them.

You are probably thinking, what does this have to do with family photography?

Well, I want you to let go of the desire for perfection within your family photo experience. And this relates to so many different areas of your photography session.

Do you need perfect outfits?

Definitely not! I want you to just have coordinated and clean outfits, and you can follow the simple steps in ‘what to wear for your family photos’ to source your closet and find items true to your family, and that will work for photos.

Do you need perfect haircuts?

For sure NO. Is it nice if you can have your color and highlights updated…of course. I love a new haircut just as much as the next person. But, getting your entire family new haircuts isn’t needed. I recommend that each family member like their hair. You can get trims if it works but it’s definitely not required.

Do your kids need to have perfect behavior?

Absolutely NOT. Of course, I do want them to be kind and respectful…that goes without saying, but I want them to have energy, to run, jump, do tricks and explore. If you have a baby I expect there to be some tears. And, I expect your toddler to want to lead the show, and want multiple snacks. I expect your pre-teens to roll their eyes a few times during the session at lame parent jokes, and at my jokes too!!

These are all typical children’s behaviors. When they make silly faces, they are always followed by giggles and natural smiles. Running shows the fun energy of kids and families. Laughter and cuddles always make for better family photos than super posed portraits with everyone perfectly looking at the camera. Here are a few additional tips to help you prepare for your family photo session.

Do we need a perfect location?

Although I have lots of blog posts about my favorite Portland photo locations, we do NOT need a perfect location. As a professional photographer I’ve photographed subjects in a variety of settings and can make beautiful and fun family photos anywhere. So, lets choose a memorable location and one that we know will be safe for the ages and abilities of your family, and just go for it.

Do we require perfect golden hour light?

Again….this is a no. Is the hour before sunset beautiful? Yes, it is. But…if it doesn’t work in your schedule, don’t let it hold you back from embracing your family photos. I can create awesome images in all different times of day. I do adjust locations depending on time and weather…but we don’t need perfect golden hour light to create beautiful memories.

That being said, there are a few things that I do…not for perfection…

…but just because they are simple tweaks that can improve the overall appearance of your photos and decrease unnecessary distractions.

This list includes:

+Taking your smart phone out of your front and back pockets

+Consider removing your smart watch (the black screens can be quite distracting within images)

+Have clean nails. You don’t need a professional manicure, but if you have chipped nail polish on any family member (including kids) you will see it in your photos. If this tells the story of your child, and you want to keep it in, lets do it…but if it would distract your images from the love and connection within your family, I say just do a quick nail clean up before the session.

+Make sure your kids faces are clean.

These aren’t things I’m doing to strive for perfection, but to elevate your photos, experience, and investment.

I hope that this post gives you the permission to not seek perfection with your family photos

I know that having your photos taken can be stressful from a variety of aspects, and I talk a lot about having ‘stress free sessions’ in other posts, [how to have a stress free maternity session] but maybe that’s not realistic. There will always be a little bit of stress when investing in something as important as family photography.

But I want to help to take the pressure off, and let you know that perfection is not the goal. Connection, fun, love and joy are the goals. And I’m here to help and guide you with all of the decisions that come up along the way to planning your fun family photo session.

I would love to connect with you to discuss your next perfectly imperfect family photo session!!

Would you like to learn more about photography sessions with Rebecca Hunnicutt Photography? Check out these family blog posts…