What is a “Real Life Session”?
First of all, it is good to be back in the swing of things in the world of photography. This last month has felt like stepping back into a dance with an old friend - comforting and sweet.
I did want to take some time today to highlight a change that I made when I re-opened my photography business - my offerings. My regular clients were accustomed to two portrait session offerings - the 30 minute session and the 1 hour session. I decided to nix the one hour option after careful consideration. Most of my clients booked the 30 minute session or one of my fun mini sessions that last only 10 minutes.
What I love about my 30 minute session and the minis, is that for most families, those shorter amounts of time are much more comfortable and tolerable to those who do not enjoy family photos as much as playing or watching a football game. As a mother of two, I know that kids only have the attention span and bandwidth to cooperate for photos for 30 minutes tops! Then comes the meltdowns, the fake smiles, and the stressed out mom. I’ve found that for the majority of my clients, working hard and staying focused for 10-30 minutes usually yields much better results and doesn’t feel quite as draining.
All that to say, I now offer one portrait session called the “Simple and Sweet Session”.
This session is a quick, fun session perfect for kids (or partners) who don’t have the bandwidth to pose for an hour. These are great for getting your updated family portraits, timeless photos of the kids, and some much needed photos with your partner.
I’ve kept my Lifestyle Newborn session as it was, because all of the theories about shorter sessions being better for kids does NOT apply to newborns. As you know, (or will soon find out), newborns run on their own timeline. So we give extra time and patience for the photos with little ones so new to the world.
Now, finally, to my new offering - the “Real Life Sessions”.
My heart has been longing to add a lifestyle session that feels like real life. Real life sessions will capture the every day magic that makes this season of life sweet. I imagine these sessions as the relaxed, laid-back version of my portrait sessions. These will be more casual, more candid, and more authentic. Whether it be at home, at the park, or getting some ice cream, Real Life sessions exude that warm fuzzy feeling that makes your insides glow and make you remember how blessed you are.
Practically speaking, real Life Sessions are 30 minute sessions that we try and get one or two “everyone is looking and smiling photos”, but we don’t forget to play, have fun, and capture the sweet candid moments that capture the relationships that are there. Think of mom and dad holding one another while the kids laugh and play in front of them. A captured moment of a precious daughter presenting a freshly picked dandelion to her adoring mama. The sweet giggles as dad swings his boy around and around in circles. Warm hugs instead of formal poses. This is my inspiration for these sessions. I want these to be the photos that you look back on and remember how life felt at this moment.
Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either session, it really comes down to what your needs for the photos are and what kind of photos you want from your session. Christmas card photos or photos planned for wall art are definitely more catered to with the “Simple and Sweet Session”. There are times when I just prefer a quick, straightforward photo session that is efficient and captures my family in the most flattering way.
Then there are times when I want the focus to be less on “picture perfect” smiles and outfits and more on feelings. Real life sessions are best if you want a low-key, laid back vibe at your photos. These are great for capturing yourselves with full authenticity and genuine emotions. These are perfect for someone who wants less structured poses and more prompts to capture candid moments.
If one of these sessions sounds like something you would be interested in for your family, shoot me a text with your name and we can find a space on the books for you!
You can text me at 205-792-3646 or join my email newsletter for all updates, reminders, and first dibs on special offerings. Join below!
