How to Feel Natural in front of the Camera - From a Knoxville Motherhood Photographer

Shift #1: you don't have to be naturally "photogenic" - (most of us aren't!)

The best candid photos are directed.

Let's face it - Most of us moms have never been models and have no wish to be. We freeze up when a camera is pulled out, even though we desperately want those beautiful candid moments with our kids to be captured.

When I show up to do your session, I am not expecting you to know what to do, or to feel comfortable - I love to talk as we photograph, to have you share about your family and your favorite memories. The best part is encouraging you with prompts and games to really interact with your kids. I give the prompt, and then the part that you get to do is really focus on engaging with your child. So, if you are tickling them, give yourself permission to treasure their giggles, not just tickle and then look to me for the next prompt - Soak up the moment with your squirming, squealing toddler, and embrace them in a giant hug when you're done if it strikes your fancy, or playfully eat their toes, or whatever you normally do when you're obsessed with your child.

I’m watching the light.

I’m guiding your positioning.

I’m paying attention to angles and timing.

But it’s the genuine connection, the real joy and presence you bring, that creates the powerful images you’ll never want to stop looking at.

Shift #:2 Stop trying to control the moment

You don't want to be nagging your kids to sit still, smile right, look sharp during photos. For most of us, that isn't going to work - Especially if you have toddlers full of energy like mine! You'll end up stressed (which will show) and your littles will start melting down.

And to be fair, it's not even genuine to the season you're in, right?

Picture this instead - I love kids and will totally goof off to get their attention, and I have been known to chase a wild four year old across a prairie for a race and then have him jump into his mother's lap at the end to get a great big wild-boy-snuggle-shot! His face scrunched up so much as he squeezed her, flowers in his hand, it is one of my favorite photos from that whole session.

I work with the energy your kids bring to the day, and help you create memories with them in those moments.

Another session that comes to mind is a little 16 month old and her mama - Little girl was not having it that day, she was cold and she hated that she couldn't snuggle in her stroller with her snacks. I had mom snuggle her, comfort her, stand bouncing her in a field, and to this day (almost three years later) she has photos from that session as her profile picture on Facebook and has told me multiple times how they are her favorite photos that she's ever had taken.

Shift #3: Give yourself the same permission to be yourself that you're giving your kids

Getting to know your personality and what parts of motherhood you are loving the most is vital to me as I prepare for your session.

Just like I don't think your kids should have to perform for my camera - Neither should you!

You might not be the calm snuggly type of mom, you might be way more likely to sling your little one playfully over your shoulders and bounce across a field, not sit calmly amongst wildflowers and have them decorate your hair... You'll find questions in your questionnaire like, "What are the moments of motherhood that are most meaningful to you right now?" or, "What are you most loving about your child's personality right now?"

This guides me to the types of posing that will resonate with you and your kids the best!

The goal is simple. I want you to be as free, present, and fully yourself in front of the camera as I want your kids to be!