If you’re looking for the perfect family photographer, it’s probably not me.

Perfect is boring. I don’t do perfect. I want to photograph families who are unique, and fun, and full of life. I don’t want perfectly behaved children dressed in perfectly matching outfits. I like the mess. I like the chaos. That’s real life after all.

So don’t hire me if you’re going to yell at your children for acting silly or get angry when they roll around in the grass. If those things happen, it means we’re having fun and that’s my goal for every session.

Yes, I want you to look nice, but it’s ok if your shirt gets untucked or you didn’t have time to find new shoes. I’ll tell you how to pose and put you in position, but I don’t mind if your children aren’t looking at the camera. It’s ok if they get bored or complain. I’d much rather you be relaxed and enjoy this special time with your family. If the kids are doing something they shouldn’t be, let them off the hook just this once. I’ll tell you if we need to reign them in.

The idea that family portraits need to be perfect is so old school. Families are loud and messy and that should be celebrated. When I get an email from someone and they describe their child as energetic I know they’re worried. They’re wondering how I’ll get any good shots if their kid won’t sit still. This is my point. They don’t have to. Just let them be who they are and the images will be beautiful. Why? Because they are authentic. They are real. They are perfectly imperfect.