Capturing authentic family moments is a wonderful way to preserve memories and create a visual record of your family’s love and connection. These moments can be small and seemingly insignificant in the moment, but they are often the ones we look back on with the most nostalgia and joy. Whether it’s a candid snapshot of your kids playing in the park or a portrait of your entire family, these photos can serve as a tangible reminder of the love and bond you share.

And the thing is, you want these moments to be authentic. You don’t want to look back on photos and cringe at the way they display your family. You want to look back on photos with revere and know that your family is being displayed genuinely and with transparency. 

Here are five tips for capturing authentic family moments: 

1. Put away distractions: One of the biggest challenges in capturing authentic family moments is the constant presence of phones and other distractions. It’s all too easy to get caught up in checking emails, scrolling through social media, or answering texts, and before you know it, the moment has passed. To truly be present in the moment and capture genuine emotions, you must put away your phone and other distractions and be fully present with your family. Set aside your phone, turn off notifications, and give your full attention to your loved ones- yes, that means take off the Apple Watch, too. It may take a little bit of effort to disconnect, but the rewards are well worth it.
2. Get candid: Rather than posing for stiff, formal photos, my goal is to capture candid moments as they happen. These types of photos often feel more natural and capture the true personality of your family. Instead of trying to stage a perfect photo, let your family be themselves and I will snap pictures of the genuine moments and interactions that occur. This could be anything from a spontaneous hug or kiss, to a goofy face or a silly joke. These candid moments are the ones that feel the most genuine and authentic and they are the ones you will want preserved for years to come.
3. Use natural light: Natural light can make a big difference in the quality and feel of your photos, which is why I pride myself on being a natural light photographer. I try to take photos near windows or outdoors in natural light rather than using flash. Flash can sometimes create harsh shadows and make your photos look unnatural. By using natural light, i can capture the warmth and beauty of your family’s true personalities. Whether it’s the soft glow of a sunset or the bright rays of a summer day, natural light can add depth and dimension to your photos.
4. Don’t worry about perfection: Perfection is overrated! Embrace imperfections and quirks in your photos, as these are often the things that make them unique and special. Don’t worry about getting the perfect pose or making sure everyone is looking at the camera. Instead, focus on capturing the love and connection within your family. These imperfections are what make your family special and unique, and they are worth capturing and celebrating.
5. Get creative: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what amazing photos you might capture. Whether it’s a whimsical shot of your kids running through a field of flowers or a dramatic portrait of your family against a stunning backdrop, getting creative can help you create beautiful and memorable photos.That’s why I offer my services as a traveling photographer. Sometimes you just need something different. Change the location for a bit and watch new magic unfold!

Capturing authentic family moments is my specialty. I pride myself on offering natural light, candid photography sessions.  With these tips, and my expertise, you can preserve memories and create a visual record of your family’s love and connection that you will treasure for years to come.