Why Authentic Family Photos Matter More Than Perfect Poses (And How to Find a Photographer Who Gets It) – Authentic family photos in Canton Michigan

Remember that afternoon where you randomly asked Alexa to “Play Defying Gravity,” and the most epic and unexpected dance party broke out in the middle of the family room? Or that time when you cut up all the Amazon boxes to make full-blown robot costumes that could have won a costume contest if you do say so yourself? These are the moments that truly turn into core memories, the fleeting instances of joy, love, and connection where we don’t worry so much and just enjoy what’s happening, in the moment. As a family photographer, I completely understand that you are paying the professionals to get the best shots. You want everyone to look nice so it doesn’t look like the million other photos on your camera roll. I’m here to explain why I think it’s so important to plan ahead, so you and your family can walk away with authentic family photography in Canton Michigan, that captures the essence of your family, instead of getting something that’s overly curated.

In today’s social media-obsessed world, there’s a strong emphasis on achieving “perfect” moments. Social media is flooded with flawlessly staged family photos, often showcasing unrealistic expectations. As a mom, sometimes we can’t help but want our family to look like that! It just seems so out of reach to us. Imagine the pressure you’d feel trying to get your kids (and spouse) to cooperate to get to this place of perfection that is nearly impossible. That sounds like WAY too much pressure to me.

I think it’s important to go into every session knowing that you will get much better results if everyone can be themselves and feel completely comfortable.  There is still a way to provide authentic family photography in Canton Michigan, without completely disregarding the vision you were dreaming of. You can get the best of both worlds by doing a little planning ahead and finding a photographer that can help create the perfect recipe for a low-pressure session with the ability to still provide stunning artwork as a result.

So, how do you find a photographer who specializes in authentic family photography in Canton Michigan? Start by looking for portfolios that showcase genuine connections and candid moments. Avoid photographers who primarily focus on stiff poses and overly staged scenes. Pay attention to the locations and outfits. Do they look like something your family would be comfortable with? If so, work with them! Let the photographer guide you on the best locations, time of day, and suggestions on makeup/hair/outfits, so you won’t need to be stressed out on the day of the session with any decision making. You can just show up and be completely yourselves! Read client testimonials to see if other families have had positive experiences and pay attention to the reviews that talk about how they made them feel. Skim the reviews for words like like “comfortable”, “relaxed”, or “fun” and make sure it aligns with how your group is. Most importantly, schedule a consultation to discuss your vision and ensure the photographer’s style aligns with your desire whatever your vision may be.

As a photographer specializing in authentic family photography in Canton Michigan, my goal is to create timeless images that reflect the true essence of your family. I believe in capturing the joy, the chaos, and the love that makes your family unique. I strive to create a relaxed and comfortable environment where your children can be themselves, allowing their personalities to shine through in the photographs. I believe that focusing on authentic family photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about preserving the precious moments that make up the tapestry of your family life.”

Investing in a photographer that allows you to be your true self is an investment in preserving the memories that will last a lifetime. Choose a photographer who understands the importance of capturing genuine moments, and you’ll be rewarded with images that truly reflect the heart and soul of your family.

Interested in booking a session? Visit my website to view my portfolio and pricing or contact me directly.

Not sure where you want to have the session? No problem! Check out my blog post I wrote with all of my favorite local Canton, MI spots to photograph at: Family Photo Locations