Through their eyes
This fall was a whirlwind and was so busy with so many family and holiday themed mini sessions. But my hands down favorite part was getting to know so many families. As parents we end so focused on getting everyone dressed and in the car and getting along that by the time we arrive to a photoshoot we are spent physically and emotionally. One of my favorite prompts are to ask parents and their kids to look into each others eyes and share something they love most about each other. I feel so honored to be able to hear the things they love about each other. Above that it is often true magic when you see the genuine and meaningful ways they interact with each other when they stop trying to pose and just act like their truest selves. Their whole body language softens and I get glimpses of the real smiles and inside jokes and what makes their family so individual and special.
I also think we are in a society where we feel like our efforts are never as much as what we see on social media but almost always the things kids say they love the most are a simply family meal a parent cooks, they way they brush their hair, cuddles/hugs, or when the family plays outside together. It is never the hilltop expensive experiences that come out, it is the everyday things. So if you are putting too much pressure on yourself this holiday experience to curate complex magical experiences remember it is totally ok to take a deep breath and cuddle up with them to watch a movie and that has its own magic for them. Happy Holidays everyone!
