Toddlers, Tantrums & True Moments: How Being a Mom Helps Me Capture It All

Real smiles captured by a mom who gets it

As a mom of two girls, I don’t just bring a camera to your mini session—I bring patience, empathy, and a whole toolbox of mom tricks. I know what it’s like to show up to a session hoping just one photo turns out, wondering if your kiddo will cooperate, or if someone’s going to melt down.

But here’s the thing—because I am a mom, I’ve been there. And it’s exactly why I approach every family and mini session with a calm, playful energy and zero pressure.

From peek-a-boo behind the camera to silly noises or asking who has the stinkiest feet, I’ve got a collection of prompts that actually make kids laugh. Not the fake “say cheese” smile—but the real kind. The messy, scrunched-up, spark-in-their-eyes grin you see when they’re being totally themselves.

Here are a few favorites I use often:

• “Show me your best silly face… now your silliest laugh!”
• “Whisper something in Mom’s ear that will make her giggle”
• “Look at Mom, now look at me—WHO has stinkier toes?”
• "Did you see the bunny hopping in my camera?"
• For siblings: “Who can hug the tightest without falling over?”
• For littles: “Say ‘ice cream’ three times as fast as you can!”
• For teens "Show me the face you make when your mom says 'just one more picture.'"

These prompts are quick, playful, and lighthearted—perfect for keeping little ones engaged while capturing the genuine moments you’ll treasure forever.

I never expect kids to pose perfectly. We move around, play games, dance, or tell little stories. Mini sessions are fast-paced, so I work with their energy instead of against it. That way, we get photos full of joy—not forced smiles.

Because I’m a mom, I get it. The snacks, the mess, the whirlwind of getting everyone out the door—I’ve lived it, and I show up with patience, not pressure. I’m here to make it easier, not harder—and to help you remember the beauty in this wild, sweet season.

So if you're a parent worried about how your kids will behave or whether you'll get a "good one" during your session, know this: you’re in good hands. I see the beauty in the in-between moments—the hugs, the giggles, the way they look at you when they think no one’s watching.

That’s the real stuff. And that’s what I love to capture.

Ready for a mini session that feels fun, easy, and real?

Let’s make some magic—and memories—together. [Reach out below to grab your spot!]