Family Photography ~ KatieRie Photography

Some of my FAVORITE sessions of all time are family photo sessions. They fuel my fire. I LOVE capturing the laughter, love, snuggles and cuddles; the absolute utter JOY between family members. One thing you need to know before booking a session with me is that the style of KatieRie Photography is not necessarily the typical “look-at-the-camera-and smile” type session. To me,  family photography is about the moments. Capturing the genuine smiles. Sessions are fun, relaxed, full of laughter, tickles, chasing, swinging and spinning–but everyone might not be looking directly at the camera–(gasp!). Parents might be looking at their littles, adoring their kin or at each other with a knowing look of “this. is. US.”

Let me explain what I look for during a family photo session..

What Matters MOST During a Family Session…?

LIGHTING

Lighting is extremely important to me as a photographer. I am always searching for the best lighting in any situation. You can find me playing at the playground with my three kids and I will be looking at the time of day and the lighting. I will look how the light highlights my sweet babies as they play around our yard; how it frames their faces, hair and eyes and how that moment would look FANTASTIC if I had my camera with me. My family members will hear me comment on the beautiful lighting in the sky as the sun approaches golden hour. How the light peeks through the trees and how it’s not too harsh. Guys…I adore golden hour. The soft golden light highlights it’s subjects with complete, utter perfection.  THIS is what I look for during sessions.  Not necessarily the background–if there are flowers, trees or buildings; but the lighting and textures surrounding us. This to me is what takes the photograph from “meh” to WOW! Yes, I will capture the endearing moments between family members–the snuggles, laughs, and tickles–but the lighting will make your photos that much better.

FLEXIBILITY

If you’ve read anything about me, you know that I am “in the weeds” with small children–HA! (any waiters out there?!).  We had three kids in under three years, so I understand complete chaos. I know that sessions need to be quick, laid-back and to the point and that I need to shoot FAST. I can recognize when we need to take a quick break or when the kids need to be directed to chase each other across the field or spin in circles as fast as they can. Sessions are run completely by the little ones and I gently guide the way (without them even realizing it!). It’s important that as the professional photographer that I remain flexible and know how to read my audience and adjust accordingly.

Short and Sweet

Family photos with KatieRie are quick, easy and to the point.  Whether you booked a mini session (20 minutes) or a full session (up to an hour), these sessions are orchestrated with extreme precision. Most kids (and husbands!) can only handle so much and for that reason I make cheesy jokes, have parents tickle their littles and have kids look for boogers in their parents’ noses so that I can capture pure, amazing, genuine joy that will hang in your homes forever. We shoot short and sweet and keep everyone happy.

 

Embrace the Uniqueness

I adore sessions where families show off their personalities–it’s what I like to call “imperfectly perfect.” These are the moments that you will cherish and bring you back to that time in life that you want to remember:

Here is a photo of my grandma and I–we both are definitely NOT looking at the camera, but I can look at this photo and feel the love between us. This was taken about a month before she passed away and I am so, SO thankful for this memory.  She was 91 and a half years old and I always thought she would be around. Read about her words of wisdom for life. It’s about the CHAOS, people! I mean, I don’t even think I’m wearing any makeup and I hadn’t washed my hair yet, but I LOVE this photo with all my heart. We are connected and in tune with one another. Moment. Captured–BOOM! 

Moments that are captured help you savor that time in life, so you can look back at that time period and remember the smell, the feel, the emotion that we quickly forget. Cherish the imperfectly perfect moments that make your family unique. They are what you will look back on and chuckle and hold near and dear to your heart.

What are YOUR thoughts? Which family photos are the photographs YOU cherish? Is everyone looking at the camera? Or are people caught in the moment with genuine laughs and smiles? I know which moments are hanging in MY home…

Do you think we a good fit?! I would love the capture your family’s uniqueness.  Let’s CHAT!