Kids Will Be Kids....

....no matter what!

I am a parent.  I have 3.  3 kids who are completely normal, not always enjoyable people that I created with my spouse.

Who cares right?

Well there is a reason for this blog post.  And its one of hope. Moms everywhere, you can sigh with relief when I tell you that your kids will almost definitely have an issue or two at your family photo session.  Why would you sigh with relief?  Well because...you are not alone, of course!  I myself have been at family photo sessions with children crying, running in the wrong direction, and yes, even throwing sand at our photographer and her "big expensive" camera.  It has happened to me.

You know what else has happened to me?  I've met children who WILL NOT listen.  Children who secretly hold up their middle finger in ALMOST every single photo, until I notice at the end of the session that this has been going on (I mean who doesn't want a 9 fingered child in all their family photos, am i right?).  I've had children attempt to throw their newborn sibling, or love them to death, or poke their sibling in the eye....JUST BECAUSE.  I've dealt with tantrums, meltdowns, kids who refused to look at me, kids who don't want me near them, kids who are cold, kids who are scared, kids who don't want to be put down, kids who don't want to be picked up....it goes on and on and on.

And can I tell you what this has taught me in my 9 years as a professional photographer??  It's this.

Kids are unpredictable, kids are crazy, and kids are tiny terrorists.  ALL OF THEM!  Ok, well actually not all of them, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction right?  Some parents do have children who are absolute "freaks of nature".  Kids who sit, smile AND listen.  BUT, it is few and far between and I PROMISE you that!  In fact, the only thing that does legitimately surprise me anymore is when I am working with kids who are easy.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.  Actually quite the opposite.  I quite enjoy the challenge of working with children.  I enjoy knowing that when I arrive I am likely going to get to release MY inner child.  I'm going to get to know someone so little and full of life, imagination and challenge.  I am going to get to play, act crazy and "dance like no ones watching", except everyone will be watching. And sometimes I am going to sit in the tall grass (you know, with the ticks....EEEWWW) and wait for that little someone to decide that I'm not so bad, and maybe, just maybe I'm even a little funny.

What I want everyone to understand is that this is not my first rodeo.  And I sincerely do NOT take it personally.  Bring those kids over, it'll be late, it'll be "past their bedtime" and you'll be stressed ALL the way to your session.  BUT  I will capture your family how they are, exactly in that very moment.  It's not always pretty, but its always treasured, AND in 15 years, you are going to remember an amazing experience, and hopefully will have had many many more.

Bring your kids out mamas!  Don't be afraid that I'll be upset, because I absolutely have been there before.  And I am absolutely ok, waiting it out or playing it out....and hey, I'm not above bribing.  Whatever gives us those first class smiles right?

Now booking Back to School and Fall Family sessions!