YOU ARE THE MAGIC

CAPTURING THE UNSCRIPTED

Photography is at its most powerful when it feels real. Instead of directing every movement, allow your subjects to interact naturally with each other and their surroundings. The beauty is in the imperfect, the spontaneous, the unscripted.

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ENCOURAGE THE MOMENT

People feel most at ease when they’re moving—so let them!
Let kids run barefoot through the grass, twirl, or chase each other.
Encourage couples to walk hand in hand, whisper something funny, or sway to an imaginary song. For families, suggest simple activities like peeling fruit, reading a favorite book, or cuddling on the couch. These small actions create moments that feel unposed yet deeply personal.

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Communicate Your Vision, But Stay Flexible: Instead of rigid posing instructions, gently guide your subjects while leaving room for natural movement.
Say: “I envision you sitting here, holding hands, but feel free to shift however feels comfortable.”  If things don’t go as planned, embrace it. The best photos often come from the unexpected.

 

Notice the Small Details:

It’s not always about the big moments—it’s about the fleeting ones.
A mother brushing a child’s hair from their face. - Fingers intertwined in a quiet moment of connection. - A spontaneous laugh that catches them off guard.
These details tell the real story.

 

SEEK EMOTIONS -  NOT JUST FACES

A powerful photograph is one that makes you feel something. Instead of just documenting who was there, focus on the emotions behind the moment.

 

Look for Subtle Gestures & Expressions:

A child nervously clinging to their parent’s hand. -  The deep inhale before someone bursts into laughter. - A quiet moment of eye contact that speaks louder than words.

 

Use Activities to Inspire Connection:

Give your subjects something to do that naturally evokes emotion:
Bake cookies together—the flour-covered fingers and giggles tell a story. - Fly a kite at the beach—capture the wind in their hair and the joy of watching it soar. - Read a favorite bedtime story—show the intimacy of those quiet moments before sleep.

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Be Realistic, But Optimistic:

Let your clients know, "We’re not just taking photos; we’re creating a space for real moments to unfold. It might look different than you imagined, but that’s where the magic happens."

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TRUST & CONNECTION

Photography is just as much about connection as it is about creativity. If your subjects trust you, they’ll relax—and the truest moments will emerge.

 

Open Up First:

Share something personal about yourself—a funny story from a past shoot, a vulnerability you relate to. When you open up, it creates space for your clients to do the same.

Ask Meaningful Questions:

Go beyond small talk—ask things like:  “What’s something unique about your family that you’d love to reflect in these photos?” - “What’s a small moment in your everyday life that brings you joy?”

Respect Personal Space & Boundaries:

For intimate moments—like fixing hair or adjusting clothing—always ask first. Saying, “Would it be okay if I adjusted this?” helps your clients feel safe and in control.

Use Visual Cues for Reassurance:

Many people feel uncertain about how they look on camera. Show them a few back-of-the-camera previews to build confidence and trust in the process.

 

THE SOUL OF THE PICTURE

Lighting doesn’t just illuminate—it sets the mood, adds depth, and enhances emotion.

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Learn & Understand Your Scene:

• If shooting in a home, ask what time of day the light is best or request a quick video beforehand.

• If the home has low light, position your subjects near a window or use reflective surfaces to bounce light.

• Move furniture if needed to create a better composition with natural light.

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For Outdoor Sessions:

• Golden Hour: Soft, warm light perfect for dreamy, romantic tones. Shoot with backlit and follow the sun

• Shaded areas provide even light with a rich, moody depth. Midday Shade: Be aware of casted colors - especially from trees and grass

• Overcast Skies: A built-in softbox, creating beautifully diffused light. Yet still follow the light where the sun should be - it makes difference, even though the eye don't pick up on it.

 

Embrace Shadows & Contrast:

Don’t fear harsh light—it can add drama and depth. Play with textures, backlighting, and silhouettes to create visually striking images.

Patience & Presence | The Best Moments Unfold Naturally

A great photograph can’t be rushed. Be present, observe, and let the moment breathe.

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Lean Into Chaos:

When kids are running wild, parents are overwhelmed, or things feel messy—let it happen. These are often the most heartfelt moments. Siblings laughing, parents comforting, hands reaching out—this is real life.

Know When to Step Back:

If a session feels overwhelming, pause. Give your subjects a moment to reset while you quietly observe. Sometimes the best images happen when everyone forgets the camera is even there.

Keep Your Camera Up & Be Ready for the Unexpected:

 A tantrum can turn into the sweetest cuddle. - A mistake or surprise  can lead to a burst of laughter. - A windy day can add movement and drama.
 

Stay open, stay present, and trust the process.

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EDITING WITH INTENTION

Editing is where you bring your artistic voice to life.

 

Stay True to Your Style:

Trends will come and go, but your signature editing style is what makes your work recognizable. Whether you prefer soft and ethereal or bold and moody, trust your instincts.

Make Lightroom Work for You:  Use smart filters and AI tools to speed up your workflow without over-editing. - Try auto-masking for selective adjustments that enhance, rather than alter, the image.

 

Maintain a Cohesive Look:

A strong portfolio has consistency. If your edits feel all over the place, it might be time to refine your approach. Need help? I’d love to guide you through finding your editing rhythm.

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ART OF STORYTELLING

At its core, photography isn’t about perfect images—it’s about emotion, connection, and preserving moments that would otherwise slip away.

When you let go of rigid expectations, trust the process, and embrace the beautifully imperfect, you’ll create work that is not only visually stunning but deeply meaningful.

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