When my second baby was born, we booked a family photography session to capture that new season of our lives.
I had pictured the photos in my head long before we arrived. My newborn sleeping peacefully. My two-year-old smiling at the camera. Beautiful family portraits that looked effortless.
Reality had other plans.
My toddler wanted nothing to do with having her photo taken.
She wanted to run. She wanted to explore. She wanted to do absolutely everything except look at the camera.
I remember feeling overwhelmed.
I kept apologising to our photographer, convinced we were ruining the session. I worried we wouldn't get a single photo worth keeping because my daughter just wasn't "cooperating."
But our photographer never seemed worried.
She didn't force my daughter to sit still or tell her to smile.
Instead, she followed her lead.
She turned games into moments. She gave her space to explore. She worked with her, not against her.
When we received our gallery, I cried.
Not because every image was perfectly posed, but because they weren't.
The photographs showed exactly who my little girl was at two years old. Curious. Independent. Full of personality.
They captured the cuddles that happened naturally, the little glances between us, the laughter, and all the beautiful moments I had been too busy worrying to notice.
I'd always believed in being a patient, child-led photographer. I've never expected children to sit still or smile on command.
But experiencing that session as a mum gave me a whole new perspective.
It reminded me what it feels like to stand on the other side of the camera, to worry your child isn't "doing it right," to feel the pressure of wanting everything to go perfectly, and to wonder if you've made the right decision booking a session at all.
That experience made me rethink the way I run my family sessions.
Now, before I ever pick up my camera, my first priority is helping parents feel at ease. Because when you know there's no pressure for your child to perform, you're able to relax, be present, and simply enjoy being together.
And that's when the most meaningful photographs are created.
Your Child Doesn't Need to Perform
Now, whenever parents tell me they're worried their toddler won't sit still, I smile because I've been exactly where they are.
Children aren't meant to perform.
They're meant to move.
To explore.
To ask questions.
To collect sticks, pick flowers, run towards the ducks, or decide they'd much rather be cuddled than stand for another photo.
That's childhood.
And that's exactly what I want to photograph.
I Work With Toddlers, Not Against Them
As both a photographer and a mum, I know every child is different.
Some are shy.
Some never stop moving.
Some need ten minutes to warm up.
Some want to be carried the entire session.
None of those things are a problem.
During my sessions, I don't expect children to fit into my plan.
I adapt to theirs.
If your toddler needs a cuddle, we'll have a cuddle.
If they want to explore, we'll explore together.
If they need a snack break or a few quiet moments with Mum, we'll slow everything down.
The best photographs happen when children feel safe enough to simply be themselves.
The Photos You'll Treasure Most
Years from now, you won't be looking for the photo where everyone smiled perfectly at the camera.
You'll be looking for the tiny hand reaching for yours.
The way your child buried their face into your shoulder.
The giggles after Dad swung them into the air.
The curls blowing in the wind.
The little habits they've already started to outgrow.
Those are the photographs that bring you back to this season of life.
Those are the photographs your children will one day treasure too.
A Family Session Shouldn't Feel Stressful
One of the biggest things I want every family to know before their session is this:
You don't need to arrive with perfectly behaved children.
You don't need to spend the whole drive reminding them to smile.
You don't need to apologise if things don't go to plan.
I've been that mum.
I know how it feels.
And because of that, I've created an experience that takes the pressure away.
My sessions are relaxed, child-led, and focused on connection rather than perfection.
Because when everyone feels comfortable, that's when the magic happens.
Ready for a Relaxed Family Photography Experience?
If you're looking for a family photographer in Cobram, Albury or surrounding areas who understands toddlers, embraces the beautiful chaos of family life, and creates genuine, connection-filled images, I'd love to welcome you.
Every family session is designed to be relaxed, child-led and focused on preserving the moments that matter most.