As my opening blog post, because I actually really enjoy writing and I figured why not blog a bit... I wanted to write you a letter.

As mentioned on the main page of my website, I am unapologetically me, and I say things that professionals would probably NOT recommend, but...

that's me! I am unapologetically... Abby. With that being said, photographing other families was never a dream of mine, but documenting my family as we grow and change... well that was always something that came natural to me, & I loved it! It's all in thanks to my husband, David, that I started to do this for other families as well.

And I've found a next-level feeling of fulfillment from creating beautiful images for other families to have, hold, & cherish for generations to come.

My goal has never been to capture your family as anything that it is not. I want to freeze the season that you're in, and save it for you forever. I want to capture the beauty, yes, but more than that... I want to save the connection that you have as a family. The genuine moments; the fun ones, the sad ones, the moments where there's no "filter" on who you truly are as a family... those are my goals! I'm not interested in any connection that you have with my camera. YOU are the reason we're together at the session, not me or my camera.

Now I know that what I just described isn't always easy to accomplish. Sometimes it feels downright weird being "just you" in front of a possible stranger holding a big intimidating camera, which is why I'm sharing two things that I believe will help you to have the best session you've ever had before...

Secret Tip #1: Be in the Moment

Your session should not be a stressor! Try your hardest to treat it as an adventure together. I can always tell the families who go into their shoot with lots of expectations, and those who go in with a "this is us" mentality... and I can also tell you which of those sessions typically end up being a more successful!

I promise you that if you go into your session with me with an open mind and a willingness to just be present with your kids, you will have a far more enjoyable experience than if you go in with threats & frustration.

(click the image box below for an article on how to be a more present momma... Lord knows I need this, too.)

Secret Tip #2: Bring Out Your Inner Child

During your session, just love on your family! Play with your kids, giggle with them, be silly, and for the love of all things... SMILE at your babies! I cannot tell you the difference that a simple smile, directed at your child, can make. & I don't just mean during a photography session... I'm talking a life application here. But as for photography... genuine smiles from mom & dad make a world of difference in the demeanor of your kiddos. & heck, if it helps you to open up, just pretend like I’m not even there!!! Do things that you would normally do to make your littles laugh and interact with you. I am not here to judge!

Need I remind you that I myself have a herd of children, so there's probably nothing you can do that would surprise me. ;)