Creating Connection: Thoughts on the Power of Candid Family Photography from an Akron, Ohio Photographer

Picture this: You're scrolling through your feed, marveling at those picture-perfect family portraits where everyone is smiling, eyes sparkling, outfits on point. Your reaction? Sigh "Seriously, do these families have a secret potion that makes their photos so perfect?!"

Well, let me let you in on a little secret. It's called candid(or lifestyle) photography, and it's the magical art of capturing real moments, imperfections and all. It's about embracing the laughter, the chaos, and the beautifully messy joy that comes with being a family. It’s not about perfection. We REALLY have to learn how to let that shit go. Is ANYTHING about having kids PERFECT? No. So WHY would we ever expect the photos session to be that, or even appear to be that?

Think about it: what's more authentic than capturing your little one mid-giggle, with their chubby cheeks squished up and their eyes shining like tiny disco balls? That, my fellow Mom, is where the real magic lies.

Now, close your eyes (after you finish reading this, of course) and think back to a moment when your family was laughing together. Remember the snorts, the uncontrollable giggles, and the pure, unadulterated joy? Those are the moments we want to capture—those are the moments that truly matter.

As an Akron family portrait photographer with over 10 years of experience, my goal is to peel back the layers of posed perfection and show the world the beautiful, messy, and authentic moments that make your family unique. Whether it's capturing a tickle fight at Cuyahoga Valley National Park or one of my other epic, badass locations you’ll love (like this one shown here with the Bryan Family in Summit County Metro Parks!), the power of candid photography lies in creating connections, capturing memories that will bring a smile to your face for years to come.

Oh, and let's not forget about you, mama! In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to forget the most important person in your family photos: YOU! Yes, YOU, the one who holds it all together, with messy hair, sometimes unbrushed teeth, and a heart full of unconditional love. It's time to break free from the cycle of being stuck behind the camera and GET IN THE DAMN FRAME—because your children deserve to have these memories of their incredible, beautiful mama. Regardless of how you may feel when you look in the mirror sometimes, your kids only see their strong, incredible, and warm Mom. And I’m kind of a pro at showing that through my camera after all these years of doing it.

So, my fellow Akron Mom’s, let's embark on a journey of capturing laughter, silly faces, and the magical connections that make your family one-of-a-kind. Embrace the imperfections, let go of the idea of perfection, and let your family's quirky, authentic selves shine through.

Together, we'll create a gallery of memories that will warm your heart, bring a tear to your eye, and remind you of the incredible love that fills your Akron home.

Now that you’ve read this, go check out the rest of the Bryan family session by scrolling through this blog post of their fall photos we had at sunset in October, and then go hit the BOOK NOW button in the top right corner and send me an email about booking your own session!