Most families I work with have the same worry going in: what if the kids won’t cooperate, what if my partner checks out, what if the whole thing feels like work. That’s a reasonable thing to wonder. Here’s how I think about it.
I’ve been photographing families in New Port Richey and across Tampa Bay for years. Before that I shot weddings. I stopped because I became a grandfather and what I actually wanted to photograph was the everyday version of family life, not the performance version. That shift runs through everything about how I work.
What I mean by guided-candid
I give you enough direction to put you in good light and give you something to do. Then I get out of the way. You’re not frozen in place waiting to be told to smile. You walk, you interact, you exist. I watch for what happens in between.
Simple prompts: walk toward me and talk about your favorite ice cream. Tickle them. Sway like you’re rocking them to sleep. Stuff that creates actual reactions instead of performed ones. The photos that end up framed are almost always from those moments, not from the ones where everyone was looking at the camera.
I’m not a hype guy. I’m quiet and I observe. For most families, especially the ones with a dad who’s already dreading “photo day energy,” that’s a relief.
Pricing
All collections include full digital files and unlimited print rights. No hidden fees, no upsell pressure afterward.
Collections start at $350. Most families invest between $595 and $995. Full pricing details here.
How booking works
You reach out with who’s in your family, what kind of session you’re thinking about, and your timeframe. I’ll point you toward the right fit. From there you sign a simple contract and put down a 50% retainer to hold your date. Balance is due one week before the session. I’ll send prep and styling guidance so you’re not guessing about outfits or how to get the kids ready.
On session day
I meet your kids before the camera matters. I find the light and guide you into it. You interact with each other and let the kids move. I catch what happens. Expect someone to need a snack. Expect sand or wet shoes. Expect at least one strong opinion from a toddler. All of that is normal and none of it ruins anything.
I’ve got five grandkids. Big feelings and wiggly kids are not a problem.
A few questions I get often
What if my kids don’t cooperate? They will, in their own way. My sessions are built around movement and patience, not pressure. We use games, breaks, and in-between moments rather than forced smiles.
Do we get the digital files? Yes. Every collection includes all edited digital files with unlimited print rights.
What about weather? I monitor it and make the call early. Backup slots are available and the process is simple.
If this sounds like what your family needs, start by sending a short message with your kids’ ages and what you’re thinking about for timing.