When I receive a request for a family photo session, I always like to have a conversation with the family, mom or dad, to get to know them and my focus is on the expectations they might have in terms of the style of the session. I try to find out if they prefer the classic look of the portraits, or more lifestyle look.

I’m sure everyone has an image in their heads of what family portrait they prefer to have for their family. Sometimes they have already had certain style of the family portraits done and now they are ready to experiment!

Let me tell you a secret (not so much of a secret) that I’ve mentioned in my other blog post — Lifestyle photographers love real, natural interactions between family members! Those natural and unposed moments are Gold. And I’m All about it!

I’m the photographer who would encourage your child to do whatever s/he wants: be playful, jump, run, pick up the umpteenth rock and show it to me. If the kid is into it so much, so why not?! I also love capturing candid moments of connection, laughter, and playfulness among family members if that happens.

Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

But of course, not everyone are so comfortable in front of the camera to be able to express themselves freely as if nobody watching! Lol! At least not from the start. Some warm up is necessary, so the family can get used to the photographer’s energy and vise versa.

I think this warm up time is perfect for more guided poses, when everyone is looking in the camera, all are smiling and well behaved:) Sometimes it takes 5-10 minutes (mostly with kids), sometimes a full hour for people to get comfortable and forget about a photographer.

If that happens, photographer becomes a fly on a wall, just capturing the moment after moment. People are now free to be themselves and express their emotions and personalities! To think about it, it is a magical moment during a photo session. It can lead to more genuine moments that allow the family’s true dynamics to shine through. And I’m learning how to create this moment and I think I’m getting better and better each and every time.

Let’s find out! Contact me for a chat:)

Blog

Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Why I love dark and moody looks.

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to photography styles. As you may noticed, I’m drawn to dark and...
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

My approach to Family Lifestyle photography in Vancouver

Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

What is Lifestyle Photography?

My thoughts and approach on Lifestyle Photography.
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Cohesive Look for a Photo session

What is the Cohesive Look?
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

What to wear for a Family Photoshoot

My quick tips on what to wear for a family photo session
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Here’s something most people don’t know about studio photography in Burnaby.

Why makeup matters for your studio session (and it’s not what you think).
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

The Cove Indoor Play, New Westminster

What is The Cove and what makes it different from a regular indoor play center?
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

No Fixing Required. Just Space to Be Photographed.

A Burnaby and Vancouver Portrait Photographer’s Perspective
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Christmas 2025

November reminded me that no matter how passionate we are about our dreams, our health and our people come...
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Mothers Deserve to Be in the Photos

Motherhood is a journey made up of small, fleeting moments: morning cuddles, whispered bedtime stories, tiny hands...
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

Children Personalities in Photos

Children’s personalities vary widely; introverted kids thrive in calm settings, extroverted ones enjoy interactive...
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

What Does Family Really Mean?

Family. It’s more than just a word, more than a definition in a dictionary. It’s love, connection, and a place where...
Classic portraits and lifestyle shots, magic moment during a session| Burnaby Portrait Photographer

My Why — Why Family Photography?

Family photography is my way to slow down and cherish moments in a fast-paced world, by creating lasting memories...

Generational Photography Experience, a CELEBRATION of your Family, your Roots, and the generations of Women who shaped YOU. Reserve your Three-Generational Experience Now!