I’m not the type to make resolutions, but for 2024 I decided to set one main goal for my business. And I decided rather than keeping it all to myself, I’m shouting it out to the world! Well, to anyone who actually reads this!
I like to believe that once you put it out there, the universe starts conspiring to help you out.
So what is that goal? (hint, it’s the title of this blog post)
I really want to photograph more families in and at their homes!
You might be thinking, “Don’t you already do that!?” And you would be partly right. So yes, every newborn session I photograph is inside my clients’ homes, but I want the majority, if not ALL of my family photo sessions, to take place at home!
I get to work with dozens of amazing families every year but the majority of those sessions take place at a pretty park. You most likely have not seen a lot of those photos because honestly, I do not share them often.
However, please know that it’s not because I do not love the images! I actually really LOVE the images from those sessions! And I love the time I got to spend with those families!
See, in the photography world, there’s the principle of ‘only show what you want to shoot’. So a few years ago, I pulled most of the images from my website and social media from family photo sessions that took place outside at a park. I now try to only share photos from in-home photo sessions.
However, when families are given the choice between their home vs. a local park for a photo session, the majority want their photos at a local park. So…I take their photos at a pretty park because I want to make my clients happy and give them what they want!
Again, don’t get me wrong; I have a lot of fun shooting these sessions and love the families I get to work with, but honestly, this is not where my heart is. And after being in this business for almost 15 years, I REALLY want to shoot the kinds of sessions that make my heart sing.
I want to blame social media for swaying our thoughts on what a family session should look like. I also think social media has made us believe that only the best parts of our lives and ourselves are worthy of being seen. So dressing up in pretty clothes and going to a field at sunset for a family photo session has become the “norm” and what most people want to emulate.
But I firmly believe it’s all the little things that we do in a day or a week of our everyday lives that are what’s worthy of being captured and being seen. The little things that take place in the comfort of our homes!
I feel like the images I take should honestly portray who you really are.
So although dressing up in pretty outfits and smiling in a field at sunset produces beautiful images…I would rather the results of your photo session be much more authentic and unique to your family!
Let go of the idea of the “perfect” portrait session.
It’s not about the location.
It’s not about the clothes.
I want you to just be your imperfectly real selves!
So I’m seeking more families that…
…prefer real over perfect.
…believe in documenting the beauty found in real life.
…are willing to embrace the chaos and realness of their everyday.
…feel like our everyday lives are worth remembering.
…want connection over perfection.
And keep in mind, when I do sessions at your home, we can still go outside and get photos! I love to get photos on the porch, stoop, and in the yard! We can even take a walk around your neighborhood or to a local park or playground that you frequent with your family!
So I’m not sure what I’ll do in 2024…
Will I insist all photos have to take place at home?
Will I continue to meet families at a pretty park during golden hour?
Part of me wants to only say yes to the sessions that make my heart sing but as a full-time photographer with a family that relies on my income, the other part of me is not in a place to turn down work.
But if you’re a family that wants to try something different and wants to have your beautifully chaotic life documented that results in images of your authentic selves. And have a session that takes place in a location that holds an endless amount of memories…then I might be the perfect photographer for you.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo a unique photo session for your family!
Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out!
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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including Valencia, Mars, Wexford, Seven Fields, Warrendale, Bradford Woods and Adams Township Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
