Overcoming Your Common Fears About Family Photos at Elizabeth Lang Photography
Family photos are a beautiful way to capture memories, but it’s completely normal to feel a little anxious before a family photo session. Whether it’s your first time scheduling one or your fifth, there are common fears that many families experience. At Elizabeth Lang Photography, located in Surrey, near Vancouver, I’m here to help you overcome these concerns and turn your session into a fun, relaxed experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.
As a mom myself, and with over 12 years of experience working with kids, I understand the challenges and joys of family life. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to capture those special moments, and I’m here to make sure your family photos are as beautiful and stress-free as possible. Let’s explore some of the most common fears and how we can work together to overcome them!
1. “My Kids Won’t Cooperate”
It’s a fear that nearly every parent has: what if your kids don’t want to participate or, even worse, they’re grumpy and uncooperative? As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to get kids to sit still for even a minute, let alone pose for a photo. However, I also know how to make the session fun and engaging for them.
With over 12 years of experience working with kids, I’ve developed strategies to keep your children engaged and relaxed during the session. I use playful prompts, make room for movement, and encourage lots of interaction and laughter. The goal isn’t to force perfect poses but to capture your family’s true dynamic—whether that’s through playful moments, candid laughter, or quiet, sweet interactions. Kids may not always cooperate in the way we hope, but those unscripted, natural moments are often the most beautiful!
2. “I’m Self-Conscious About How I Look”
Many adults have the fear that they won’t look good in family photos, whether it’s because of their weight, posture, or even the outfit they’ve chosen. But here’s the truth: you are beautiful just as you are.
My goal is to help everyone in your family feel comfortable, confident, and proud of who they are. I’ll guide you through flattering poses, make sure you feel relaxed, and adjust the lighting and angles to highlight your best features. Plus, if you feel unsure about what to wear, I’m more than happy to offer outfit suggestions based on your family’s style and the type of look you're going for.
3. “The Session Will Be Too Stiff and Formal”
It’s easy to imagine family photos as stiff, posed, and forced, especially when you think about traditional “school photo” types of portraits. But family photography should be about capturing the connection and joy of your family, not creating something that feels awkward or stiff.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I specialize in capturing genuine moments of connection, whether it’s the laughter of your children, a hug, or a playful moment between family members. I do like to mix in formal posed images too because these are often the ones we frame for the grandparents. The atmosphere of the session is relaxed and natural with posing, so I can capture the love and personalities that make your family unique. You’ll be surprised at how easy and fun it can be when you let go of expectations and embrace the moment.
4. “We Don’t Have the Perfect Family Dynamic”
Every family has its ups and downs, quirks, and challenges. Maybe you’ve been through a tough time recently, or your kids are going through a rebellious phase. You might worry that your family isn’t “picture-perfect” enough for a professional photo session. I work with all kinds of family's with many different backgrounds.
But that’s the beauty of family photography—it’s not about perfection. It’s about capturing who you are right now: the joy, the chaos, and the love. I focus on creating an environment where everyone feels at ease, and the result is a series of photos that truly reflect your family’s dynamic. Whether it’s a quiet moment of tenderness or a burst of laughter, these moments are what make your family unique and beautiful.
5. “The Photos Won’t Turn Out the Way I Want”
It’s totally normal to worry about the outcome of your family photos. What if they don’t look as good as you imagined? What if they don’t capture the energy and personality of your family the way you’d hoped?
Rest assured, I work with each family to ensure their vision is realized to the best of my abilities. From our initial consultation to the final images, I’ll take the time to understand what you're looking for—whether it’s a formal portrait, a candid lifestyle-style shot, or something in between. During the session, I’ll guide you to make sure you feel comfortable, look your best, and that the final images reflect your family’s spirit. And if something isn’t quite right during the shoot, I’m happy to adjust—there’s plenty of room for creativity and collaboration. Sometimes we don't get exactly what we were planning for but sometimes we get something better!
6. “I Don’t Have Time for a Long Photo Session”
Life is busy, and the thought of squeezing a lengthy family photo session into an already packed schedule can be overwhelming. But family photos don’t have to be a huge time commitment.
I offer flexible session lengths that work around your family’s schedule. Whether it’s a short 15-minute mini session or a full 1-1.5 hour long session, I make sure that we capture the best moments in the most efficient way possible. I also believe in keeping things light and fun, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed throughout the session. Your family’s happiness is the priority, and I work to make sure the session fits seamlessly into your day.
7. “The Weather Might Ruin Our Outdoor Session”
Planning an outdoor family photo session is a wonderful idea, but it’s easy to worry about what will happen if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can all throw a wrench into your plans.
If we’re planning for an outdoor session and the weather really doesn’t cooperate the full day will be rescheduled. I offer indoor sessions year round and specifically offer outdoor garden minis in the summer.
Family Photos: A Time to Celebrate Your Connection
Family photos are about celebrating your unique connections, personalities, and love. While it’s natural to feel nervous or apprehensive about the session, I’m here to guide you through every step to ensure that it’s an enjoyable and memorable experience.
As a mom who understands the challenges and joys of family life, and with over 12 years of experience working with kids, I know how to make your family feel at ease and capture those authentic, beautiful moments. At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I specialize in creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere where everyone can be themselves, so you walk away with photos that capture the true essence of your family. No matter what your fear is, I promise that I’ll help you overcome it and make your family photo session one you’ll look back on with love and pride.
If you’re ready to book your session or have any questions, reach out to me today—I’d love to work with your family to capture beautiful memories!
Let’s create lasting memories together.
YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY