With a blog title like “Realistic Family Session with Young Children,” you may be popping in here with the expectation of seeing a hot mess. We’ve all seen the Instagram vs Reality posts, which are generally unflattering to reality. But here’s the thing you need to know: with a seasoned professional, your family session should be gorgeous – even if your children would rather be somewhere else. Having served hundreds of families along the Emerald Coast including Grayton Beach and the entirety of 30a, we’ve got that covered!
One of the main concerns we have from parents going into their family session is how their little ones are going to behave. As a team of moms, we’ve all had those concerns ourselves! Ask us how Isla drew on herself with permanent marker mere minutes before Pierce’s newborn session, or how Vivi just wanted to lay down and look at the sky. But rest assured, as professionals who have worked with hundreds of families, we’re not surprised if your little one runs away, cries, or is disinterested. It’s our job to know what we need to do in order to get beautiful images of your babies! And more than that – we love it when children play and are their genuine selves.
To that end, only about half of a session with NBP (if that) is spent trying to get smiles at the camera. Most of the session, we’re looking for genuine interactions, emotions, and connection. Don’t worry – we’ll still direct you in a way to make these more candid moments photogenic. This space of focusing on the authenticity in your relationships is tantamount to our process, and results in meaningful imagery. The proof is in the pudding – in 2022, we got to meet this same sweet family when big sister was still a baby. By the end of the session, she was sleepy and mama rocked her to the sound of the ocean. It was an absolute favorite NBP moment. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, we were back on the beach with baby brother. And wouldn’t you know it… by the end of the session, he was sleepy and mama rocked him in the same fashion. These moments – the tender rocking of your baby, the way your toddler runs in the sand, or just the way they naturally hold their little hands – are what inspire us to create this artwork for your families.
And when we get images of your children being their true, beautiful, unfiltered selves, something magical happens. Your gallery becomes more than just pictures—it’s a tangible reflection of your family’s love, energy, and story at this exact moment in time.
For this sweet family, these images weren’t just meant to live in a digital gallery or a forgotten folder on their hard drive. They wanted something real—something they could see and enjoy every single day. Together, we designed a custom framed gallery wall that now hangs proudly in their home, turning fleeting moments into a daily reminder of the love that fills their space. From the way big sister played in the sand to the way baby brother nuzzled into mama’s shoulder as the sun set over the Gulf, every detail was preserved in a way that feels as warm and joyful as the session itself.
This is why we do what we do. Your family’s story deserves more than just a handful of digital files sitting in cloud storage. It deserves to be displayed, to be relived, to be passed down. Imagine your children growing up with these images as a constant in their home, seeing the way they were held, loved, and cherished. Imagine the conversations sparked, the memories retold, and the joy of knowing that this moment—this exact season of life—was beautifully documented and celebrated.
If you’re worried about how your little ones will behave at your session, or if you’re wondering how to make the most of your images afterward, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’ve put together our Guide to a Stress-Free Family Session—to walk you through everything from preparing your children to planning your wardrobe, all the way to selecting the perfect way to showcase your portraits.
Click here to download your copy and start envisioning the family session you’ve been dreaming of. Because these moments? They’re worth it.
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