Pregnant woman laughs on a blanket with her family during a relaxed maternity photo session at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, NC. — As a mom of three (ages 7, 4, and 2), I know exactly how unpredictable family sessions can be.

Here’s what you can expect when you book a family photo session with me.

If you’ve never had family photos taken before, or it’s been a while, it’s totally normal to wonder what to expect. Every photographer works differently, and I want my families to walk in knowing that their session with me won’t feel stiff or overly posed.

I’m based right here in Raleigh, and after photographing hundreds of families across the Triangle, I’ve learned that the best photos don’t come from perfection. They come from play, movement, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind).

You can browse some of my favorite recent family photography sessions here to get a feel for what that looks like in real life.

Here’s what to expect during a family photo session, and why all those unpredictable moments usually turn into your favorite images.

Here’s the Biggest Thing You Can Expect During Your Family Photo Session: Guiding You Through the Moments That Matter Most

One of the first things you can expect is for me to guide you through a mix of what I call grounding poses. These are the shots that start everything off, the ones designed to get everyone comfortable and connected. They aren’t about “stand here and smile,” but about giving your family space to be yourselves.

Family with a 7-year-old and 3-year-old snuggle together during a fall family photo session at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh, NC.

Mom snuggles and kisses 7-year-old son during a family lifestyle photoshoot in Raleigh, NC.

Mom and dad laugh together while kids run around them beneath the pecan trees at Historic Oak View County Park.

We’ll start simple, then build movement from there: holding hands, walking, hugging, spinning. Yes, we’ll do a few big “say cheese!” smiles but not many. My focus is on connection over perfection. I want your photos to look like you, not like you were trying to get the perfect Christmas card shot.

We’re creating art together, art that reflects the reality of your family in this season of life. That’s what makes your gallery timeless.

Expectation #2: Your Kids Will Run Wild, And That’s Kind Of The Point

As a mom of three (ages 7, 4, and 2), I know exactly how unpredictable family sessions can be. So let me say this upfront: your kids don’t need to sit still for me to make something beautiful.

If your toddler wants to chase me around the field, I’m here for it. If your preschooler needs to fly around like a bumblebee, then I say “buzz buzz, baby.” The goal isn’t control, it’s connection.

A few months ago, I photographed a family who booked me for their maternity photo session and then their newborn lifestyle photo session. Their 3-year-old had energy for days. His mom even joked that he thought he was Johnny Knoxville. I spent most of the session running, laughing, and finding ways to channel that energy into moments that felt true to them.

Dad tosses toddler in the air while pregnant mom smiles behind them during a maternity photo session at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, NC.

3-year-old boy hides under mom's skirt during a maternity lifestyle session at Historic Yates Mill in Raleigh.

Mom, dad, and 3-year-old boy play under the bridge at Historic Yates Mill County Park during a professional maternity photo session.

Later, his mom left this Google review:

“Devin was fantastic! She was able to capture amazing photos of our wild two-year-old while he was on the move the whole session. She did a wonderful job capturing authentic photos of our growing family. I’m obsessed with them.”

That’s exactly what I hope every family walks away feeling — that your chaos was seen and turned into something you’ll treasure.

Expectation #3: We’ll Move Around And Explore Your Location Together

Mom gives son a piggyback ride while dad and daughter watch during an in-home family photo session in Wake Forest, NC.

I’m not a stand-in-one-spot kind of photographer. I like to follow the light and the energy. Raleigh’s light changes fast, especially close to sunset, so I move us around to make the most of it.

Maybe we’ll start under a patch of shade, wander toward the open field as the sun dips low, or pause where your kids found a trail they can’t resist. I love variety in a gallery because it reflects the pace of real life: a little calm, a little chaos, a lot of movement.

If you’re still deciding where to shoot, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill family photo locations in another post. Whether it’s a park, a backyard, or your home, the best location is one that feels like you.

Things Might Not Go As Planned, And That’s Okay!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing families in North Carolina, it’s that life (and weather) doesn’t always stick to the script. Raleigh’s skies can shift in minutes, and sometimes little ones show up tired or teary. That’s okay.

You can expect me to roll with it and guide you toward the best solution. I’ll watch the radar, keep an eye on the light, and adapt as we go. My job isn’t just to take photos; it’s to help everyone feel at ease. I’ve been known to make a fool of myself if it gets a laugh, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

So let go of how you think your session should go. Come ready to play, to snuggle, to be yourselves. Those are the moments that tell the story of your life right now — the ones you’ll miss most later.

A Few Tips To Help You Get Ready

Choose clothes that feel like you — comfortable, moveable, and not too fussy.
Bring a snack or two for the kids, or yourself (I’ll never judge a bribe snack).
Expect to move — shoes that can handle grass, dirt, or sand are ideal if we’re outdoors.
Don’t stress about perfection. The best thing you can bring is your willingness to show up as you are.