Whenever I do a family session, I make sure to capture the family as a whole—both formal poses and the candid, fun moments, and the kids—all together and individually.  However, I always have one additional priority during a family session and that is to get a few photos of just mom and dad. 

So why do I make a point to capture just the two of you?

1.  You're the reason this family even exists!   Without the two of you, there would be no family photos.  There would be no kids that just want to run around or shrug off hugs instead of sitting or smiling for the camera while the woman with the camera chases them around. 

2.  To show your kids that mom and dad are still very much in love! It's not always easy to do that.  There are lots of responsibilities and work to do.  You're exhausted, out of touch with each other, or you just want to have some time to yourself. But even taking the few moments to capture a few photos of you two will remind you for just a little while that outside of the chaos of the lives you've created together (and LOVE!) that yeah, you’ve still got a crush on each other. 

3.  Men really don't like getting their picture taken.  And not even just a little bit—most of them HATE IT!  But when they hear that they are going to have a few photos with just them and their significant other...that transformation is instant.  They smile a little bigger, they relax a little more—and everything about that moment I capture becomes authentic.

4.  It has probably been a while since you’ve taken professional photos of just the two of you.  Once you’ve started a family, it tends to become all about the family!  But when is the last time you made it a priority to have professional photos for just the two of you?  Maybe during your engagement session?  First maternity session?  Your wedding?  Admit it—it's probably been a while (I'm guilty of it too)!  That's why I steal you away for just a few minutes.  I know that one day, you'll be glad you took the time to have that moment together. 

5.  Last but definitely not least, it helps Mom let go for those few minutes and enjoy the moment.  You have stressed about the outfits coordinating, you know your kid is in an awful mood, you just want ONE nice photo of your family, what should be fun inevitably turns into something else you stress about.  As soon as the family photos are done and the kids have had their solo and sibling shots, you know you can just relax.  Everyone survived!  Now I'm telling you to take a minute, snuggle up to your person and breathe a sigh of relief.  That pre-mom side of you comes out (you know what I'm talking about).  It's sometimes hard to steal these moments to yourselves so I always make sure to create one for you!

For the next session we have planned together, get excited for your "Couple Only" photos.  Get dressed up, have fun and remember that it's not about capturing the moments that were perfect, but finding the perfection in your moments.  

If you are looking to have your family's memories captured, please contact me to discuss your session!  And if you enjoyed this post, leave me a comment to let me know!

xoxo,

Sharetha

Sharetha Monique is a maternity, newborn, child, and family portrait photographer in Charlotte, NC. Follow me on Instagram: @sharethamoniquephotography or join my private community on Facebook.  To keep up new content, and stay informed of exclusives and special offerings, sign up for my newsletter!

Note from Sharetha:

Thank you so much for reading this blog post!  I love featuring my clients’ images on my blog (as well as some personal favorite images), and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me for your Charlotte Family and Children’s Photography.

If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask.  Some of my favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame, an album, or displayed on your walls!

For pricing information, please click here.  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please fill out my contact form or email me directly at sharetha@sharethamonique.com.

Due to the custom nature of portrait sessions, I take a limited number of clients each month.

Capturing a family’s story and creating beautiful images brings me tremendous joy, and I would be honored to capture yours.