Family Photography in Hartland WI
Family photos do not have to be stressful.
In fact, they can be quick, relaxed, and even fun for kids who would rather be doing almost anything else.
That was the goal for this Hartland, Wisconsin family session. I have photographed this family pretty much every year since their youngest son was born ten years ago. Now, their boys are between 10 and 15 years old.
And yes, they are at the age where photos are not exactly their favorite activity.
Luckily, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Easy Family Photos for Boys Who Hate Pictures
When I photograph older kids who do not love being in front of the camera, I keep things moving.
I do not want them standing around for an hour wondering when the session will end. Instead, I make the session quick and easy while still getting a variety of photographs.
This family had sports to get to, so we also needed to work around their schedule.
We photographed earlier in the day than I typically prefer. Usually, I love outdoor sessions closer to sunset when the light gets soft and warm. However, family photography should work for the family, not the other way around.
Downtown Hartland Family Photos
Since we photographed earlier in the afternoon, I leaned into a more urban look.
We met in downtown Hartland and started with a painted brick building. The brick gave us a fun backdrop with texture and a more modern feel.
We also found a staircase that worked perfectly for individual photos of each boy.
This is one of my favorite ways to approach family photography with older kids. Instead of forcing them through traditional poses, I can give them simple prompts and use the environment around us.
Afterward, we walked a little farther and found a wood bridge and trees for another backdrop.
That gave us several different looks without making the boys spend all afternoon taking photos.
Capturing Genuine Family Moments
Of course, we also needed photos of mom and dad together.
The boys thought this was absolutely hilarious.
Their reactions made the moment even better because Mom and Dad's smiles became completely genuine.
Those little interactions are exactly why I love photographing families. Sometimes the best photos happen because someone makes a silly comment or the kids start laughing.
You cannot always pose that kind of connection.
Ten Years of Family Photography
At the end of the session, Dad told me how much he appreciates that I make their yearly family photos so easy.
That meant so much to me.
They have trusted me to document their family for the past ten years. I have watched their youngest grow from a newborn into a ten-year-old, and now I get to photograph all three boys as they grow into their teenage years.
That is one of the biggest gifts of being a family photographer.
I get to watch families grow right in front of my lens.
If you have kids who are not excited about family photos, I promise you do not need to dread the experience.
Family photos do not have to be stressful. Book your Hartland WI family session today:https://kendallkussphotography.pixieset.com/booking/
