Being a family photographer in Indianapolis means every day is an adventure—filled with laughter, chaos, and unforgettable moments. My life is a balance of creativity, family, fur babies and of course, coffee!
In this blog, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a day in my life as a family photographer, from the first sip of coffee to capturing timeless memories through the lens.
Let’s dive into what it’s like to juggle family, photography, and everything in between!
A Family Photographer
- Morning Routine
- Editing and Emails
- Album Design and Learning
- Social Media and Client Interactions
- Family Photo Shoots
- Balancing Personal Passions
- The Art of Storytelling in Photography
Morning Routine
Rise and shine! My day kicks off not with birds singing, but with the lovely sound of three kids turning the kitchen into a mini warzone. Breakfast becomes an Olympic sport—think “Get the cereal bowl before it hits the floor” and “Who can complain the loudest about their toast?” Meanwhile, my first sip of coffee plays the starring role in keeping me sane.
Although I do have a good work-life balance now–I wake up 6 am so I can enjoy a quiet morning to drink my coffee and check my emails before that chaos begins!
After the whirlwind of morning chaos subsides and the kids are off to school, I get a precious few moments to myself. I go out to feed my animals–pigs, chickens, dogs and cats–you name it!
H3 – Editing and Emails
I make my way to my shed– a separate building to my home–this is where I get to work. I built this office to separate my home and work life. Being present with my family in the evenings and weekends is so important to me and this shed allows me to do so!
So, I’m hunched over my computer, eyes glued to the screen, coffee in one hand and a mouse in the other. The glamorous life of a family photographer, right?
Editing photos is like digital plastic surgery. I’m tweaking lighting and erasing that random photobomber.
Meanwhile, my inbox serves as my unofficial to-do list. Scheduling shoots, confirming details, and sometimes, playing tech support because a client’s gallery link isn’t working. Oh, the joys! It’s a balancing act, ensuring I keep the workflow moving while managing to respond to everyone in a timely manner.
By the end of it, my eyes might be fried, but knowing I’m turning those raw shots into memories makes it all worth it!
Album Design and Learning
Designing photo albums is like being an artist with a Type A personality. On one hand, I get to be all creative, blending colors and arranging photos to create a visual journey. On the other, there’s a whole lot of organizing, which feels like herding cats, but with less fur and more pixels. Every album tells a unique story, each page a new chapter in someone’s life, filled with moments that deserve to be cherished.
While I’m busy channeling my inner Picasso, I’m also constantly leveling up my skills. Because apparently, there’s always something new to learn in the world of family photography.
By the time I’m done, each album is like a mini art gallery—just one that’s likely to get sticky fingerprints all over it. And you know what? That’s okay. Because every smudge just adds to the story.
Social Media and Client Interactions
Social media: where everyone looks like they have their life together, and I’m over here posting behind-the-scenes chaos.
My feed is a mix of beautifully curated family moments, newborn cuddles, and the occasional peek at my jungle of houseplants (because my Monstera is practically famous). It’s a place to share not just the final polished photos, but the messy, funny, and heartwarming moments that make them real.
Zoom calls with clients have become a staple, where I reveal their photos and try to keep my excitement in check. It’s a bit like Christmas morning, but without the gift wrap. Their reactions range from tears of joy to laughter, and sometimes, a gasp that makes my heart sing.
Client interactions don’t stop there. From social media messages asking for sneak peeks to the random, “Can you make me look like I got more sleep?” requests, there’s never a dull moment. Engaging with clients online allows me to build relationships and hear their stories, making each session feel more like a collaboration than a service.
Oh, and let’s not forget the never-ending quest for the perfect Instagram caption. Balancing the art of storytelling with the reality of my wonderfully chaotic life is a challenge, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything as a family photographer!
Family Photo Shoots
Photo shoots are where the magic happens. Whether I’m capturing the raw emotion of a family moment, the delicate features of a newborn, or the empowering confidence in a boudoir session, it’s all about being quick on my feet and ready for anything.
As a family photographer, I’m the unofficial clown, pulling out every trick in the book to get those genuine smiles. You’d be surprised how often a silly face or a bad dad joke can save the day. With newborns, it’s a waiting game—waiting for that perfect sleepy pose while praying they don’t decide it’s prime time for a diaper blowout.
Boudoir sessions? They’re a whole different ballgame. It’s about creating a safe, empowering space where clients feel like the rock stars they are. And yes, I will totally cheer you on like a personal hype squad because everyone deserves to feel fabulous.
Each session is a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and unforgettable moments. And let’s not forget the occasional wardrobe malfunction or unexpected pet cameo that keeps things interesting. It’s unpredictable, chaotic, and oh-so-rewarding.
Balancing Personal Passions
When I’m not behind the camera or buried in emails, I’m wearing my mom hat for my three spirited girls. They keep me grounded, or at least as grounded as you can be while explaining for the hundredth time why ice cream isn’t a breakfast food.
My other passion projects? Oh, just trying to keep my indoor jungle alive! And then there’s craft beer. I’m pretty sure half the reason I love it is because it gives me an excuse to escape for an hour and pretend I know what “hoppy” means.
Don’t even get me started on my fur babies, who think my editing-induced eye bags are perfect nap spots. Balancing all these passions isn’t easy–although I have perfected the ideal schedule for a good work-life balance–but who needs sleep anyway?
The Art of Storytelling in Photography
Photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing stories.
Think of me as a storyteller with a camera, documenting those tiny, often overlooked moments that make life beautifully imperfect. Every shoot is an adventure, filled with the raw, unfiltered emotions that define us.
It’s those candid laughs and even the occasional tear that come together to create a story!
When I’m photographing a family, I’m not just looking for the perfect shot. I’m hunting for those genuine interactions that tell their unique story. The way a dad throws his kid in the air or the look of love from a new mom holding her baby—these are the moments that matter.
As a family photographer, my goal is to freeze these fleeting seconds in time, giving you a gallery that’s not just a collection of photos, but a heartfelt story of your life.
And let’s not forget the fun! A photoshoot with me is anything but dull. I might crack a bad joke or two, make a funny face, or play some silly games to get everyone comfortable and natural. This isn’t about stiff poses and forced smiles; it’s about capturing the essence of who you are, in all your wonderfully chaotic glory.
Every gallery I deliver is like a mini-documentary of your life’s precious moments. It’s a collection that tells a complete story, with each photo adding a layer of depth and emotion.
Book Your Family Photos in Indianapolis With Me!
There we have it – a day in my life as a family photographer! Every day is a whirlwind of fun, chaos, and beauty.
And while balancing family, passions, and photography, it’s one I wouldn’t trade for the world. Every photo I take is a piece of someone’s story—one that will be cherished for generations to come.
Thank you for following along on this behind-the-scenes journey with me. I hope it inspires you to capture and celebrate the beautiful, imperfect moments that make life so meaningful
Get in touch with me for your family photography in Indianapolis or beyond. I can’t wait to hear from you.
