We had a mom that wanted a portrait of her four children ranging from 9 years old all the way to 2 years old. She wanted this portrait to be simple and timeless but showcasing each child’s personality.

She planned every detail including special ordering the girls’ dresses for that classic and formal look. It was really important to Mom!

We knew it would not be an easy session but in Hyman fashion, we had a plan. As soon as the family came in the studio, they dressed the youngest ones and we headed to the camera room while mom and dad sat up front (separation is key to a successful session).

One of the two year old twins was not having it. She was neither nervous nor scared. She just didn’t want to be a part of the session and expressed her frustration by crying. So to not worsen her behavior even more, we decided to start with individuals of the others. That was a lot of fun! Each kid had their own unique personality and reacted to us totally different.

When we finally got back to her, she continued with her crying. In a last attempt we brought mom into the camera room however she too was unable to calm her down. So Alex and I suggested that we reschedule them to come in for another session and see if she was just having a bad morning. We also suggested as a backup plan that both parents be dressed which would allow for them to be a part of the session.

A few weeks later, they came back in and we started with the entire family. She was completely relaxed and all smiles. We was even able to capture an individual of her (even though she was still sitting in mom’s lap). It worked!

Even though it wasn’t the exact plan mom had envisioned, we worked around their daughter and was able to offer them a solution; a beautiful family portrait. Come to find out this family had not ever taken a formal portrait before. Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box to get what you really truly want.

Mom walked away so happy!!!