Prompts, Phrases, What to Expect, and What I’m Really Looking For Behind Every Moment –

One of the most common things I hear before a session is: “I’m awkward in photos… I never know what to do with my hands… I don’t want it to feel stiff” or “my kids may not behave.”

And honestly? That’s exactly why I don’t rely on stiff posing or kids “behaving.”

What I say during your session is intentional. Every prompt, every small direction, every “in-between” moment I create is designed to bring out something real—not manufactured. My goal is never perfection. It’s connection, movement, and the kind of honesty you can feel when you look back at your images years later.

Here’s what it actually sounds like when I’m photographing you—and what I’m looking for in each moment.

“Walk toward me like you’re late for something fun.”

This is almost always one of the first things I’ll say if the session needs a little instruction. I also have to laugh a little because last week when I was in Annapolis and I was photographing with my daughter by my side she yells out “walk like you are late to a party.” We all had a good laugh as she demonstrated and made for some fun photos.

I use walking prompts because movement immediately takes the pressure off being still. Nobody knows what to do with their hands when they’re standing frozen—but everyone knows how to walk.

What I’m looking for here is:

• natural laughter starting to break through
• shoulders relaxing
• connection between you and whoever you’re with
• the shift from “I’m being photographed” to “this is actually kind of fun”
• kids naturally grabbing hands or drifting toward parents
• real laughter starting to surface
• parents relaxing their shoulders
• the shift from posed to present

You’re not performing—you’re just moving, and I’m catching the in-between moments.

“Look at each other—not at me.”

This is where everything softens.

When you stop focusing on the camera and start focusing on each other, real emotion shows up. It’s true for couples and families alike.

What I’m focusing on:

• genuine connection and eye contact
• expressions that aren’t posed or rehearsed
• emotion that comes from interaction, not direction
• presence with the person in front of you

This is where the most meaningful images usually begin.

“Get closer—closer than you think.”

Closeness changes everything in a photo.

Most people naturally leave more space than they realize, so I gently bring you in tighter so connection becomes visible, not just implied.

What I’m watching for:

• arms wrapping in naturally
• leaning in, forehead touches, or quiet closeness
• kids melting into parents or partners relaxing into each other
• comfort and trust showing up physically

This is where images start to feel emotional instead of posed.

“Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.”

This is my favorite thing to say.

It usually means the moment has become real without effort—laughing, playing, talking, holding each other, existing together in a way that doesn’t need correction.

What I’m capturing:

• unscripted interaction
• natural movement continuing
• emotion that unfolds without interruption
• honesty over perfection

This is where the magic often hides.

“Tell me a joke… even if it’s a bad one.”

This is one of my favorite ways to get real laughter.

I don’t care if the joke is actually funny—I care about the reaction.

What I’m focusing on:

• genuine laughter instead of posed smiles
• eye crinkles, messy joy, real expressions
• connection through shared humor
• moments that feel unscripted and alive

“Where is Mommy’s nose? Where are Daddy’s ears?”

With kids, this turns everything into play instantly.

What I’m capturing:

• kids engaging physically with parents
• soft, natural smiles from adults
• closeness without instruction
• those little in-between touches that feel real

It’s simple, but it works every time.

“Do you like to dance? Show me your best spin!”

This is where energy comes alive—especially with kids and relaxed couples.

What I’m looking for:

• movement instead of stiff posing
• personality showing up naturally
• laughter that comes from freedom, not direction
• real reactions instead of “camera smiles”

“Does your brother have boogies?” (yes, I say this)

Anything slightly silly breaks the seriousness instantly.

What I’m focusing on:

• kids interacting with each other naturally
• laughter that can’t be staged
• sibling dynamics as they actually are
• real expressions instead of perfect ones

“Let’s play sneak attack!”

This usually turns into chaos—in the best way.

What I’m capturing:

• kids running, jumping, and engaging with parents
• surprise reactions and laughter
• real family energy instead of structured posing
• moments that feel like your actual life, just beautifully framed

Couple prompts:

“Pull them in and whisper something you love about them.”

This shifts energy immediately from posing to intimacy.

What I’m focusing on:

• soft smiles that aren’t forced
• emotional connection and closeness
• real affection instead of staged interaction
• quiet, natural vulnerability

“Hold them like you don’t want to let go… then just exist there for a second.”

This slows everything down in the best way.

What I’m capturing:

• stillness that feels comfortable, not awkward
• forehead touches, hand holding, leaning in
• real presence between two people
• emotion without instruction

Senior Prompts

“Show me your confidence walk—like you already know what’s next for you.”

This is one I use to shift seniors out of feeling posed and into feeling grounded and sure of themselves.

What I’m focusing on:

• natural posture without stiffness
• confidence that feels real, not performed
• movement that reflects personality
• that in-between moment where they stop “posing” and start owning the space

It’s less about how they walk and more about how they feel while they’re doing it.

“If this moment had a song, what would it be? Show me how you’d move to it.”

This one always loosens everything up fast.

What I’m capturing:

• personality coming through naturally
• real laughter when they feel a little silly
• movement that isn’t overthought
• glimpses of who they are right now, in this season before everything changes again

It turns the session into something expressive instead of structured—and that’s usually where the most honest senior images come from.

So what should you expect during your session?

You will not be standing still wondering what to do.

Instead, you’ll be moving, interacting, laughing, and being gently guided through prompts that:

• remove pressure instead of adding it
• encourage real connection over perfect posing
• create space for both calm and chaos
• reflect the way you actually love each other

Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s truth.

The kind of truth that feels like you when you look back years from now and remember exactly how it felt in that season of life.