If you’re dreaming of a session that feels relaxed, natural, and full of life, this is your sign to bring the kids — and yes, even the dogs — and let’s create something real together.

When it comes to choosing the perfect location for your family photo session in Birmingham, Alabama the sky is the limit!

Alabama is one of the most biodiversity states in the Country. We are situated right in-between the Appalacian Mountain Range and the Beautiful Gulf Coast. This gives us some of the deepest caves in the world, the prettiest forests and the most beautiful white sand beaches on the planet.

How to Prep Kids (and Husbands) for Photo Day Without Losing Your Mind

Spoiler: Bribery isn’t cheating, it’s strategic parenting.

Let me start by saying this: If you’ve ever had to convince your child to wear pants or your husband to “just please smile normally,” you’re not alone.

As a family photographer in Birmingham AL, I’ve worked with hundreds of families, and I can promise you—behind every glowing family portrait is at least one parent who had to channel their inner hostage negotiator to get everyone out the door.

Family photos are important. They’re one of the few chances you get to press pause on this season of life and hold onto it. But prepping everyone to look happy to be there? That part takes a little finesse.

So, here’s my best advice for getting your kids (and yes, your husband too) ready for photo day—without the tears, threats, or full-on bribery negotiations in the driveway.

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

(Because yes, you can look amazing and still feel like yourself.)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: you do not need to buy an entire new wardrobe to look great in your family photos. And you definitely don’t have to dress everyone in matching flannel shirts and jeans unless you’re going for “vintage 2007 Christmas card” vibes on purpose.

My family and I were at one of our favorite events—the annual Mother’s Day Rodeo at Helena Hollow. We pulled into the parking field right as the sun was going down. It wasn’t fully dark yet, but headlights were already starting to pop on around us. I saw the lights, the shadows and the field, then I envisioned Jamie and Amy standing in front of the pickup truck headlights.

I approached the two of them, told them my vision and asked if they wanted to shoot. Not only did they say yes—they were excited. That kind of trust means the world to me as a photographer (especially when the idea is a little untraditional).

(Spoiler: You're not the only one who's shown up with cereal on your shirt.)

Let’s set the scene. You’ve scheduled family photos, the date is finally here, and you’re determined that this will be the year you show up looking polished, glowing, and effortlessly put together.

And then, real life walks in.

A toddler melts down because their sock seam feels “funny,” your teenager refuses to wear what you picked, your husband is pacing like he’s late for a root canal, and somehow someone already got syrup on their outfit. It’s 8:06 a.m., your stress level is at a 12, and you’re wondering if maybe you should have just waited for “a better day.”

Let me stop you right there:
This is the day. And it’s okay if it’s a mess.

Some sessions just feel like home from the moment they begin. That was the case with this one—from the moment I pulled into the gravel lot and spotted Jamie and Amy’s pickup truck waiting to escort me across their property, I knew we were in for something special.

“Does this mean I get to ride shotgun?” I yelled as I stepped out of my car.

“Heck yeah!” came the answer without hesitation.

That pretty much set the tone for the evening: laid-back, full of laughter, and overflowing with the kind of warmth you can’t stage. It was a moment to freeze this season of life in the land they love.

Married couples, this one’s for you.

In the middle of a downtown family session, we slipped into a quiet alley—and I asked them to just be together.

You don’t need a big occasion to deserve photos. Sometimes the quiet ones mean the most.

Want me to save a moment for just the two of you in your next session? Let’s make it happen.

Fall calendar is open. $500 sessions through the birthday special.

Some sessions are emotional because of the light, the weather, or the life season. Others are emotional because of the people—and the history you’ve shared with them over the years. This one had all of the above.

I've been photographing this brother and sister for years. I’ve seen them as kids, preteens, and now teenagers who—shockingly—still like each other. That’s not something you can fake, especially in the middle of downtown Birmingham, on a stormy summer night. We shot under the overpass for a moment and then we moved into the rain, and yet, there they were—laughing, teasing, and making each other crack up the way only siblings can.

We had one night. That’s it. Just one little window between graduation, practice schedules, work schedules, a family trip, college move-in dates, and the general mayhem of summer. The forecast? Not exactly promising. A storm was rolling in, the skies were dark, and the humidity was out for blood. But with no other options, we decided to go for it anyway.

The result? Perfection!!

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, embrace the season, and capture moments that matter. We often think of family photos as something for special holidays or milestones, but the truth is, the everyday moments in summer can be just as beautiful—and they tell the most authentic stories.

You’ve built something beautiful.

Not a mansion. Not an Instagram-perfect lifestyle. Something far more meaningful: a life, a family, a home that hums with everyday chaos and quiet love.

You probably have a thousand phone photos of your kids—some blurry, some hilarious, some surprisingly beautiful.
But how many of those photos have you in them?

Here’s the thing: your presence matters.
Your family story deserves to be told with you in the frame—not just as the one behind the camera.

You probably had a baby book. Maybe even a wall of toddler photos. But somewhere between kindergarten and high school, the family photos slow down. Life speeds up. Schedules get packed. And before you know it, the only time everyone’s in a picture is when a phone gets passed around at Thanksgiving dinner.

There’s something special about giving a gift that holds emotion, connection, and time all in one. A photo session gift certificate does just that—it creates the space for a mom to be seen, celebrated, and remembered in the most beautiful way.

If there’s one thing I like, it’s having fun. And if there’s one thing I want for my clients, it’s for them to have a good time at their family photo session. You’re already putting in the time and money, so it should feel like something worth doing, not just something to check off a list.

Family photos are just as important when your kids are older as they were when they were little. But as any parent of a preteen or teen knows, outfit coordination gets trickier when your kids start having their own strong opinions about what they wear! You want everyone to look great together while also feeling comfortable and confident. Here’s how to strike that perfect balance for a stylish and cohesive family photo session.

Spring in Birmingham is that sweet spot where the weather is actually enjoyable, everything looks fresh, and schedules aren’t yet packed with summer activities. It’s the perfect time to take a breath, step outside, and finally get those family photos that have been on the to-do list for way too long.

Family Photography Isn’t Just for young kids! Teenagers grow and change just as fast as toddlers. One moment, they’re starting high school; the next, they’re filling out college applications. These years are filled with milestones, individuality, and fleeting moments worth capturing. Their interests, style, and personalities will never be exactly like this again. This is your opportunity to preserve this chapter of your family story.

As your teens move toward adulthood, family photo sessions become more meaningful. They help preserve the memories of how your family looked, how your teens interacted, and the love that was present at this stage of life. These images will be cherished as the years go by, and your teens will one day look back and appreciate how their family made an effort to capture this unique time in their lives.