Following My Passion: How I Became a Family Photographer
After 15 fulfilling years of owning and operating my home daycare, I found myself ready for a new chapter. I had chosen the career in childcare as a way to be with my children while also contributing to our family’s income. Being my own boss and building something from the ground up was deeply rewarding, but as time passed, I realized a change was on the horizon. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I knew whatever came next had to allow me to remain self-employed.
The inspiration came from a fellow mom at my kids’ school who was a family photographer. I was captivated by her ability to capture authentic moments of love, joy, and connection between families. The beauty and emotion in her work sparked something inside me. Soon, the idea of creating that same magic for others became my next passion. Once that seed was planted, there was no turning back!
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Getting Started: My First Camera & Lenses and My Current Set-up
I gave myself one year to plan the transition, with a clear goal of closing my daycare and launching my family photography business. I dove headfirst into learning, starting with research on everything from camera gear to posing techniques and lighting scenarios. I closed the doors on my home daycare in May of 2019 and have been a full time Family Photographer ever since!
At the beginning, I owned a crop sensor camera, so after thorough research (and some guidance from my tech-savvy husband), I decided to invest in a full-frame Canon 6D Mark II with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens—my first serious setup, and I loved every second of working with it. I still use this lens and absolutely love the versatility of a zoom lens. My other lenses are the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, aka the Nifty Fifty, and the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8
Over time, as my skills grew, so did my gear. I eventually upgraded to the Canon R6 Mark II mirrorless.
The dual card slots and advanced focus capabilities, including eye tracking, are just some of the amazing features that won me over! My next purchase will be the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 lens, but until then I love that I am able to use my EF lenses with the Canon mount adapter.
Learning & Practicing: Offering Free Sessions
To strengthen my skills, my best friend and I enrolled in a local in-person DSLR course, which proved invaluable in understanding the technical aspects of photography. YouTube also became an incredible resource, where I spent countless hours learning everything from lighting to editing.
The best way to learn family photography is to get out there and photograph families, so I began offering free sessions to families I knew. These early experiences were the foundation of my business. While my first photos were clearly beginner-level, I felt an unmatched passion when I captured genuine family moments—laughter, connection, and warmth. I knew from the start that my business would be centered on creating a space where families could be themselves in front of the camera.
Keeping Gear Clean & Protected
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a photographer is that keeping my gear clean ensures it lasts longer and performs at its best. Dust, dirt, and fingerprints can affect image quality, so I make it a habit to clean my lenses and camera bodies regularly. I use a camera cleaning kit that includes a blower, lens wipes, and a soft brush to safely remove debris. I love the compact bag everything came in, and the lens cloths it comes with are the best I've used!
Building My Business
With both the technical and creative sides coming together, I focused on building the business itself. I crafted a website, developed a brand, and worked on the logistics—contracts, pricing, workflows, gallery delivery platforms, and more. Over the years, I have experimented with various pricing structures, refined my service offerings, and adjusted how I communicate with and market to clients. I’ve also continuously worked on streamlining my organizational systems. These elements are not static—they are part of an ongoing process of refinement. One of the key lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is that this evolution is essential. To achieve long-term success, you must embrace the fact that these tasks will always require attention and adaptation.
One of the most important steps in establishing a successful photography business is having a professional website. This serves as a portfolio, a place where potential clients can learn more about my services, and a way for clients to book sessions.
Learning some basic marketing skills has also been crucial—understanding social media strategies, SEO for my website, and how to effectively communicate with clients has helped me grow my business and attract my ideal clientele. Investing time in learning these skills has paid off immensely.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is a game-changer for any small business, and as a family photographer, it’s an essential tool for keeping everything organized while providing a seamless experience for your clients.
Why You Need a CRM as a Photographer
Stay Organized – A CRM keeps all your client information, session dates, contracts, and invoices in one place. No more searching through emails or notes trying to remember session details!
Automate Communication – Send booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups without having to type each one manually. This ensures that clients always know what to expect and helps you stay on top of your schedule.
Streamline Workflows – From inquiry to delivery, a CRM allows you to create workflows so you never miss a step—whether it’s sending a questionnaire, prepping for a session, or delivering galleries.
Seamless Booking Process – Many CRMs offer online booking, so clients can select a date, sign contracts, and make payments all in one place. It’s a smooth and professional experience that makes booking easy for them and stress-free for you.
Save Time & Scale Your Business – Automating repetitive tasks frees up your time to focus on what you love—capturing beautiful memories!
The Importance of Scouting Locations
Selecting good locations is just as important as having the right camera gear. I have carefully scouted and selected several locations, each chosen for its beauty and ideal lighting, ensuring a stunning backdrop for every session. Knowing how light falls at different times of the day, understanding accessibility for families with young children, and finding hidden gems that add a unique touch to sessions are all crucial parts of location scouting.
I make it a point to revisit my locations regularly to ensure they remain beautiful and well-maintained. Seasonal changes, unexpected construction, or overgrown areas can impact a spot’s suitability, so staying up to date is key. By thoroughly understanding my locations, I can confidently guide my clients to settings that will enhance their session and create truly magical images.
Learning Through Podcasts
One of my favorite ways to continue learning and stay inspired is by listening to photography business podcasts. These podcasts are full of invaluable insights from successful photographers who openly share their experiences, marketing strategies, pricing tips, and workflow ideas. I look forward to them each week as they provide a wealth of knowledge and motivation to keep pushing forward in my business.
Some of my favorites include:
These podcast hosts have been instrumental in shaping my approach to running a photography business, and I highly recommend tuning in if you’re looking for guidance and inspiration!
Capturing Behind-the-Scenes Moments
One thing I’ve learned is that clients love seeing behind-the-scenes footage. Whether it's a quick clip of me directing a session or showing how families interact, it helps potential clients connect with my work. I love this phone mount to capture these moments hands-free. I have tried others, but this one was best for tightly securing my phone so I don't have to worry about it falling off!
Helping Clients with Styling
Once a client books, I provide personalized guidance to ensure they get the most out of their photography experience. This includes tips on what to expect during the session and advice on how to prepare. I also offer access to a unique online styling tool, a style guide, and my client closet to make outfit planning stress-free. Clients love having this support because it takes the guesswork out of coordinating outfits, helps them feel more confident and polished, and ensures their final images have a beautifully cohesive look. Knowing they are well-prepared allows them to relax and fully enjoy their session, resulting in more natural and joyful moments captured on camera.
Connecting with Other Photographers
Connecting with other female family photographers has been invaluable to my growth and development as a photographer. There’s so much to be gained from learning from women who have built successful photography businesses, and the support within this community has been truly inspiring.
One of my favorite ways to continue learning is by attending styled shootouts organized by established local family photographers, or planning styled shoots with friends. These events offer the chance to collaborate with like-minded women, observe their approaches, and find inspiration while working alongside other creatives. It’s a powerful way to sharpen my skills and continue evolving.
The Joy of Family Photography
What I hope to do most is to help people feel at ease, which leads to capturing genuine smiles and heartfelt interactions. My ultimate goal is for clients to see the beauty in their unique family story when they view their gallery of images.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is crafting a gallery of images that truly resonates with someone’s heart. It’s about helping them see the beauty in their family or in themselves—beauty they’ve always known existed but hadn’t quite been able to capture on their own. The fact that I get to make this dream a reality while earning a living from it is truly a dream come true!
Turning Passion into a Career & Advice for New Photographers
Building my business took time, but every step—from choosing my first camera to learning how to pose families—was part of the journey. If you’re thinking about pursuing family photography, know that you don’t need to be an expert at everything right away. Start small, invest in key tools, learn the basics, and most importantly—keep capturing what you love.
Photography is an ever-evolving art, and that’s part of what makes it so fulfilling. I’m always learning—whether it’s refining my approach to lighting, embracing new trends, exploring the latest technology, or enhancing the client experience. During the slow season, I love doing model calls to try new locations, explore new posing ideas, and experiment with wardrobe to help keep my creativity flowing. Growth is a constant in this industry, and staying open to change keeps my work fresh and exciting.
But beyond the technical side, what truly drives me is creating an experience where my clients feel valued, supported, and comfortable in front of my camera. Being photographed is a vulnerable thing, and I take pride in making it a relaxed, enjoyable process—one where families can be themselves and walk away with images that feel authentic and full of life.
There’s something deeply satisfying about blending creativity with business, capturing meaningful moments while also providing a professional and seamless experience. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling stories, building connections, and serving families in a way that leaves a lasting impact. And that’s what makes this journey so rewarding.
