What Happens When a Photo Session Doesn’t Go to Plan?
As a family photographer, I know that we all dream of that perfect photo session. The golden light. The giggles. The sleepy newborn curled up just so. But the truth? Not every session goes to plan—and that’s not a bad thing.
Life with little ones is unpredictable. Naps get skipped. Weather changes in an instant. And even the best-laid plans get tossed aside when a toddler decides it’s a “no” day.
That’s why I’ve built flexibility and grace into the heart of my photography experience.
So what happens if your session doesn’t go to plan?
If we’re shooting outside and the forecast turns gloomy, we’ll work together to reschedule for a brighter day. If your in-home session is dark and cloudy, and we’re battling low light or tech hiccups like a stubborn flash, I’ll offer a reshoot. Because you deserve crisp, beautiful images—and I hold myself to that standard.
But sometimes, what feels like a session going sideways… is actually the start of a beautiful story.
Let me tell you about one of those days.
The Session That Didn’t Go to Plan (And Why I Loved It Anyway)
A few weeks ago, I walked into what was supposed to be a dreamy in-home newborn session. The family had just welcomed their second child—a beautiful baby girl. Big brother, still adjusting to his new role, was just waking up from a short nap. The skies outside were gray. A steady rain had settled in. And inside? The natural light I’d counted on was nowhere to be found.
The toddler—tired, unsure, and just a little overwhelmed—wasn’t in the mood for much. We tried offering Cheerios as a pick-me-up (you’ll even spot a rogue Cheerio in one of the photos!), but even playtime was too much. He didn’t want to pose. He didn’t want to sit still.
So we shifted.
We leaned into movement—climbing on dad’s shoulders, running through the hallway, spinning in the living room. We looked for the moments in between the meltdowns and the magic. And you know what? That’s where the gold was.
The newborn, meanwhile, had her own ideas. Sleep? Not interested. She was hungry, alert, and a little fussy—so instead of the typical sleepy poses, we focused on connection. Gentle crib photos. A quiet moment with mom. Her tiny fingers gripping dad’s thumb. Awake newborn sessions may not be the norm, but they are still so meaningful.
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Why I Offer Reshoots (And Why You Might Not Need One)
If your session doesn’t meet my technical standards—because of lighting, weather, or timing—I will always offer a reshoot. That’s my promise to you.
But sometimes, the most meaningful photos come from the unexpected. The imperfect. The in-between.
My job isn’t just to capture smiles and good lighting. It’s to tell your story—the real one. The messy, tender, beautifully human story that you’ll want to remember years from now.
So if your toddler melts down, or the baby won’t sleep, or it rains out of nowhere… don’t stress. Take a deep breath. I’ve got you.
We’ll find the joy in the chaos.
We’ll pause for snacks.
We’ll pivot and play and keep going.
Because whether we reshoot or embrace what the day brings, we’re going to tell your story beautifully.
And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.
