When you book a session with me, one of the first things I ask is whether you prefer traditional or interactive photos. And honestly? I get questions about that almost every time. What does "interactive" even mean? Is one better than the other? Is there a right or wrong answer? (Spoiler: absolutely not.) I want to clear this up once and for all, because understanding the difference can actually change how you walk into your session… and how you feel walking out.
Every family is different. Some moms come in with a very clear vision: everyone in coordinating outfits, big smiles, looking right at the camera. Others show up hoping for something that feels more like a candid documentary of their crew on a good day. Neither one is wrong. But knowing what you're hoping for helps me plan the session so we can actually get there. That's why the questionnaire exists. It isn't just paperwork, it's me listening before we even meet.
What "Traditional" Actually Means
My photography style is rooted in a more traditional approach and (I'll be honest) there is a part of me that is always chasing that one classic shot. Everyone looking at the camera, smiling, looking their absolute best. That is the holiday card photo. That is the one that goes in the frame above the fireplace.
So when you select "traditional" on the questionnaire, here is what to expect:
- We will spend time posing everyone intentionally
- I will guide you so nobody has to guess where to stand or what to do with their hands
- The goal is clean, classic, beautifully composed portraits your family will love for years
Now, I will be real with you… Getting a toddler to stand still for that shot is not exactly a walk in the park. Even my own kids, who are past the toddler stage now, still want to wiggle and run and be silly. Wrangling that energy is part of the job and I am very much up for it. We will get there. We always do!
What "Interactive" Actually Means
This is the one I want to talk about a little more because I think a lot of families underestimate how much they will love these photos! Interactive photos are exactly what they sound like… I ask you to actually do things together during the session. Tickle your kids. Toss them in the air. Sneak in a quick kiss that makes them erupt into giggles. Chase each other. Have a group squeeze that turns into a pile-on. What happens when you do that? Pure, genuine, completely un-posed magic!
Last year, my own family's annual photos were basically one long adventure in nobody sitting still... and yet, we still got a few traditional photos mixed into the bunch. My kids were off to the races the whole time. And when I got those images back, I was completely in love with them. The squirmy moments, the mid-air laughter, the cuddles that happened because someone needed a tickle break. Those were the photos I wanted to print and hang on every wall.
Here is what interactive photos tend to look like in practice:
- Kids being swooped up onto a parent's shoulders
- Littles getting tickled until they can barely breathe from laughing
- Family pile-ups and silly faces that nobody planned
- Genuine, unfiltered joy that you could not fake if you tried
These moments are so much fun for everyone involved. And fun, it turns out, makes for incredibly photogenic families.
Here is the thing I really want you to hear: it is completely okay to want both!
Most of my sessions end up being a little of each, if I’m being honest.
We start with intention. Let's get that posed, everyone-smiling shot that is going to look incredible on your holiday card. And then we let things get a little playful. Because once the pressure of the "perfect" photo is off, everybody loosens up. Dad stops looking stiff. The toddler stops trying to escape. Even the dog settles in!
When you let a little silliness slide into your session, something shifts. Everyone cooperates faster because it actually feels fun. And the photos that come out of those in-between moments? They are the ones you will come back to again and again. The most important thing is simply being present with your family, right where you are in this season. Because their little hands are not going to fit in yours forever. You cannot swoop them up for a shoulder ride much longer. These moments are moving fast, and photos are how we hold onto them.
When you sit down to answer my session questionnaire as you book your session, do not overthink the traditional vs. interactive question. There is no wrong answer. Think about what matters most to your family right now:
- Do you have a very specific shot in mind? Tell me… We will make it happen!
- Are your kids at an age where sitting still is basically a myth? Interactive might be your best friend.
- Do you want a little of both? Say that. We will plan for it.
My job is to make sure you leave your session feeling relieved, excited, and already eager to see your gallery. Whether we get there through classic poses, spontaneous chaos, or a mix of the two, that is exactly what we are going to do.
If you are thinking about booking a family session and want to chat through what style might work best for your crew, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch today to start the conversation or check out my website to learn more. And if you have not signed up for my email list yet, that is where I share mini session announcements first (*hint: If you’re reading this in real time, 2026 Fall Minis are opening at the end of the month). Those spots fill up fast and I would hate for you to miss out on capturing this season with your family! Your family is worth it, exactly as you are right now!
