The 5 Stages of Family Photo Day (As Told by Your Kids, Husband, and Dog)

Mini Sessions

Let’s be honest: Christmas mini session day in Wake Forest, NC is not for the faint of heart. While the final images might look dreamy and effortless, the road to those frame worthy moments is often paved with snacks, eye rolls, and at least one missing shoe.

If we asked your kids, your husband, and even your dog how photo day goes, it might sound a little something like this…

Stage 1: Denial

Husband: “Wait… that’s today?”
Child #1: “Do I have to wear pants?”
Dog: Sprints under the bed the second the camera bag appears.

No matter how many reminders you’ve sent, no one is mentally prepared. Your husband thought “Sunday at 5” was code for “nap time,” your 4-year-old is wearing mismatched socks and a tiara, and the dog has already hidden three squeaky toys in the yard.

Stage 2: Negotiation

You: “Just smile for 15 minutes and then we’ll get ice cream.”
Child #2: “Can I have ice cream AND screen time?”
Husband: “If I smile in one picture, do I have to be in the rest?”

This is the part where bribes are made, snacks are packed, and you begin to wonder if one cohesive group photo is too much to ask for. Spoiler: it’s not. I’ve got you.

Stage 3: Chaos

Dog: Suddenly has the zoomies and refuses to sit.
Kids: One is crying, one is spinning in circles, one is shouting “TOOT!” for no reason.
Husband: Holding everyone’s shoes and visibly regretting all life choices.

Yes, this is real. No, this isn’t a disaster. This is where the magic begins. Because while it feels like chaos to you, what I’m capturing is laughter, personality, and the real moments that make your family yours.

Stage 4: Acceptance

Kids: Have given up resisting and are now genuinely having fun.
Husband: Starts suggesting poses and somehow becomes a natural.
Dog: Sits perfectly still with a goofy tongue-out smile.

This is where things click—literally. You’re relaxed, the kids are giggling, and your husband cracks a real smile (possibly at your expense, but we’ll take it). These are the moments you’ll love most: unfiltered, joyful, and real.

Stage 5: Glory

You: “Okay… that wasn’t so bad.”
Kids: Already begging to see the pictures.
Husband: “Hey, I actually like that photographer.”
Dog: Covered in burrs but proud.

The session is done, your job is over, and all that’s left is for me to work my editing magic. You’ll soon have a gallery full of love, laughter, and maybe one photo where everyone is smiling at the same time (Christmas miracle, anyone?).

How I Make It Easy

Here’s the thing—I know photo day is a whirlwind. That’s why I keep sessions relaxed, fun, and efficient. I guide you through posing, keep things light, and always leave room for silly moments (aka the best ones).

So the next time photo day rolls around, remember: I’ve seen it all—and I love the chaos. You bring the family, I’ll bring the calm.

If family photos have been on your mind, don’t wait! After August 1, our Christmas in July sale ends and the discounted mini sessions disappear.

Each session includes:
📸 15 minutes of photo time
📸 8 edited images in your gallery
📸 Option to purchase the full gallery
📸 Dogs welcome (bonus points if they wear bows)
📸 Rain dates are built in

Let’s get ahead of the holiday rush and check this off your list now by clicking this link to book!

July 22, 2025