Over two decades of photographing babies, toddlers, children, families, and multi-generational gatherings has taught me one essential truth: the best images often aren't the ones you planned. Editorial-quality family photography embraces both the intended portraits and the unexpected candids that reveal authentic personality.
This hilarious moment perfectly illustrates why experience matters. Mom tried a classic parenting strategy—withholding Smarties until the girls smiled for their pictures. The result? Not cooperation, but the most epic synchronized pout I've ever witnessed. While definitely not the intended effect, this image makes me smile every single time.
Techniques that work beautifully with some children backfire spectacularly with others. That's childhood—unpredictable, honest, and utterly genuine. Rather than seeing this as a failed attempt at getting smiles, I recognized it as a priceless candid moment capturing these sisters' personalities and their united front against parental negotiation tactics.
Over twenty years of family photography means knowing when to capture the "mistake" because it's actually the treasure. These unscripted moments—the pouts, the eye rolls, the sibling conspiracies—tell the real story of family life with humor and heart.
Contact me to book your family session and discover what adorable, hilarious moments might pop up.
Location: Cricket Club, Toronto.
1/250; f/4.0; ISO 800; 70.0 mm.