Why do single parents deserve professional family photos?
In February, I met Joan. She is a single mother with two lovely kids, one toddler, and one teenager. She shared with me and was open about her life and how it was difficult to be a single parent. She admitted that there were rare opportunities where they could have photos all together since she was the only adult in the household. “Now that Leila is older, she sometimes will grab her phone and get pictures of us, but a phone photo isn’t the same as a professional”.
And she is right, it’s not the same, not the same quality, not the same outlook, not the same posing.
Professional photography doesn’t replace phone photos and phone photos don’t replace professional photography. they are complementary.
With your phone, you are able to capture the moment within a few seconds, your toddler throwing food at your dog, or your kids fast asleep in front of the TV. Those are precious but they won’t be the photos that make it to your walls next to your art. Those will be the professional photos, the one that was done by an expert, who knows how to create natural and authentic photos of your family, yet posed. Posed doesn’t mean unnatural, it can be a reproduction of something naturally done; a hug, a squeeze, a piggyback!
And as a single parent, you work twice as hard: you also deserve to have photos of your family.
Someday, when your kids look back, you want them to see you in the photos, that’s one of the reasons why you should set an annual family session.
But I hear you, hesitating:
“What would my family look like with just the kids and no partner by my side? Isn’t weird? Am I worthy of the family photo tradition?”
This doesn’t matter if you are a single man or a woman, you DESERVE this, and your kids deserve it too! You don’t want them to miss a year in their photo album!
Do not listen to your inner critic or shame of being divorced or separated. Instead, listen to my voice: You exist and is worthy of love.
And I will give you a helping hand.
Your next worry might be: “How will I manage during the session with only one pair of hands? How will I convince the kids to smile and cooperate?”
Well don’t worry, I will be here to direct your kids and play fun games with them such as; running around mummy, giving daddy a kiss on the cheek, whispering a secret to your sibling, squeeze mommy very hard, give daddy a tickle! And many more. It will feel more like a fun activity than a forced school photo. I will be your personal cheering squad!
Another fear could be: “I will look terrible in the photos!” Hating the way you look is a terrible excuse.
Most likely because when you are photographed, it’s with your phone front camera; a selfie with the kiddos. But let’s be honest: you are not an expert. I am. I know how to work with the light and how to position you to make you look the best!
And trust me, even if you don’t like the way you look now, you will find yourself beautiful in 5 or 10 years when you are older and look back at those photos. So do not use this as an excuse.
And remember, tomorrow is not guaranteed!
Although we don’t like to think about it, we aren’t immortal, sickness and life accidents can happen to you or your children. Photographs might not be something we prioritise but it’s the only thing that will help you or your children to remember their loved ones. Nothing else matters; certainly not your 10 feet long to-do list. So don’t push it back, the future is unknown, all we have is in the present moment.
You might be nervous once you receive the link to your online gallery. But not to worry, the only thing you see will be overflowing love.
And then you might think: “How could I even think of skipping these?” I am sure these photos will be at their best once printed and displayed in your living room, treated as a family heirloom to cherish forever. Your children will only see how much love you have for them and will thank you to inherit these photos when they become adults.
So if you have other questions or fears, feel free to send me a message, I will happily get back to you.
Albalone, North London Family Photographer.
