Simple, Transparent, Stress-Free: Booking Your Family Photo Session With Kiersten Marie Photo

The truth? Most of my families don’t even know where to start.

"Do we need to plan outfits for everyone? How do we stop our toddler from meltdown mode? What if my husband hates photos?"

I hear this kind of thing all the time, and I promise - you are not alone. Booking a family photo session shouldn’t feel like another to-do on your already packed calendar.

That’s why I’ve built my entire approach around making this feel easy. Like, so-easy-you-kind-of-can’t-believe-it kind of easy.

Take a recent family session I had in Lincoln Park, West Seattle. The kids? Energetic. The parents? Low-key and hoping for something real. We kept the pacing light, followed the kids’ energy, explored different spots in the park, and created a gallery full of laughter, movement, and love. No stiff poses, no bribery meltdowns, just genuine joy.

That’s what I want to help you experience too.

You don’t need to overthink this (really!).

If you’re a busy parent juggling careers, toddlers, school drop-offs, nap schedules, or all of the above - trying to plan a picture-perfect photo session might feel overwhelming. But that’s the thing: you don’t need it to be perfect. You need it to be honest and enjoyable.

Here’s my approach in a nutshell:

• Start with real connection, not stiff posing

• Prepare you step-by-step so there are no surprises

• Keep the experience flexible, calm, and even fun

• Focus on your family’s personality, not “performance”

This philosophy shows up everywhere - from the emails you get before a session, to the way I react when your kid hands me a stick and asks if I want to be a dinosaur (100% yes, always).

I build in space for the real you, because that’s where the magic is.

How I Make Family Photo Sessions Simple, Transparent, and Stress-Free

1. I Guide You Through Every Step Before We Even Meet

You won’t need to Google “what should I wear for family photos in Seattle?” because you’re getting a simple, easy guide from me after booking. Even better? You’ll also get:

• Two prep emails with clear, friendly tips (think location suggestions, outfit help, and what to bring)

• A pre-session questionnaire so I can understand your family (Is your little one shy? Do you have a neurodivergent kiddo who needs a slower pace?)

• Personalized touches like advice on what textures and tones photograph well

You can literally check “research” off your list and just follow my lead.

2. The Booking Process Is Friendly and Fast

Once you inquire, I walk you through session options so you can choose what fits. Mini? Petite? Full? I’ll explain the difference. There are no pushy sales tactics, just honest advice based on the type of session that matches your vibe and goals.

You’ll also never be stuck wondering if your time slot works with your kid’s nap schedule—I’ll help you choose a time that respects your family’s rhythms.

3. The Session Itself Feels Natural and Low-Key

Here’s the biggest myth: that your kids need to “behave” for us to get great photos. Not true at all.

I’m not showing up with a shot list and a timer. I’m showing up with patience, humor, and a whole lot of flexibility. If your toddler needs wiggle time, we wiggle. If your kid needs a snack break, we slow down. Together, we’re looking for the in-between moments that feel real.

That Lincoln Park session I mentioned earlier? It worked so well because we followed the kids’ lead. The result was a gallery full of personality, not poses.

4. No Hidden Fees or Complicated Packages

I keep pricing simple, transparent, and fair. Every session includes:

• Prep support

• The session time itself (with enough cushion to go with the flow)

• Hand-edited, high-resolution digital images for you to keep

• An easy online gallery to download, share, or print from

That’s it. No surprises, no weird fine print.

5. I Help You Feel Confident on Camera

Especially for moms (I see you), I know this can be the hardest part. Whether you're freshly postpartum or just not used to being in the frame, I work intentionally so you feel beautiful, relaxed, and present.

Think gentle direction instead of posing, movement instead of “say cheese,” and a warm presence to help you feel seen, not judged.

So why does all this matter?

Because photos aren’t just about what you see, they’re about what you remember feeling.

I want your kids to look back at that framed image and not just say, “That’s when we took photos in the park,” but “That’s when we had so much fun running on the trail and mom tickled me until I couldn’t stop laughing.”

That kind of memory? It doesn’t come from stiff smiles. It comes from being present together. And when the photo session is as stress-free as possible, you get to be fully in that moment - mess and giggles and all.

Ready to make this simple, joyful, and tailored to you?

If you’ve been waiting for the schedule to slow down or the chaos to settle before booking your session… maybe this is your sign.

Let’s keep it easy:

• You choose your date

• I guide you through the rest

• Together, we create honest, beautiful images that feel like you
  
  

Reach out here to book your session. I can’t wait to meet your family—giggles, snacks, chaos, and all.

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