5 Things You Didn’t Expect (But Will Love) About Your Portrait Session (from a Kansas City Portrait Photographer Who’s Seen It All)

If you’ve ever booked a portrait session and felt nervous or unsure what to expect — you’re not alone. I walk my clients through every bit of the process, meeting their specific goals and desires while taking away the overwhelm. This can (and should!) be one of the most joyful experiences for you and yours.

As a Kansas City portrait photographer who works with families, seniors, and newborns, I’ve learned that the best sessions often come with a few delightful surprises. Here are five things you may not expect from your session—but just might walk away loving.

1. You’ll Feel More Comfortable Than You Thought

Maybe not at first, but definitely soon after. This goes for your kids, too. My FAVORITE compliments aren’t even about my photos — it’s the times my clients tell me how at EASE I made them feel in front of the camera. That’s my greatest measure of success at a session. It can feel awkward to get in front of the lens, but I’m here to help you be yourselves in a way that translates beautifully into portraits.

Bonus: We’ll laugh, we’ll move around, and you won’t be left wondering what to do with your hands. I provide easy guidance the whole way through.

2. Your Kids (or Teens) Will Rock It

Worried your toddler won’t sit still? Or your teen will scowl through the whole thing? I LOVE photographing kids, because there’s so much honesty in their expressions. So don’t worry! I’ll find that side of them that you see at home, where genuine smiles and their own personalities emerge.

3. You’ll Have Guidance Every Step of the Way

I actually hope you expected this one! You come to me because you value outsourcing and are the kind of person that loves getting help for what you treasure the most. You won’t be left guessing what to wear, how to prep, or where to go. From our first conversation to the final delivery of your printed artwork, I guide you through a full-service experience designed to let me do the heavy lifting and take the overwhelm out of the process.

4. Your Images Will Live Somewhere—Not Just on a Screen

We’re so used to swiping past photos on our phones that we forget how special it is to see our loved ones on the walls or flipping through an album. When your kids grow up seeing themselves in family portraits, it reinforces their connection to your family’s story. And that’s a gift they carry forever. (Just about how long your archival quality prints will last. Ha! Had to throw that in!).

As a Kansas City portrait photographer focused on heirloom artwork, I help you turn your images into something lasting—framed, in albums, tangible, and real.

5. You’ll Walk Away Feeling More Connected

This might be the most unexpected thing of all. Your session can actually bring you closer. When you slow down and focus on each other, you’ll leave not just with beautiful images AND memories. But the session, for me, represents this whole season of your life right now — not just one moment. By slowing down and savoring your own personal reflections, you’ll be refreshed in the midst of your season.

Whether it’s been years since your last session or you’re gearing up for your first one, I’d love to make the experience better than you imagined. I’m here to guide you through each step when you’re ready.