Tides of Reunion
Or: How Dan’s Morning Struggles and Paul’s Photo Strike Made for a Memorable Day

With little more than a camera and a “screw it, why not” attitude, I found myself in Gdańsk, Poland—proof that sometimes the best plans are the ones you don’t actually make. What started as a casual catch-up with old friends Leo and Dan turned into a deep dive into family life, featuring their spirited little dude, Paul. Spoiler alert: Paul wasn’t exactly thrilled about the camera. More on that in a second.

First, let’s talk about the morning. Now, Dan isn’t perpetually late—he’s just, uh, not exactly what you’d call a “morning person.” Waking up and functioning before coffee seems to be his personal Everest, and this particular day was no exception. Leo, ever patient (and maybe a little too awake for Dan’s liking), managed to shepherd the crew out the door while Dan shuffled along in that half-awake, “why-does-morning-exist” kind of haze. Meanwhile, Paul had fully embraced his toddler energy and was already in turbo mode, setting the tone for what was about to be a hilariously unpredictable day.

And here’s where Paul decided to spice things up. The moment I aimed my camera at him, he hit me with a dramatic, “Noooooooo! No photos!”—like I’d just told him Paw Patrol was canceled forever. Fair enough, kid. I get it. Not everyone’s into photos, and I’m not here to force it on anyone. So, if you’re wondering why some shots show Paul sitting in his carriage glued to a phone, well, there’s your answer. Sneaky? Maybe. But effective? Absolutely. Sometimes you’ve gotta meet people (even tiny people) where they are, and for Paul, that meant balancing tech time with a side of begrudging photo participation.

Despite the resistance (and Dan still waking up somewhere around mid-afternoon), the day turned into something pretty magical. Watching Leo and Dan together, laughing at Paul’s antics and sneaking moments of their own in between, was the kind of honest, messy love I live to capture. These weren’t just photos—they were slices of their life, real and unfiltered. Paul’s tiny fingers clutching the phone, Leo pulling Dan in for a quick hug, sand flying as Paul finally decided running wild on the beach was more fun than staging a protest—it all came together in the kind of chaos you can’t plan but wouldn’t change for anything.

Why Family Sessions Matter

Family sessions aren’t about perfect poses or everyone sitting still with strained smiles. They’re about capturing the beautiful chaos of real life—those unfiltered moments that remind us of who we are and how we love.

Here’s why I think family photography matters:

• Preserving the Present: Life moves fast, especially when kids are involved. These photos freeze moments in time so you can revisit them years from now when the days of “no photos!” and tantrums have turned into fond memories.
• Telling Your Unique Story: No two families are alike, and your photos should reflect that. Whether it’s the laughter, the mess, or the quiet moments in between, family photography is about showcasing the quirks and bonds that make you, you.
• Celebrating the Everyday: You don’t need a special occasion to document your life. Sometimes the best memories are born on an ordinary day spent together, whether it’s on the beach, in your backyard, or somewhere unexpected.

What to Expect from a Family Session with Me

If you’re thinking about booking a family session, here’s what you can count on:

• No Pressure, Just Fun: I don’t force kids (or adults!) to pose or smile if they’re not feeling it. We’ll keep things casual and let the moments unfold naturally. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens.
• A Mix of Chaos and Calm: I’m here for the giggles, the mess, and the tender moments in between. Whether your little one is running wild or having a quiet cuddle, I’ll capture the energy of the day exactly as it is.
• An Experience Tailored to You: Every family is different, and I want your session to reflect that. Whether it’s at home, on an adventure, or somewhere meaningful to you, we’ll create something that feels authentically you.

Family sessions are a reminder that life doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be worth remembering. So, whether you’re dealing with a toddler’s photo strike or just looking to capture some honest moments with your loved ones, I’m here for it.

Ready to Create Something Real?
If this sounds like the kind of family session you’d want, let’s make it happen. Get in touch, and let’s turn the chaos of your everyday into memories you’ll treasure forever.