More than (just) photos of people

Of people doing things,

or even moments.

I photograph emotions, connections, feelings.

Cheesy? Maybe,

but let me tell you a story.

When my oldest kid was around 11 or 12, he started coming to me every day for a hug. Sometimes I’d be in the kitchen, with messy hands. Other times I’d be chilling on the couch, or on the phone, and no matter what, I would drop everything to give him his hug (and get mine).

And you know that saying about how shoemaker's kids never have shoes? Well, that’s not my case. Since I became a mother, my camera is always close, so one day, I asked my 7-year-old daughter to take a picture of us.

The picture is far from perfect, but I love it. Especially now that my son is way taller than me and I am the one begging for hugs.

What I’m trying to say is, it's those apparently insignificant moments, that really matter – the ones we don't always pay attention to, and then one day they're gone. The ones that are easiest to forget, but that often hold the essence of our lives (I know, I know). The connections, the emotions and feelings, are what’s worth capturing, and remembering.

IMHO.

Like my husband reading in bed with my two smallest, the same book every night,

how they used to play outside, (until they started hiding in their caves rooms),

or inside,

doing homework together, laughs, meltdowns,

not necessarily big, loud moments, also moments of connection and being together.

"Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you'll look back and realize they were big things"

(Kurt Vonnegut)

That's why every now and then, I too, hire a photographer. The last time involving a New Zealand photographer, my sister, her family, and my folks.

She stayed a day and a half with us and those photos, which now hang on our walls and are in my coffee table in the form of a photo book, are among my most treasured things, next to all of our family’s photobooks.

Pictures that have me in them. That remind them that I was there, too.

Because seeing ourselves from someone else’s perspective is mind blowing, to say the least.

And having those emotions and moments in photo books and on my walls, is priceless.

Also, because honestly, and for obvious reasons, those family sessions are basically the best way for me to get in the picture, so my kids can see that I was there, too, and how much I love them.

If you’ve read this far I guess this resonates with you.

Maybe you're thinking about getting some family pictures taken, or perhaps you've already visited a photography studio. Maybe you’re the one in charge of taking the family pictures and therefore you’re rarely in the picture.

But hey,

Have ever thought about having a photographer capture you and your family just as you are?

No fancy setups, no matching clothes or stiff poses, just your real, awesome family, doing your thing. Whether it's baking together, hitting up the local ice cream parlor or just walking the dog.

Or walking around Munich if you don’t live here.

Why not keep those everyday memories forever? They're a reminder of all the love and joy your family shares, every-single-day.

And the best part is that you don't have to do anything special or different than any other day. It’s about your life right now.

You do your thing and I am there to capture it, as simple as that.

Husband and teenager-approved: no dressing up or following instructions required, no planning or tiding up, the one and only requirement is that you guys spend some time together. And you can relax and enjoy that time with them, because for once, you will be in front of the camera.

How does it work?

My sessions are relaxed and chill, you don’t need to prepare or do anything differently, everyone can and should wear what they would normally wear. In fact, no matching clothes please!

I won’t ask you to pose or do anything for me (not even look at the camera), you won’t need to prepare for the session or go to the hairdressers the day before, and even though you will obviously realise I’m there, you will soon forget that my camera is there.

All you will need to do is spend time together, as usual, and I’ll do the rest.

I will come to your place, to your hotel, or to a location of your choice, and I will spend a whole morning or afternoon with you. From breakfast to lunch or from lunch till dinner. I will only leave once I have all the images we need to tell your story at this point in time.

I'm totally cool with the everyday chaos around the house. It's all part of the charm, every item has its own story, and in any case, it’s my job to make sure that the focus is on your family, not the mess (if there’s any). So you don’t even need to tidy up.

Fast forward some weeks and you will receive a wonderful, physical photobook with the story of that day. A photobook that you and your children that you can browse through any time, that you can show to your friends.

The total investment for the entire experience is 1200, including this beautifil, tangible, photobook. Once you have that photobook in your hands, you won’t be the first one to say out loud that it’s worth more than what you paid. And there is big chance you will want to repeat the following year (in which case you will not be affected by any price increases).

If, and only if, this sounds like a good fit, hit the button below or send me an email and we will arrange a time to virtually chat and see our faces. You tell me about your family, I walk you through how it all works, and you can ask any questions that might bother you.

No pressure, no commitment at this point; it's totally okay if you're still mulling it over.

After our call and once you are happy with the process and decided to have the photoshoot of your life (see what I did there?), we will sign a contract and lock in a date, but I will explain all of this in the call, before you make any commitments.

After the big day, I won’t lie to you, you will need to be patient, but you know that ancient proverb, “good things happen to those who wait”. It takes time to to select and tone the best of the best images, not to mention to design and order your actual, physical, book. So expect no less than 8 weeks until you see the final product.

And when you get to see and touch your photos, it will feel like traveling back in time to all those moments again. Kind of like ordering pizza but a bit longer, so worth it in the end!

PS. This is a great idea for a vacation, so everyone can relax and concentrate on enjoying the trip, while someone else (me!) is making sure to document you travels.

FAQs

Do not work with me if,

• You wear matching clothes every day and dress for breakfast as if you were walking up the red carpet.

• You prioritise looks over emotions.

• Your idea of family photos involves everyone smiling and staring at the camera like in a toothpaste ad.

• You want me to photoshop your happy wrinkles away and your hair needs to be hairdresser perfect.

• You've got a vision for every shot and don't want any surprises.

• You're all about the traditional, formal family portraits.

• You expect the photographer to be the puppet master, directing every move, rather than letting the magic unfold naturally.

• Perfectly behaved children are a must; no tantrums or messes allowed in your idea of the perfect family photoshoot.

• You just need a couple of photos.