As a portrait photographer, one of my biggest responsibilities during a portrait session isn’t to click the shutter button, but to make the person in front of the lens look as natural and relaxed as possible. This is not always easy, and I take a lot of pride in the experience I have posing people so that they look their best.

At its core, my job during a portrait session is to create images that look to anyone else like real moments. And if I do my job correctly, those “fake” moments that I create become real memories that my clients will hold onto for a lifetime. And it leads to beautiful images that friends and family members will adore.

Similarly, during family portion sessions, many parents want to capture that perfect smiling image of their child. Not always an easy task when the kids are tired or hungry or camera shy. But, it’s a challenge that I am always eager to take on. And I will work and work until I succeed. (Okay, I am also not opposed to bribery when it comes to small children, which helps!).

But, if I were to be totally honest, its the moments in between that I think are the most beautiful.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a smiling child as much as anyone, but I also love the images that aren’t perfect. The images that vividly describe a child’s personality. And interests. And the relationships they have with others.

The best images aren’t just tack sharp. Or perfectly posed. The best images tell a story about who the subject of the portrait is at that particular time in their life.

For example, a story about a messy girl who asks a million questions while playing with her toys…

Or who becomes frustrated when you interrupt her while paying attention to a video game.

A big brother sharing his knowledge with his younger sister…

Or siblings exploring the world together.

A moment where the generation gap is bridged.