So often we (moms) put so much pressure on ourselves when it comes to family photos. They need to be at the perfect location, with the perfect weather, with the perfect outfits, the perfect smiles, the perfectly behaved kids. Here’s a secret…perfect is overrated. Perfect isn’t real. And perfect is boring.

Give me your backyards.

Your kids’ toothless grins.

Messy hair.

Bear hugs.

Skinned knees.

Giggles. Laughs. Sillies.

Give me your realness. Your goofy, your messy.

Because that to me is perfect. It’s when you have completely forgotten you’re in the middle of a photo session and are just being yourselves with those you love more than anything or anyone else in the entire world. Those are the moments to capture. Those are the moments that turn to memories. And those are the memories that will live forever.