Family

As a mom myself and a family photographer in West Bend, Wisconsin, I totally get it — planning family photos can feel like a lot. You’ve picked out the outfits, made sure everyone’s hair is brushed, and now you’re just hoping the kids will cooperate once the camera comes out.

I hear it all the time from parents who book with MelMarie Photography:

“I’m nervous my kids won’t smile or look at the camera.”
“What if they don’t behave?”

And honestly? I completely understand that worry. You’re investing time and money into these photos, and you just want them to turn out beautifully.

But here’s what I want you to know: your photos will still turn out beautifully — even if your kids don’t “behave.”

The Best Moments Aren’t the Posed Ones

Sure, we’ll get a few classic, everyone-smiling-at-the-camera shots (because let’s face it, grandma loves those!). But the real magic happens in between.

It’s the moment your toddler bursts into a giggle when you scoop them up.
It’s when your husband and daughter start dancing just to be silly.
It’s that quiet second when you lean in to kiss your little one and they flash that shy smile.

Those are the moments that make your photos come alive — the ones that show your love, connection, and the little personalities that make your family yours.

That’s what I focus on during every MelMarie Photography session — the fun, heartfelt in-between moments that really tell your story.

Every Kid Is Different — and That’s Totally Okay

Some kids need a little time to warm up. Some are full of energy from the start. And some want to explore everything around them instead of sitting still — which is completely okay!

As a West Bend family photographer, I’ve worked with all kinds of little personalities. I bring patience, flexibility, and a few fun tricks to every session. I’ll guide you through gentle prompts and playful games that naturally get everyone smiling, laughing, and connecting.

💬 Q: What if my toddler just doesn’t want to smile?
A: That’s totally fine! I don’t force smiles — instead, I create moments that make them smile naturally. Whether it’s playing peek-a-boo, running with mom, or tossing leaves in the air, genuine laughter always follows.

“WE LOVED YOU!!! We had so much fun yesterday! You are so good with kids and making us smile and have fun! The kids are so excited to see the leaf one where we are throwing them up in the air lol”

Making the Experience Fun

My goal is for your session to feel more like a fun family outing than a formal photoshoot. I keep things relaxed and easy, so you never have to worry about what to do or how to pose.

And to make the experience even more special, I bring along a little bag of surprise toys for kids to pick from after their session. It’s a small gesture, but it helps them walk away excited — and it makes family photos something they actually look forward to next time!

“We absolutely love Melissa and all of our experiences with MelMarie Photography! She knows exactly how to get the kids to smile and make the whole session fun.”

You Don’t Need Perfect — You Just Need You

At the end of the day, you don’t need perfectly behaved kids or flawless smiles to create meaningful photos. You just need to show up, love on your people, and let me take care of the rest.

Your photos will be filled with laughter, connection, and those sweet in-between moments that make this season of life so special. Because those are the memories that last forever.

If you’re a parent in West Bend, Wisconsin or the surrounding areas — including Menomonee Falls, Germantown, Sussex, Pewaukee, and Brookfield — and you’ve been nervous about booking family photos, I’d love to show you how fun and stress-free the experience can be.

📸 Click here to book your session with MelMarie Photography
or check out my Family Session Guide for more tips on what to expect.

Let’s capture your family’s real, messy, beautiful moments — exactly as they are. 💛