As an Edwardsville, IL family photographer, I spend so much time capturing memories for other families that scheduling photos for my own family sometimes gets pushed down the list.
We usually take our family photos in May.
But this year, May came and went. Then June. Then July.
Life was busy, I was opening the new Tara Lee Photography studio, and our family photos kept getting delayed. But once the studio was ready, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to capture our family this year.
This new space represents such an exciting chapter for Tara Lee Photography, and it felt important to include the four people who support me through all of it.
Preparing Three Boys for Family Photos
Let’s be honest: preparing three boys for family photos requires a strategic rollout.
I told the boys about the session two weeks ahead of time. I mentioned it again as we got closer. Our clothes arrived, everyone tried them on during the week of the session, and we had several conversations about what to expect.
The plan was simple:
Get dressed, cooperate, take the photos quickly and then choose ANY candy you want from Dollar Tree.
Yes, my children were bribed.
And honestly? I fully support a well-executed family-photo incentive plan.
Children don’t need to arrive excited about taking pictures. They simply need to know what to expect, understand that the session won’t last forever and have something positive waiting for them afterward.
That little bit of preparation helped make our studio family photo session feel manageable for everyone.
The Boys Understood the Assignment
On the day of our photos, everything somehow fell into place.
We were all ready on time.
No one cried about their outfit.
My curls actually cooperated.
All three white shirts stayed white for the entire session.
That last one may have been the biggest miracle of all.
The boys completely understood the assignment, and Michael was a very good sport every time I said, “Okay… just one more!”
Win. Win. Win.
A Special Thank-You to Leah
I also have to give a huge thank-you to my sweet friend Leah, who graciously came to snap our family poses.
As the photographer, I could choose the lighting, set everything up and direct the session—but I still needed someone behind the camera so I could be in the photos too.
Having a friend step in and help capture all five of us made these images possible. I’m so grateful Leah gave our family this gift.
Family Photos Don’t Have to Be Stressful
One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is that their children won’t cooperate for family photos.
Here is the truth: your children do not need to behave perfectly for us to create beautiful images.
A successful family photography experience doesn’t require an hour of perfect smiles. It requires a little preparation, realistic expectations and a photographer who knows how to keep things moving.
Our session was quick, intentional and genuinely fun. It didn’t need to be an elaborate production. We simply needed enough time to capture our family as we are right now.
For families with young children, a studio session can make the entire experience feel easier. There is no worrying about the weather, walking long distances or trying to keep everyone clean while waiting for the perfect outdoor light.
You arrive, we take the photos and you’re finished.
Quick and painless—that’s always the goal.
Why Getting in the Photos Matters
As a photographer, I understand the value of family photos. But as a mom, I also understand how easy it is to delay them.
There will always be another busy month, another activity or another reason to wait. Maybe you want to lose weight first. Maybe you’re worried about choosing outfits. Maybe you think your children won’t cooperate.
Meanwhile, your children keep growing.
These photos aren’t only about coordinated clothes or everyone looking at the camera. They preserve the little details of your family during this exact season:
Your children’s personalities
The way they interact with one another
How perfectly they still fit beside you
The connection and chaos that make your family yours
Someday, these will be the photographs that bring you back to this version of your family.
That is why getting in the photos matters—even when scheduling them takes a few extra months and getting everyone to cooperate requires a stop at Dollar Tree.
Studio Family Photos at Tara Lee Photography
Having our own family photographed inside the new Tara Lee Photography studio in Edwardsville, Illinois, made this session even more meaningful.
I created this space to give families a comfortable and convenient place to slow down, connect and capture the season they’re currently living through.
The studio provides a clean, timeless setting that keeps the focus on your family. It’s ideal for families who want beautiful images without worrying about unpredictable Midwest weather or planning an entire evening around a photo session.
And now, our family is officially part of the studio’s story too.
Ready to Plan Your Edwardsville Family Photo Session?
If you’ve been postponing your own family photos because life is busy, your children might not cooperate or the process feels overwhelming, consider this your reminder:
It does not have to be complicated.
We can keep it comfortable. We can keep it efficient. We can create photographs that feel natural, connected and true to your family.
And if a little candy bribery is required, I fully support the initiative. 🤍
Ready to update your family photos? Contact Tara Lee Photography to begin planning your family photography session in Edwardsville, IL.
