What Does It Mean to Be a Storyteller in Family Photography?

I often say that I’m a storyteller. But what does that really mean?

The truth is—all photos tell stories. But the difference lies in the depth and intensity of the story they tell. How much does an image draw you in? How long do you spend with it before you’ve “read” it and are ready to move on?

Some family photos make you look twice. Some keep you lingering. That’s where a storytelling approach makes all the difference in photography for family life.

In traditional portrait photography, the focus is often on appearances—everyone looking at the camera, smiling just right. But in storytelling photography, we go deeper. These images show connection. They offer a glimpse into the relationships that make up your family: What were you like during this chapter of life? What games did your kids love? How did you spend your days together?

Let me show you what I mean

An Example from a Sunset Beach Family Session

In one of my recent sunset beach family photos, the scene captured is fleeting—an in-between moment with real emotional weight. You don’t see the parents’ faces. The baby has his eyes closed. At first glance, it might not look like a “successful” portrait. But look again.

The father has just leaned in, blowing raspberries on his child’s cheek. The mother holds her baby securely, her body forming a triangle of protection and warmth. The baby’s slight smile says everything. You can almost hear the laughter. The background shows a golden beach at sunset, and the baby’s warm clothes hint at the cooler season.

There’s movement in the stillness. You can feel what came before and what’s about to happen next.

That’s storytelling.

Why It Matters

When I photograph your family, I want you to feel like yourselves. My sessions are designed to let you relax into your dynamic, forget the camera, and just be. That’s when the magic happens. That’s when we capture what it feels like to be together—genuine connection, joyful chaos, quiet love.

When the giggles are real, you won’t be worrying about muddy clothes, tangled hair, or a perfect smile. You’ll see yourselves—as you are—in photos that tell your story.

Ready to photograph your family in a way that feels true to you?

If you’re craving images that show real connection—not just perfect smiles—I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s chat about creating storytelling family photos that capture this fleeting chapter.

Book a free discovery call!