If you have energetic children who can’t seem to sit still long enough for a family portraits, you might be hesitant about booking a session. Perhaps you’ve envisioned perfect, posed pictures but can’t quite imagine how that’s possible with kids who are constantly on the move. Don’t worry—it’s perfectly okay!
In fact, letting your children be themselves is the key to creating authentic, emotion-filled family portraits that you’ll cherish for years to come. At Mariana Maya Photography, we specialize in capturing real moments that reflect the unique personalities and energy of your family. Whether it’s laughter, playfulness, or even a little chaos, these candid moments result in timeless photos that showcase the love and connection in your family.
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and looking to book a family portrait session, here’s why embracing your children’s natural energy can lead to photos you’ll love—and how we make the process fun and stress-free for everyone.
Why Authentic Family Portraits Matter:
When you think about family portraits, you might picture perfectly posed shots with everyone smiling at the camera. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic family portrait, real life moves fast and is rarely still. Children are full of energy, and those little quirks—like a burst of giggles, a mischievous grin, or a sibling tickle fight—are the moments that define your family’s story.
At Mariana Maya Photography, we believe that these authentic moments are what make family portraits truly special. Documentary-style photography, which focuses on candid, natural interactions, creates images that capture the essence of your family. These types of photos tell a story, not just about how your family looks, but about who you are and the relationships that connect you.
For families in the San Francisco Bay Area, this approach is perfect because we have access to stunning outdoor locations that allow your children to play and explore, creating a relaxed environment where their true personalities can shine.
Embrace the Energy: Letting Your Kids Be themselves Leads to Better Photos!
One of the biggest concerns parents have when booking a family portrait session is whether their children will cooperate. They might or might not, it’s completely normal for kids to have a hard time sitting still. The good news is that they don’t have to! In fact, letting your kids be themselves during a photo session can result in some of the most memorable and heartfelt images.
When children feel free to move, play, and express themselves, they’ll be more relaxed and natural. And that’s exactly what leads to genuine smiles and authentic interactions. Not to mention, a happy experience for everyone and kids willing to do it all over again next year! As your photographer, I know how to turn these playful moments into beautiful, candid family portraits that you’ll be proud to hang on your walls.
In the end, these photos will reflect not only how your children looked at this stage of life but also how they were—full of joy, curiosity, and personality.
To make sure your family portrait session is enjoyable and relaxed, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some tips to help you get ready for a successful shoot with Mariana Maya Photography:
Why choose Mariana Maya Photography for Your Family Portraits?
As a photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless families to create portraits that celebrate their authentic connection and love. I understand the challenges of photographing energetic children, but I also know how to turn those lively moments into beautiful, timeless images.
With my documentary-style approach, I focus on capturing real moments, not stiff poses. Whether your child is laughing uncontrollably, running around, or giving you that sweet, quiet smile, I’m there to document it all. The result? Photos that feel alive and true to your family.
Let’s embrace the joy, laughter, and real moments that make your family special.
Don’t wait—these moments pass by quickly, and there’s no better time than now to capture them.
Book your session today and let’s create something beautiful together!
