“REMAKES” IN STORYTELLING PHOTOGRAPHY

Earlier this week, I posted a fun and lighthearted installment of my “Before and After” series on Instagram, and it got me thinking about remakes.

You know … when we’ve trained your kids to associate my arrival with FUN, and they bubble over with excitement to recreate a photo that’s framed on their wall or tucked inside their storybook albums from when they were “little”?

While I love their enthusiasm, I tend to respond to remake requests in a similar way to how I handle the infamous “cheese face” or other reflexive, show-offy behaviors during in-home family sessions. I oblige—then I redirect. (I talk more about that magic HERE).

Why?

Well, I oblige because anything that makes your kids excited about picture day with me sets a positive tone for the session. Their enthusiasm for recreating a specific moment is part of their story right now, and I want to honor that.

And then I redirect—because remakes often feel more like posing than storytelling. Suddenly, we’re analyzing: Which way was his head tilting? Were we near that window or that one? Is that blanket/lovey/toy close enough to her face?

But storytelling photography is about capturing the NOW. If we focus too much on recreating THEN, we risk losing the authenticity of today’s story. (Read my philosophy on (not) posing HERE).

That said, there’s so much I love about the Before and After idea:

• Even kids can see that we’re making history as we go.
• Their involvement builds excitement for the finished images.
• We laugh a lot and capture some incredible moments.
• I’m all about traditions!
• Most importantly, seeing two versions of the same moment at different times helps us truly appreciate how much and how quickly things change.

The little blonde goofball in the top left of the “before” photo that inspired this post? He’s about to GRADUATE from the college he’s posing in front of—the same one attended by the president whose statue stands nearby.

So … should we set a date to capture the Before? Or the After? Or maybe both?

I’d love it if you dropped me a line.