Studio Berri

Welp. This year is flying by! There’s so much in my heart (and on my to-do list) for 2025 and I guess it’s time to get on with it 😅 I’m thinking about:

✨ Going camping — this is always on my list yet I so rarely go
✨ Playing with my new lens — wow oh wow does it focus so much better!
✨ Working with film again? — Maybe? It’s my greatest love/hate/heartbreak… but it’s calling me once again 🙃
✨ Family photos on/in the water on a gorgeous sunny day — whether that be the beach, lake or pool
✨ Booking 2+ milestone bundles — info on these bundled sessions coming soon 🤩
✨ Doula training — I’ve decided to dive into full-spectrum doula work! I want to train ASAP so I can start working on the certification requirements by the end of the year 😌 I’ve been thinking about this for years (since I started doing at-home family photos) but the idea scared the absolute s**t out of me 😅 Now, I feel like the calling is so much louder than the fear. And aren’t all things worth doing at least a little bit scary?
✨ Picking up work on Hellfire again — now that the sun is back and the snow is melting, I’m ready to dive back in 😈🔥 I have so many ideas ready to explode out of me!! This project has been so wonderful for getting my rage out of my body and into a creative space. It makes room for all of the good stuff!! Speaking of…
✨ Focusing on LOVE 💗 — in my work and in my life. There’s so much noise out there and I want to live and breathe what really matters!

What are you dreaming up for 2025?

Is your little one not in the mood for photos? That’s no problem at all! Your child is allowed (and encouraged!) to set boundaries and I’ll never force them to be in photos. But by the end of the session? They’re usually enthusiastically engaging without even realizing it 😉

I use patience, play, and creativity to make sessions feel fun and natural. Instead of jumping into poses, I:

📷 Show them my camera and then let them show me how their favorite toy works
📷 Bring a kid-friendly camera so they can take their own photos
📷 Give them small ways to direct the session and feel in control of their environment
📷 Try to keep my camera at chest level so they can see my eyes. This is a hard one for me on a technical front, especially when babies are on the move, BUT it makes a HUGE difference for getting your kids comfortable and looking toward the camera

And if they still want space? That’s okay too! Some of the best photos happen when kids seek comfort in your arms or are just being themselves, completely unaware of the camera.

If your child is naturally hesitant around new people, let me know in advance! I can suggest ways to help them warm up before I even arrive. And for extra flexibility, a longer session (at least 2 hours) gives them time to settle in at their own pace. That way I can ease them into the process slowly and have more time to build up their trust.

Want to make your family photos stress-free and fun? Let’s chat! Send me a DM or reach out on my website 💕 Link in bio!