How I Photograph the Little In-Between Moments Parents Often Miss
When most parents think about family photos, they picture everyone lined up, smiling at the camera. And yes, I’ll always get that photo for you. But what I’ve learned over years of photographing families is this: the best images, the ones parents treasure most, aren’t the perfectly posed ones. They’re the in-between moments you almost miss.
The way your toddler grabs your face when they want your attention. The way your kids laugh so hard they tumble into each other. The way your teen rolls their eyes but still secretly leans in for a hug. These fleeting seconds often pass by unnoticed — until they’re captured forever in a photograph.
Why the In-Between Moments Matter
Life with kids rarely happens in perfectly posed snapshots. It happens in the chaos, the silliness, and the tenderness between one “big” moment and the next.
They show true personality. That mischievous grin when your child thinks no one is watching? That’s who they are.
They tell your family’s story. The way you hold hands, laugh together, or comfort a tear — those are the details that make your family unique.
They’re fleeting. Kids grow out of these little habits quickly. The way they cling to your leg or rest their head on your shoulder may not last forever, but a photo keeps it with you.
A Story from a Family Session
Last fall, I photographed a family in a Kansas City park. The parents wanted updated portraits for their walls, so of course we started with the classic “everyone smiling at the camera.”
But the images they ended up loving most weren’t the posed ones. They were the moments when their youngest tripped over her dress and big brother stopped to help her up, when dad tossed the kids into the air and they squealed with delight, when mom leaned down to kiss her daughter’s forehead without realizing I was watching.
Those little seconds — raw, unplanned, genuine — told their family’s story better than anything else could.
How I Capture the In-Between
You might wonder: how do I catch these blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments? Here’s a little peek into my process:
I watch constantly. Even when I’m not clicking the shutter, I’m observing body language and anticipating interaction.
I give space for play. Kids need freedom to run, climb, and be silly. When they’re comfortable, their personalities shine.
I encourage connection, not poses. Instead of telling you to “stand just so,” I might ask you to whisper something funny, tickle your toddler, or hold your child close. That’s when magic happens.
I shoot through the moments. I don’t just take one picture and move on. I keep going, knowing the best shot may come a second after the one we planned.
Parents Often Don’t Notice
So often, during a session, a parent will apologize: “I’m so sorry, my kids aren’t cooperating.” What they don’t realize is that in that exact moment — when a sibling is making silly faces or a toddler is climbing on dad’s shoulders — I’m capturing my favorite photos.
Parents are usually focused on managing behavior. I get it — I do the same thing with my own kids. But from behind the lens, I see beauty in the chaos. I see love in the middle of what feels like a mess. And when parents see the final gallery, they often tell me those were the photos that made them cry.
Why This Style Resonates
Documentary-style family photography resonates with parents because it lifts the pressure. You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to bribe your kids into perfect smiles. You just have to show up and be yourselves.
When you look back years from now, the posed photo will be nice. But the picture of your son slipping his small hand into yours? Or your daughter twirling in the dress she insisted on wearing? Those will be the ones you treasure.
Tips for Parents to Embrace the In-Between
If you want your family photos to reflect your real story, here are a few tips:
Relax expectations. Don’t stress if the kids won’t sit still. Movement creates energy and authenticity.
Interact naturally. Hug, play, laugh, whisper secrets. Forget the camera for a while.
Let go of “perfect.” Messy hair, muddy shoes, or silly faces often lead to the most meaningful photos.
Trust your photographer. I promise I see beauty you might not notice in the moment.
The Legacy of Everyday Moments
Someday, when your kids are grown, you’ll flip through photo albums and remember not just what they looked like, but who they were. You’ll remember the way they leaned into you when they were little, the way they laughed with their siblings, the way they lit up at your smile.
The in-between photos hold that legacy. They remind you that family life wasn’t about perfect poses — it was about love, connection, and the little moments that made up your days.
Let’s Capture Your Family Story
If you’re ready for family photos that go beyond posed smiles, I’d love to help. Together, we can create a gallery full of authentic, joy-filled, in-between moments you’ll cherish for years to come.
Book your Kansas City family session today »
