A Different Approach to Family Photography in San Diego
When a child will not settle during a family session, the standard advice is to give them time to warm up. But that does not always work. For Claire Kramer of Claire Kramer Photography, the answer is to stop trying to direct the moment at all.
"One thing I've learned from photographing families is that you really can't force a great photo, especially with kids! Sometimes the best thing you can do is put the camera down for a minute, change the scenery, or let the kids take the lead."
That flexibility shapes how she runs sessions. Rather than pushing through a script, she adjusts. "If a child isn't feeling it, we'll walk around, play a game, or focus on a few candid moments with the parents instead. Some of my favorite photos come from those unplanned moments when everyone stops worrying about getting the perfect shot and just enjoys being together."
The Part Most Guides Leave Out
San Diego offers no shortage of scenic options, from beaches to parks and neighborhood streets. But Kramer points out that the backdrop is only one variable in a session that depends heavily on how people feel while it is happening.
"I think people underestimate how much the experience itself influences the photos. San Diego has no shortage of beautiful backdrops, from our beaches to our parks and neighborhoods, but the location is only one part of the equation."
She hears the same concerns repeatedly. "A lot of families come into sessions worried about what to wear, whether their kids will cooperate, or how to pose. I always remind them that they don't need to have everything figured out. My job is to help them feel comfortable, offer direction when it's needed, and capture the little interactions that make their family unique."
That reframing matters because the images families return to years later tend to be the unposed ones. "The photos that mean the most years later usually aren't the perfectly posed ones. They're the genuine smiles, the laughter, and the moments that feel like your family."
What Gets Decided Too Quickly
When families search for a photographer, the portfolio often becomes the only filter. Kramer believes that leaves out something equally important.
"I think people underestimate how important a photographer's personality and approach really are. Of course, you should love someone's work! But I think it's just as important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable, confident, and lets your personality shine through."
Without that fit, the session itself can unravel. "Without that connection, a session can quickly become stressful. Families can feel unsure of what to do, kids pick up on that energy, and suddenly no one is having fun! I'm a big believer that family photos should be enjoyable, not something everyone has to endure for an hour."
Practical Takeaways
For families planning a portrait or family session, Kramer's answers point to a few concrete steps:
- Treat the session as an experience, not a production. Comfort and genuine interaction produce better images than rigid posing.
- Do not over-prepare. Outfits and cooperation are common worries, but the photographer's job is to guide the session so families do not have to arrive with everything solved.
- Evaluate personality fit, not just the gallery. A photographer who makes everyone feel at ease will get more out of an hour than one whose work looks good but whose approach creates tension.
- Expect the unplanned moments to matter most. The candid frames often outlast the posed ones.
Kramer's underlying point is consistent across all three answers: the best photographs come from people who are relaxed and being themselves. "At the end of the day, the best photos come when people are relaxed, having fun, and being themselves. I want families to look back at their photos and see themselves as they really are, not just a perfectly posed version of themselves."
For families comparing photographers across San Diego, that standard — seeing yourself, not a polished version of yourself — is worth weighing before booking.