Some of the most meaningful photos don’t come from perfect poses or carefully planned moments. They come from real life. The laughter, the movement, the mess, the joy.

This photo of a family running and laughing in the rain says it all. It wasn’t about staying dry or looking perfect. It was about being present, together, and letting the moment happen. It was raining, we were getting wet…. Oh well, lets make the most of it. And let me tell you… this photo is one of my top favourites!

At Calendar Events Photography, that’s what I love most about photo sessions. It’s capturing real connection. I always tell my clients, “If you’re not dirty after a session with me, you didn’t have a good enough session”.

Embrace What the Day Gives You
If it starts to rain during our photo session, let’s embrace it (as long as it’s not storming… lol).
If your kids are jumping in puddles, let them splash.
If your dog finds the biggest stick in the park, let’s play with him. If your toddler strips down and runs in his birthday suit in the park with dad running after him … you BET I’m going to grab those shots!

Those are the moments your family will remember, and the ones that make your photos feel alive.

A photo session doesn’t have to feel like a performance or a chore. Think of it as a family outing. A chance to slow down, be together, and enjoy the experience. When expectations are low and the pressure is gone, magic tends to happen naturally.

Focus on the Experience, Not Perfection

When we let go of the idea that everything needs to look a certain way, we make space for genuine emotion. Kids don’t need to be “well-behaved.” Parents don’t need to stress. Everyone just needs to show up as they are and looking awesome.

Those in-between moments the giggles, the running, the cuddles, the chaos are where the real story lives. If your family is a whirl wind Family, then arrive with no expectations and “wing-it”.

5 Tips to Help You “Let the Moment Happen”

1. Treat your session like a family outing
Think walk, play, explore. Not “photo shoot.” The more relaxed you are, the more in the moment your photos will be.

2. Let kids be kids
They don’t need to stand still or smile on cue. Movement, curiosity, and even silliness create the best moments. Oh… and I grab those nose picking moments as well.

3. Embrace the environment
Rain, wind, muddy shoes, long grass, it all adds character and tells a richer story.

4. Interact with each other, not the camera
Hold hands, laugh, talk, play games. I’ll guide you when needed, but connection comes first.

5. Release expectations
Not every moment needs to be perfect. The beauty is in what unfolds naturally. Arrive with limited expectations.

The Beauty of Being Present

Years from now, you won’t be looking at your photos thinking about the rain or the mess. You’ll remember how it felt, the laughter, the closeness, the joy of being together in that moment.

That’s what I aim to capture at Calendar Events Photography.
Real moments. Real connection. Real memories.

So next time life gives us rain, puddles, or a giant stick in the park… let’s let the moment happen.